During the Mass,
on behalf of the Staff and Pupils of St. Peter's Primary School, Rachael Dolan (P7) delivered a speech and recited a poem eloquently
highlighting their esteem for Canon Eddie.
 

"Canon Eddie's Presentation"

“Good Morning Everyone.
My name is Rachael and I am a Primary 7 pupil in St. Peter’s Primary School.
I have been chosen today to present Canon Eddie with a small gift on behalf of our school community.
This is a great honour for me as our whole school was delighted to learn about Father Eddie’s promotion to Canon.  Bishop John must have been pleased with all his good work over the years for him to achieve such                            a distinguished honour.

Canon Eddie is an excellent Chaplain for our school and he works really hard throughout the year to help the children and staff on their journey of faith.  Along with his partner in crime, Deacon John - or Batman and Robin as they like to be known – they are never far away from the school preparing Masses, visiting classes, hearing Confession and on occasion bringing the staff some cakes from the Church Hall.

Canon Eddie works incredibly hard to ensure that our preparations for the Sacraments run like a well-oiled machine.  A tremendous amount of time and effort go into ensuring that our special Sacramental days are spiritual, uplifting and memorable for ourselves and our families.  To become a Canon is a great honour for Father Eddie and his family and we are delighted and proud to say that Canon Eddie is our Parish Priest.

Canon Eddie, we wish you many happy years carrying out your duties as a Canon and we know that  you will work your socks off as you always do with everything to which you turn your attention.  We will continue to pray to the Holy Spirit to give you strength, courage and guidance in your new role within the Church. Congratulations on behalf of St. Peter’s Primary and our school community and may God bless you on your new journey.
To finish my presentation, I would like to read a poem called “Always for Others" as the words reflect what we think about Canon Eddie.:”                                                                                       

"Always for Others"

You are the image and likeness of God
But with you the morning awakens
With the call to rise
Not for you
But always for others.

God handpicked you from a myriad of souls
Moulded you since you were a babe
To prepare you for a journey
Not for you
But always for others.

God blessed you with wisdom
To use to give form to his plans
And love to carry them out
Not for you
But always for others.

Mary walks with you
Guiding and loving you
For to her you are a Christ
Not for you
But always for others.

You hold the Body of Christ
Embrace his name and proclaim it
And a father and counsellor you have become
Not for you
But always for others.

God forever bless you
Walk and carry you when your feet are weary
Bring peace and joy to your heart
For though your life is never for you
It is Christ’s and he delights in you.

                                                        (Kind permission granted by Easter Almuena)

 

** A special note from the poet, Easter Almuena:
"I am thankful to you for caring enough to give tribute to a priest who personifies love  of God and his people.  May your Canon be blessed now and always! 
May your community be blessed generously as well."



 

Photos from the Mass of Installation and from the Presentation of Robes 
can be seen on the News & Photo Albums pages.