Togher Parish

I am delighted to be the new Administrator for Togher. I look forward to getting to know you in the coming years, as we begin this journey together.

I would like to pay tribute to Monsignor Jim Carroll, who was at the helm for the last couple of years. He oversaw much that time, and his whole focus was on nurturing the ‘community of faith’ as well as ‘the faith of the community’, which had been sustained so well over the long tenure of Fr. Tom Daly. As priest-in-residence in Boicetown, I am delighted to have his knowledge, experience and support as I begin my term as Administrator.

It’s wonderful that we will be joined by Fr. Akaninyewe Pius Ekpe (Fr. Pius) MSP, a member of the Saint Paul Missionary Order from his native country of Nigeria. Fr. Pius served in the Archdiocese before – in Haggardstown & Blackrock (summer relief from 2004 -2009), and more recently in Dunleer (summer relief 2015-2017), so he is no stranger to Co. Louth. Fr. Pius will be arriving during the month of October.

Although this marks a new phase in the administration of parishes in the St. Colmcille’s Pastoral Area, (Clogherhead, Monasterboice, Termonfechin, Togher) there will be no big changes in the short term. Myself and Fr. Pius will alternate between Monasterboice and Togher, and Fr. Daly will be celebrating some Masses too. We already have some experience with this through the Pastoral Area where for the last couple of years, we have ‘rotated’ around the parishes on the first weekend of the month. Hopefully that will continue.

There will be a need to co-ordinate the schedules of both parishes, of course, which is why it’s wonderful to have Ann McEvoy & Mary McCabe as the team in the Parish Office, and we will communicate all information on the Parish Bulletin, website (www.togherparish.com) and social media channels.

I am delighted to be meeting the Parish Pastoral Council on 14th September, where we will no doubt discuss plans for the pastoral outreach in the parish. I am looking forward to getting to know the school communities, and the other parts of Togher parish in the coming months.

Change is not easy, and I’m sure there will be things that might cause some bumps along the way. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at any time, and we will try to resolve any difficulties, But there is no doubt that huge change is coming to the way we worship and practice our faith. There are challenges ahead, but I am certain that supporting each other and praying together, we can meet whatever lies ahead.

Hopefully we can make this our regular ‘Parish Prayer’

God Our Father, we thank you for our parish community. Thank you for the many blessings that you have given us, but especially for calling us to serve as disciples of your son, Jesus Christ.

As we gather today, we ask that you send your Holy Spirit to guide us in everything that we do. Transform our hearts and lead us closer to you. Help us always to seek to be a parish that is encountering God, engaging community, a parish for all generations.

We ask all of these things in the name of Jesus, and through the intercession of our Blessed Mother.

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, pray for us

Our Lady of the Nativity, pray for us!

St. Borchill, pray for us!

St. Buite, pray for us!

St. Colmcille pray for us!

St. Finnian pray for us!