From the Liffey to the Lee
 

I’m not sure whether the fact of the road outside the church being tarmacadamed had anything to do with my arrival here in September 1996!!! What I am sure of is that my new appointment was not the result of the “seven year itch”!!! Seven, after all, is the perfect number in the Scriptures. (I was even ordained in a year with two 7s!!!).
 

Now I thought I was only taking a “single ticket” when I left the “Southern Capital” for St. Peter’s. So, it’s with a heavy heart that I once again purchase a “single ticket,” though this time round I am sorely tempted to buy a “return”!!!
 

Certainly, I wish to “return” thanks for your very kind welcome when I first set foot among you. During my period of ministry with you (which was always a pleasure), I always received the utmost in support and encouragement, which I will always treasure.
 

I recall too how generous you were in “taking me down from the Roof” when I took part in the Dublin Marathon in October 1997. And how could I forget your lavish generosity on the occasion of my Silver Jubilee! My parents and sister (about whom you used to ask so often) still refer to the very warm greeting you extended to them on that memorable day in June 2002.

St. Vincent de Paul claimed that “nothing wins the heart of God more than gratitude.” In that vein I wish to thank you all so much for your truly magnificent Send-off last Sunday and also for the very many individual outpourings of appreciation. It makes the leaving all the harder!
 

So, another chapter of my ministry has now closed. But I can look back with a library of very happy memories and you will always be dear to my heart. I will continue to remember you at the Eucharist and hope that St. Peter’s parish-community will hold on to its marvellous faith and tradition.

May the road (tarmacadamed or otherwise) rise to meet you!
 

Fr. Colm McAdam, CM
 

homily from his farewell mass on
5th October, 2003

Farewell and Hail
It is with a deep sense of loss that we announce the departure of Fr. Colm McAdam, CM., an event which will, hopefully be somewhat lightened by the fact of his transfer to his former parish settlement in Sunday’s Well, Cork City. There he will be replacing as Parish Priest, the late Fr. Brian Magee, CM an eminent Liturgist and Pastor.

We will sorely miss Fr. Colm’s inspiration and guidance, his assured hand on the Pastoral Scene, his succinct and forthright homilies, and, as Chaplain to St. Peter’s School, a clear proclamation of the Word of God to our children. Apart from all this, Fr. Colm was a tireless visitor to the sick and help in time of trouble. May he be strengthened and consoled in his new posting.

We are mightily heartened by the arrival here of his successor, Fr. Eamon Flanagan, CM., who is being replaced in Cork by Fr. Tim Casey. We are sure that his many admirable gifts will enable him to fill a “Staring Role” here - Cois Life.

Fr. Andrew Spelman, CM.

5th October 2003