Mothers’ Union Diocesan Festival Service
13th May, 2018
“WALKING IN MARY SUMNER’S FOOTSTEPS”
A wonderful afternoon of celebration was had in St. Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday 13th May when the Mothers’ Union Diocesan Festival Service, combined with our Mums in May Tea Party was held.
During the first hymn the Branch Banners and Diocesan Banners were paraded up the aisle and presented to Dean Niall Sloane to be placed in the chancel.
Our Diocesan Chaplain, Canon Jane Galbraith, gave a wonderful sermon reflecting on the work of Mary Sumner following her first gathering of mothers just over 140 years ago in the rectory of her home parish, whilst comparing it to the needs and challenges of today’s world. It seems that they are not too dissimilar given that we still continue to follow her mission, by reaching out to the marginalised with practical and prayerful support through our projects which are funded by such events as our Mums in May Tea Parties.
The Choir, led by Choir Master Peter Barley, along with Organist, Irina Dernova, sang beautifully which made our service very special and we are very grateful to them for the their input.
The collection during the service was in aid of our Mothers’ Union Project work which includes:
Support for our Overseas Project workers
Mother and baby schemes
Literacy and numeracy work
Support for families affected by Domestic Abuse and homelessness
Knitting for premature and stillborn babies
Away From it All Holidays
The Tea Party was held in St. James Chapel where Limerick City Branch Leader, Margaret Schutz and her team set out a fabulous display of four tables set with fine bone china tea cups and saucers, plates and posies, laden with an array of meringues and cream, sponges and sandwiches, and all kinds of goodies.
A huge “thank you” must go to Dean Niall Sloane, Canon Jane Galbraith and Rev Edna Wakley for their work in preparing the service. To Margaret Schutz, Bev Callendar, Elizabeth Bovenizer and all those who helped on the day. And thank you to all who attended and gave so generously to our collection.
Lucy Kavanagh, Diocesan President
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