Taoiseach Brian Cowen has stressed the vital role the Church plays in promoting community spirit and welcomed the input of the Church in framing public policy. Speaking at the opening of St Mary's Parish Centre in Tullamore, Co Offaly last weekend, Mr Cowen applauded the huge contribution made by the Church in making people aware of the responsibility of citizenship, community, Christian values and voluntary work.
He spoke warmly of the ''mutual respect'' involved in the relationship between Church and State in Ireland, and welcomed the input of the Church in public policy.
The Taoiseach also paid particular tribute to the ecumenical co-operation shown by the various religious denominations in Tullamore.
Tullamore parish priest, Msgr Sean Heaney welcomed the positive and encouraging sentiments expressed by the Taoiseach. He said 800 lay people are involved in parish organisations in Tullamore and they all played a part in enhancing parish life.
Msgr Heaney said the community was very pleased with the new €2 million building, which was completed after years of fundraising and preparation.
''The new centre accommodates the different groups that serve the parish. It houses the parish office, meeting rooms, the Accord office and other counselling rooms as well as a prayer room and a religious goods shop,'' Msgr Heaney said.
Mr Cowen cut the ribbon at the official opening of the new Tullamore parish centre, which was then blessed by the Bishop Michael Smith after he celebrated Vigil Mass at the nearby Church of the Assumption.
The centre replaces St Mary's Hall, which dated back to the 1860s and had to be demolished after it had fallen into disrepair.
A large crowd attended the opening ceremony, including local public representatives of the three main political parties, as well as the County Manager, Mr Pat Gallagher, and the local Presbyterian minister, Rev. William Hayes.
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(Source: IC)