Paul's Reflections ST MARY'S CATHOLIC PARISH DEBUTANTE BALL

ST MARY’S CATHOLIC PARISH DEBUTANTE BALL. SPEECH BY FR. PAUL KELLY. PARISH PRIEST OF ST MARY’S CATHOLIC PARISH.

 

(I silently dedicated this speech and this year’s 2011 Parish Debutante Ball to the memory of parishioner Len Byrne, who passed away suddenly today. He was in my prayers and thoughts as I gave this speech. I also keep his wife Marj and their family in my prayers and thoughts. PWK).

 

Distinguished Guests, Friends, Debutantes and your partners…   

Congratulations to you on this very special night.

 

The ever-increasing number of debutantes participating in this event, is an ongoing testimony to the importance and relevance of this wonderful night.

 

This is the 82^nd annual St Mary’s Catholic Parish Debutante Ball.   A truly extraordinary milestone. And in this year where the parish celebrates its 150^th anniversary.

I would also like to say a special word of thanks to Mayor Mick Kruger who has been present at our special 150^th anniversary celebrations including the parish, and the college and the primary school. And, this night is another special part of that celebration of 150 years of St Mary’s Parish, Maryborough.

 

Although this is the Catholic Debutante Ball, It’s wonderful that there is a beautiful variety of faith traditions represented in our debutantes, their families and in our many wonderful volunteers…   all working in perfect harmony, friendship and goodwill..  This too is a symbol of what tonight represents: unity in diversity. Celebrating grace and respect.

I know that your families are rightly so proud of you, and we join in giving thanks for you and look forward with enormous hope and optimism to what you will all contribute in your adult lives, for the greater good of the community. 

 

Tonight is an opportunity for an enjoyable night of formality, grace and poise.  

There are not many opportunities such as this where one can engage so beautifully in a formal occasion where style, formality, etiquette, and dance are perfectly combined.

Equally importantly, because this is a Catholic parish event of such long standing, it is a wonderful, annual opportunity for the Catholic community to give a special and formal word of encouragement, support and best wishes to you, (our young participants) and your families. It is an honour and a joy to say to you, (on behalf of the whole Parish and Catholic school community, with principals Joy and Nathan from the St Mary’s College and the St Mary’s Primary) :  CONGRATULATIONS! And you have our best wishes and prayers for you…..now and into your wonderful future. It is all ahead of you!  May your future be blessed. 

 

May Our Lord Jesus, who is the ultimate example of true graciousness – (especially in the way he related to and treated those he met -  With respect, kindness and gentleness), be a wonderful guide for your lives… 

 

And may style and graciousness always be welcome companions throughout your journey of life.

On this, your special night, you stand ready to take your place in adult society: comfortable and engaged in both formal and informal events in society.  This night is a celebration of that!

 

May God bless you always -    and bless everyone who has taken part in and (in so many ways) assisted in making 82 memorable years of graciousness!