To celebrate the Season of Creation, St. Joseph’s Redemptorist Church will host their first community Harvest Festival on Sunday, September 29.
The purpose of the Festival is to bring together families, friends and parishioners to honour the bountiful harvest and the hard work of farmers, and to learn about how, together, we can play a small part in addressing the challenges of climate change.
“We are delighted to host our first Harvest Festival at the Redemptorist Church and look forward to welcoming the whole community to enjoy the day,” said Fr. Brendan Callanan, Rector and Administrator at St. Joseph’s.
“We are fortunate to live in a place rich in natural resources and this weekend we celebrate that abundance. But we cannot ignore the growing impact of climate change. Sometimes it seems like a problem far removed from us, or too great to address, but we can each take some small actions to protect our environment and common home. It might be to support local producers; be more mindful of choosing seasonal produce; or even reduce food waste by learning how to preserve fruit or vegetables. We hope that this day will be enlightening, but most of all enjoyable for all.”
All are welcome to special liturgies at the 11am and 12.30pm masses, with speaker Anna Keegan of Trócaire to talk about the impact of climate change; and Irish dancers from Scoil Rince Uí Chonghaile.
All are invited afterwards to St. Gerard’s Hall (11.30am – 2.30pm) to sample and learn about local produce from various stalls including honey from the Louth Beekeepers’ Association; Wholey Cow milk from Smyth’s Farm; fruit and vegetables from Country Fresh and Corderry Fruit Farm; fair trade coffee from Rock Salt; and eggs from Meehan’s Farm.
Chef Michael McNamara of Dundalk Institute of Technology’s Culinary Arts will be there to demonstrate delicious recipes using these local products; the Redemptorist Youth Ministry will participate; and traditional Irish music will be provided by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann – Craobh Dhún Dealgan.