Parish near Waterford City to celebrate 225th anniversary
The Church of the Assumption will mark 225 years of worship and community, from 1800 to 2025. Pic: ferrybankslieverueparishes.ie
The parish of Slieverue, in County Kilkenny, on the outskirts of Waterford City is preparing for a special milestone this September as the Church of the Assumption marks 225 years of worship and community, from 1800 to 2025.
A series of events has been organised to celebrate the occasion with the aim of bringing together parishioners, choirs, schools, and visitors.
The celebrations will begin on Saturday, September 21 at 2pm, with a pilgrimage walk from Slieverue to Rathpatrick Church, where a short prayer service will be held. The pilgrimage will conclude with benediction back at the Parish Church.
On Wednesday, September 25, at 7pm, the church will host a musical celebration featuring the Slieverue Parish Choir, Simply Singing, Ferrybank Parish Choirs, and the Kilkenny Gospel Choir. The evening promises to be a joyful gathering of voices, followed by refreshments in the Parish Hall.
The highlight of the celebrations will take place on Saturday, September 28, at 10.30am, when Bishop Niall Coll will celebrate a Thanksgiving Mass in the Parish Church.
The ceremony will also include the solemn blessing of the Year of Hope Memorial, honouring the memory of lost babies.
Parishioners and visitors will be encouraged to avail of refreshments afterwards in the Parish Hall.
In addition to the main events, a display of parish life photographs through the years will be available to view on Sunday, September 28.
Events for the children of Slieverue and Ringville National Schools are also planned throughout the week. Donations of cakes and other items for the September 25 celebration are welcome and can be dropped off at the Parish Hall between 5pm and 7pm.
The organising committee is reminding all participants to follow the directions of stewards during the events.
