With such a busy Parish life, St Mark's always has plenty going on.
We hope to keep you up-to-date with all things "news" on this page...
Tuesday 8th March
Again, over 600 pupils, principals, staff and parents attended our Schools' Celebration Service.
We were delighted to be joined by Fr Martin O'Hagan and Rev Roy Cooper as well as Mr Stanton Sloan, CEO of the SEELB.
Corey Campbell, young parishioner and pupil of Londonderry Primary School made a presentation to Canon Smyth to mark his contribution to local education throughout his 28 years ministry at St Mark's.
The beginning of April saw a very large attendance at St Mark's to mark services which were to be the last of Canon Ken Smyth as Rector of Newtownards.
It began on Mothering Sunday when the Church was packed for his final Sunday morning service and a much larger congregation on the Wednesday morning for Holy Communion.
Thursday 7th April was the final day when Canon Smyth actually retired and the Select Vestry organised a Concert which was well attended including many of the local clergy, as well as our Bishop, which shows the extreme high esteem our former rector was held.
The musicians from Regent House Grammar School entertained the gathered as they took their seats just before the MC, Bette McMullan took her baton out to lead the participants through the concert reminding everyone, due to so many speeches, time management was important - what a great job she did!!!
First on the programme was the Senior Choir from Londonderry Primary School...which used to be known as the Church School. The attendance of so many teachers also showed their appreciation of Canon Smyth's support as Chairman of the Governors.
Other entertainment was provided by our own Church Choir and Fr Martin O'Hagan, but it was certainly the moment that our former rector was invited to sing with our Re:mark Praise Band for their rendition of the Fields of Athenry. What a sound...and a sight!
A speech from Ivan Davidson on behalf of the parish was followed by Hugh Mitchell, The Bishop, Revd Alan Sleith and Revd Roy Cooper and the evening rounded off with a lovely supper in the Parish Centre.
May we, the parish of Newtownards wish Ken and Jenny all the very best for their retirement.
In thanking them both for their ministry to this faith community, may God bless them with a long and healthy retirement.
Sunday 13th March
Sunday 13th March was an extra special evening at St Mark’s, Newtownards, when Bishop Harold confirmed 43 Candidates from the parishes in the Ards Deanery.
The evening began with a “meet & greet” between the Bishop, Candidates and their families in the Parish Centre before the obligatory photographs were taken. Thanks are due to the Ladies from St Mark’s who served refreshments for the guests.
Prior to the beginning of the service, Bishop Harold had a word with the Candidates concluding in prayer before they were led to their seats. The Church itself was exceptionally well filled with family, friends and genuine supporters of the Candidates.
After the Rector, Canon Ken Smyth welcomed everyone, the procession of Choir, Clergy and Bishop entered following the Processional Cross, carried by one of the young people from St Mark’s, Daniel Young.
The singing was led by St Mark’s Choir whilst the worship group came from Movilla Abbey. Parishioners from different churches read the Scripture Readings and Revd Gill Withers sang a beautiful solo, making this truly a Deanery Service.
All of the Candidates dealt with the significance of the important occasion with great dignity and when the Bishop announced the Peace after the formality of the Confirmations, they went to their families to share the Peace in a lovely, informal manner.
When the service concluded, it seemed that everyone packed into the Parish Centre with excitement for the Dessert Supper, complete with chocolate fountains. Again, thanks must go to the Parents and Parishioners of St Mark’s who organised serving these refreshments.
All in all, this was certainly a Confirmation Service to remember, and it wasn’t without its hard work and dedication behind the scenes, particularly from Andrew Brannigan (technical support and advisor).
Well done to all the Candidates from the Ards Deanery. Let’s keep them all in our prayers as they continue their journey of faith.
