Season Of Creation

As part of the Diocese of Armagh's celebration of the Season of Creation, Bishop Michael Router, assisted by Father Seamus, and Deacons George and Brendan, led a prayer service in the Parish Forest behind the Pastoral Centre in Jonesborough.  Primary 4 and Primary 7 pupils from both schools in the parish attended, together with members of the community.  Some of the children who are due to receive a Sacrament this year participated in the readings and prayers of the faithful.  Bishop Michael asked the children to suggest ways that they might nurture and look after the countryside.  The answers were informative, educational and quite funny also.  There was discussion between Bishop Michael and the children on the role of 'ditches'. Father Seamus read a reflection from St Hildegard of Bingen - a German Benedictine Abbess. Glance at the sun.  See the moon and stars. Gaze at the beauty of Earth's greenings. Now think what delight God gives to humankind. But we are to work with it. For without it we cannot survive. It was a fabulous event which deepened the children's connection with God's creation and encouraged them to appreciate the world around us, and above us.