Pictured are Tony Dempsey, Bishop Brennan, Phil Roche and Mayor George Lawlor.
Today represents an historic moment in the life of our parish community.
Turning the sod on our new school is the culmination of many years of effort and drive by successive administrations – school, parish, diocese, government (local and national) – and on behalf of the board, I thank you all.
Today, I say a word of welcome to our bishop – to our public representatives – to members of the board, the school staff and pupils, the design team and construction firm (Mythens), parish finance committee and local media.
In looking to the thirteen months ahead, I request the co – operation of the parish and school communities as we seek to continue our daily work as Church and school, mindful of the requirements of safety and the mammoth task facing our construction workers. We will be challenged to deliver the same volume and quality of service as “Church and School” on a temporarily much smaller site. I have no doubt we will meet this challenge well.
In conclusion, I came across a quote recently that I thought worthy of note:
‘ Catholic schools prepare every student to meet the challenges of their future by developing their mind, yes, but also their body and their soul and spirit.’ (David Vitter).
Let us look forward to continuing this vital work of educating our young people here in Barntown, in a brand new setting in 2015, building on the tradition of solid education which is daily delivered here in our parish school.
John Carroll (Rev.)
Diocesan Secretary
Diocese of Ferns