Farewell
I first came to Quin in July 2013, to be an Assistant Pastor (AP) to the late Fr. Michael Collins, P.P. He introduced me to the parish and to many of its parishioners. Sadly, Fr. Collins was to pass away a year and a half later (19th February 2015) and his death occasioned a great outpouring of sadness throughout parish and diocese.
Since then, I have been Parish Administrator, a role that I have come to enjoy most heartily. In a relatively short space of time, I have gotten to know many of you in all parts of the parish, Maghera, Clooney and Quin (embracing 78 townslands) and I have been overwhelmed by your kindness and generosity towards me at all times. In my Sunday homilies, I have occasionally referred to my priestly vocation and to the joy it has brought to my life. That joy is now much enhanced as a result of the friendship I encountered among you. You have added to my store of memories I will carry with me for the rest of my days. As I leave – with a heavy heart – I express my sincere thanks, and pray for God’s blessings on you and your families at all times into the future.
Fr. Ignatius McCormack