I am leaving my time with Teach Bhríde a bit early and as this year in Wexford has quickly, quickly gone by, I have been reflecting on the amazing, beautiful gift of the parish of Clonard. It has been the little moments, the gestures, the acts of service and love from the people of Clonard that have made this year truly special and so, so lovely. Words cannot accurately express the amount of gratitude overflowing in my heart, but I will attempt anyway.
To the members of the Vigil Choir, you show up every week, small but so mighty. You are full of spirit and joy and you light up my Wednesday and Saturday nights with so much life. Thank you for being so present and dedicated, and for sharing the beauty of prayer through music with the church.
To the members of the Folk Choir and our amazing director, thank you for guiding me, leading me, and sharing in the gift of music. What an amazing and talented group of people who show up every week to guide our congregation to Christ.
To my spiritual director who drives to the parish for each session, listens with her whole heart, and helps me to see God in all things, thank you. Thank you for taking the time to guide me this year. You helped me in more ways than I even know and I so appreciate you and your gentle, wise soul.
To our community spiritual director/wisdom counselor/mentor/living saint in our lives, I cannot thank you enough. You are sent from God to give us a glimpse of Heaven. I will never forget your wisdom, thoughtfulness, kindness, and immense love for us as you aided the four of us Teach Bhríde members during our year at Clonard.
To the parishioner who spent a whole day taking us Americans to a local pumpkin patch and apple orchard, who has graciously spent wonderful days with us exploring, and who always lends her listening and loving heart, a hand, or whatever we needed; thank you for making me feel so at home and for making us have such special experiences in Ireland. You are such a model of Christ’s love and generosity. Thank you for being authentically yourself and sharing in this journey with me.
To the infamous tea ladies, thank you for brightening up my day, every day. You are true models of strength, humor, friendship, sass, and beauty. There isn’t enough time in this short year, but it has been such a blessing to get to know you in the little time we have been given. Thank you for sharing your journeys with me.
To the lay ministers of the parish, and the employees of the parish, you all work so hard behind the scenes and you are not thanked enough. Thank you for creating beautiful events at the parish, guiding us in prayer, coming to our aid in all ways, and for supporting us and the parish this year.
To all of the lovely people who have given me a lift around town, especially when I had a backpack full of groceries, thank you!
To the parish priests, I cannot thank you enough. You are amazing men full of humor and patience, devotion, and love. I have never encountered such generous and loving leaders of the church. Thank you for leading and guiding me this year and making me feel so at home.
To the teachers from the local school, the volunteers, students, the parish of Clonard; you all deserve much more than a simple note of thanks. You have been such an amazing witness to me this year and I hold you all very close in my heart. Thank you, Wexford! Know that you are in my prayers,
Jenny
