Priest offers parishioners chance to say thank you to family on the frontline

Parishioners in Muirhead showed additional support for loved ones working in frontline roles during the coronavirus pandemic through a church initiative.

Father Kenny Campbell, parish priest at St Barbara’s, asked his Facebook followers to send him the names of any NHS, care or key workers they know, to be read out during the weekly round of applause.

More than 100 names were submitted and read aloud as the latest“clap for carers”took place, while the church bell also tolled in support of their efforts.

The whole event was shared via Facebook Live and Father Campbell explained: “I decided that naming key workers would be a really personal thing to do, and I couldn’t believe the number of names submitted from here in Muirhead and from far beyond.

“I was delighted to play a small part in honouring those that are working to keep us safe at this time whilst putting their own lives at risk.”

He added: “It was really well received and people were chuffed to be included. We ring the church bell every week and have done since the start of lockdown, and we’ll look at reading out names, maybe once a month, for as long as it goes on.”

Father Campbell has been parish priest at St Barbara’s, on Elmira Road, for the past nine years and is also parish administrator of St James in Kirkwood, a post he has held since last September.

Ever since they closed their doors two months ago ahead of the Covid-19 lockdown, he has been broadcasting up to four live services per day via Facebook, including a candle-lighting ceremony where parishioners can ask for candles to be lit which is done on their behalf while they watch live.

He said:“We regularly attract over 200 viewers at each service, so it seems to be working.

“Times are difficult and churches play an important part in the lives of so many – it’s important to do what we can to support people and help them keep their faith alive.”

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