SPRED DIOCESAN MASS – ST MATTHEW’S CHURCH 23.6.24
‘Bishop Frank Dougan Meets SPRED Galloway’ by Kathleen Jones
A beautiful sunny afternoon, lots of Friends, Faith Friends and friends of SPRED and our brand new Bishop saying Mass – what better way to mark the end of SPRED Galloway’s 2023/24 session!
The venue was St Matthew’s Church and the Kilmarnock SPRED Group were there to welcome everyone to their base in Kilmarnock. There was a definite buzz of excitement as Friends and Faith Friends gathered wearing the latest designs in SPRED- branded T Shirts and hoodies!
Mass began with singing Companions on the Journey and musical accompaniment was provided by the talented members of the music ministries from St Matthew’s and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parishes. It was fantastic to hear and see the congregation and clergy getting in the mood for the Mass by singing and joining in the actions to this favourite hymn, which has become something of an anthem for SPRED Galloway.
Bishop Frank welcomed everyone and expressed his delight at being present. He was joined by Fr Jim Hayes, parish priest of St Matthew’s church and Fr Stephen McGrattan, parish priest of St Joseph’s in Kilmarnock who concelebrated Mass with him. Jason did a tremendous job as altar server.
The first reading was read by Marjorie of Kilmarnock SPRED Group; followed by singing of the beautiful psalm, Bless the Lord , O my Soul. This was accompanied by Hilary and Helena signing the chorus. Fr Jim’s reading of the Gospel was enhanced by Hugh, Marie, Mary and Joan of the Ayr Groups, who mimed the story of Jesus calming the storm.
Bishop Frank in his homily reminded us to trust in Jesus just as we trust in the people who look after us. He reminded us of St Paul’s words that the love of Jesus overwhelms, or covers us up, just like a big hug. We are held safe in Jesus’ love.
Billy from Ayr SPRED Thursday Group led us in the bidding prayers before the altar was dressed by representatives of the St John’s SPRED Group. This was followed by members of the Kilmarnock SPRED Group bringing forward the offertory gifts of altar breads, wine, grapes and bread, flowers and a SPRED hoodie (of which more later!).
After the distribution of Holy Communion, we sang the reflective hymn ‘What a Beautiful Name’ with a special gesture for the name of Jesus. Before the final blessing, Charles Douglas, on behalf of the SPRED Board of Trustees, gave a vote of thanks. Mass concluded with lots of clapping accompanying the joyful and uplifting singing of Shine Jesus Shine!
Agape, prepared by the Kilmarnock Group with the help of some of the parishioners of St Matthew’s, was served in the adjacent hall. There was quite a feast including a special SPRED cake which Bishop Frank ceremoniously cut before being presented with a gift of an alcoholic beverage, distilled in Galloway Diocese, and a lovely SPRED hoodie which turned out to be a perfect fit!
We look forward to welcoming our Bishop to SPRED meetings and future SPRED events. The afternoon concluded with everyone in a big circle singing Shalom,” till we meet again”. We indeed cannot wait to meet again when the new session begins in September
SPRED GALLOWAY 