Music Ministry Day with Father Gerry Fitzpatrick - 23 September 2000

Altogether 34 musicians from around the diocese attended what was a very enjoyable, stimulating and successful day at Smithstone House. We were very pleased that Bishop Taylor was able to be with us for part of the morning.

Everyone was encouraged to join in the music being presented and to experiment with different styles and harmonies. A small group provided instrumental back up and Father Gerry led the music from the keyboard.

We began with Morning Prayer and moved on to music for Advent. After a short break during which we looked at signs and symbols, music continued with ideas for use with children and a lovely setting of the Hail Mary.

After lunch (and many thanks to Father Botter and his helpers for their hospitality!) we continued by looking at some music for the Christmas Season. We ended the day with Evening Prayer, which incorporated many of the settings we had learnt during the day.

Our grateful thanks are due to Fr Gerry Fitzpatrick and team members Mary and Elspeth for leading the workshop for us, preparing all the materials and producing a tape of much of the music covered. In return they have replied to us that they were 'delighted to find such an enthusiastic and talented group of people.'

Open Air Jubilee Mass - 13 August 2000

This was held in the grounds of Smithstone House. It was good to bring together so many people for what turned out to be such an inspiring Mass and enjoyable afternoon. We had a music group of three guitars, two keyboards, violin and viola and three lead singers. Altogether there were 70-80 people, and even the weather was warm and sunny!

We hope to repeat this occasion every year and are very grateful to Father Botter for celebrating the Mass and for putting up with us all! We are also grateful to Father Andrew (from Uganda , presently at St Winin's, Kilwinning) for concelebrating.

Many thanks to the parishes that helped out - Dalry with arrangements for the altar, Largs with the bidding prayers, St Margaret's Irvine with the readings, and St John Ogilvie's Bourtreehill with the collection. The Eucharistic ministers came from several different parishes.

We also wish to express our gratitude to everyone who helped in any way. Special mention should be made of John McHenry who provided the sound system, Margaret McGrath from St Joseph 's Kilmarnock who sung the psalm, and the piper George McKeand who led the entrance procession and the procession of gifts.