THE BABIES OF ST MARY’S

May 1984

Twelve Drogheda babies made their way into the history books of St. Mary’s parish in Drogheda when they were baptised in a special centenary ceremony on Sunday.

For St. Mary’s, which is currently celebrating its centenary year, it was the first of several special celebrations revolving around the seven sacraments of the church to be held in the months ahead.

Seated (I. to r.)—Kathleen Matthews and baby Catherine, Cherrymount; Anne Cannon and baby Niamh, Beamore; Maeve Sheridan and baby Kevin, Bryanstown; Annette McEneaney and baby Karl, Rathmullen Park; Elizabeth Sherry and baby Kevin, Stameen; Frances Smith and baby Barry, Trinity Gardens; Jayne Johnston and baby Corinne, Marian Park; Gertrude Matthews and baby Jolene, Ballsgrove; Kathleen Bannon and baby David, Moran Terrace; Kathleen Reilly and baby Jason, Ballsgrove; Annmarie Baxter and baby Aisling, Rosevale; Eleanor Boylan and baby Andrew, Marsh Road. Centre (I. to r.)—Tony Matthews, Paddy Cannon, Jack Sheridan, Frank McEneaney, Colm Sherry, Paul Smith, Peter Johnston, Gerard Matthews, James Bannon, Dermot Mulready, Brendan Baxter and Michael Boylan. Back—V. Rev. J. C. O’Reilly (left), P.P., St. Mary’s, and Rev. A. Fox, C.C., St. Mary’s.

Meanwhile, this Friday at 7.30 p.m. in St. Mary’s Church there will be a celebration of the Sacrament of Matrimony. Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Michael Smith, Auxiliary Bishop of Meath. This will be his first pastoral visit to the parish of St. Mary’s. Rev. Dermot Farrell, Cathedral House, Mullingar, will be the preacher and he will lead a communal renewal of marriage vows.

Rev. J.C. O’Reilly, P.P., St. Mary’s, said: “We invite the four vocations in the church, matrimony, the dedicated single life, religious, priesthood to join in this celebration.”