The Church of the Holy Family in Askea marked its golden jubilee on Sunday, 21 June, by hosting a special Mass and a community field day attended by over 1,000 people. According to Bernard Horahan, chairman of the organising committee, the event featured a “full house” for the liturgy led by Bishop Denis Nulty, followed by outdoor festivities in 25-degree temperatures.
How did the parish celebrate its 50-year milestone?
The jubilee celebration integrated historical reflection with modern community engagement. Bishop Denis Nulty led the Mass, which was attended by 12 celebrants and featured music from the Askea, Bennekerry and Tinryland choir. According to Bernard Horahan, the event served as a “full house” gathering that drew approximately 50 parishioners who were present at the day it opened, 50 years ago.
The committee utilized archival footage during the event, screening a video of Bishop Patrick Lennon opening the church in 1976. Parishioners were also invited to view a display of photographs documenting the building’s construction. “It went down really well with the parishioners,” Horahan said.
The parish currently serves a wide-reaching local network, encompassing 95 estates, five national schools, two secondary schools, and the Askea Day Care Centre.
What activities were included in the community field day?
Following the religious ceremony, the celebration transitioned to the church lawns for a field day. Organizers provided a range of activities for both children and adults, including bouncy castles, face painting, games, and a science show. Prizes and hampers were distributed to attendees throughout the afternoon.
Musical entertainment was provided for nearly two hours by the Horahan Brothers and the band Helter Skelter. The Carlow Vintage Club also contributed to the event by displaying 20 cars, which Horahan noted generated significant interest from the crowd. Additionally, the Sam Maguire cup made a brief appearance, with Bishop Nulty and Fr Liam Morgan seen handling the trophy during the festivities.
How does community-led event planning impact parish engagement?
The success of the golden jubilee relied on a volunteer model. According to Horahan, approximately 30 volunteers assisted on the day, with many others contributing time in the weeks preceding the event. “There was a great sense of community in the weeks leading up to it, with people helping each other,” Horahan reflected.
The committee structure included specific roles, such as the one assigned to Fr Tommy Dylan, who was tasked with looking after the weather for the outdoor portion of the day. The collaborative effort resulted in what Horahan described as an “extraordinary day” for the parish.
Pro Tips for Organizing Large Parish Events
- Leverage local history: Displaying archival photos and videos can increase emotional investment from long-term parishioners.
- Diversify entertainment: Combining live music with static displays, such as vintage cars, caters to different age groups and interests.
- Utilize volunteer networks: Delegating specific operational tasks to committee members ensures smoother logistics during large-scale gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who led the golden jubilee Mass at the Church of the Holy Family?
The Mass was led by Bishop Denis Nulty, with 12 celebrants and music provided by the Askea, Bennekerry and Tinryland choir.
How many people attended the golden jubilee field day?
According to organizing committee chairman Bernard Horahan, the field day drew a crowd of over 1,000 people.
What historical elements were included in the celebration?
The parish screened a video of Bishop Patrick Lennon opening the church in 1976 and displayed photographs of the building’s construction.
Are you a member of the Askea parish, or did you attend the jubilee celebrations? Share your memories of the day or your favorite community moments in the comments section below.
