LAMP Churches play their part in Killough Mission
A recent mission in the village of Killough, County Down, had a distinctly ecumenical feel. The Roman Catholic Parish of Bright, which includes St Joseph’s, Killough and St Patrick’s, Legamaddy, hosted a Week of Mission from 28 February–6 March. Parishioners from St Anne’s Church of Ireland, Killough and neighbouring Parishes of Bright, Ballee and Rathmullan attended a number of the evening services that were part of the Mission.
Members of St Anne’s were invited to take part in the opening service, which included representatives from groups across the community. On the Thursday evening of the Mission Week, the theme was ‘One Church’.
The evening service that night started in St Anne’s, led by Canon Cecil Wilson and Revd Adrian Dorrian, before the whole congregation walked from St Anne’s to St Joseph’s with a cross at the head of the procession, before joining together in prayer for greater unity.
This was an historic event – it is probably the first time in the village’s history that a shared act of worship has taken place between these two churches. As many as 150 people joined the walk of witness, before sharing in fellowship together over supper in St Joseph’s Halls.
Speaking after the event, the Revd Adrian Dorrian, Associate Minister in LAMP, said: “I’m really just beginning to get to know the community here in Killough. Something I noticed straight away is the series of strong bonds that bind the community. Everyone knows everyone and people really care for each other; just before the opening service, Canon Cecil and I were given information about an ill parishioner of ours from a parishioner of St Joseph’s.
“Sometimes, the Church can be a thing that we use to divide us, but this week there’s been a feeling that we are seeking to proclaim the message of the Gospel of Christ, which is surely bigger than any one denomination or tradition. It has been a very special week for everyone involved, and Thursday’s service was a little bit of history for the village. We were even blessed in the weather as the rain stayed off for our procession between the Churches!”
Pictured above in St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church are clergy who took part in the shared service. L–R: Revd Adrian Dorrian (LAMP), Father John Hanna CSsR (Missioner), Canon Cecil Wilson (LAMP), Father Johnny Doherty CSsR (Missioner), Father Peter O’Hare (Parish Priest).