Mayo church reopening for services this weekend

CLOSED for 10 months after suffering damage during Storm Éowyn, Holy Trinity Church in Westport will reopen its doors for worship this weekend.

Services for the congregation will return to Holy Trinity Church on Sunday, November 30, the First Sunday of Advent, with access and seating limitations.

Announcing the first phase of reopening on Holy Trinity's social media, Revd. Suzanne Cousins explained how the return comes after a long wait, a period of 10 months of closure due to storm damage and the dangerous condition of the whole of the ceiling over the nave and over the ornately decorated sanctuary.

She said: “Stage one of works to rectify this state of affairs has now been completed, inspected and reported upon.

“The second stage of works is due to take place early in the new year, thanks to an impressive team of professionals and the support of Mayo County Council Conservation Office, plus a dedicated and motivated Select Vestry and team of parishioners which has pulled together and worked hard to see the plans implemented and to ensure the safety and comfort of parishioners and visitors to the church.

“The initial reopening, from 30th November, will be a services-only opening, until stage two is completed.

“This coming Wednesday (November 26) our Midweek Holy Communion service will again be in St. Mary's side chapel, at 10.30 a.m. Arrangements beyond this week will be announced shortly.”

Services have been held in St. Mary's Church since Holy Trinity was damaged, and that support has been warmly acknowledged over the past number of months.

Said Revd. Cousins: “We are grateful beyond words to St. Mary's Church, Westport, and Fr. John Kenny for their generous hospitality over the last 10 months. Their welcome and accommodation has been well beyond the call of duty and has been a wonderful demonstration of the love of God in action. Our thanks to all.”