13 June 2014 – Anniversary Mass for Fr Jack O’Keeffe

The first anniversary Mass for Fr Jack O’Keeffe will be celebrated in St Mary’s Church, Cranny on Friday 13 June at 8pm.
Reflection on Priesthood

You came from among us, to be, for us, one who serves.

We thank you for ministering Christ to us

And helping us minister Christ to each other.

We are grateful for the many gifts you bring to our communities:

For drawing us together in prayer,

For visiting us in our homes,

For comforting us in sickness,

For showing us compassion,

For blessing our marriages,

For baptising our children,

For confirming us in our calling,

For supporting us in bereavement,

For helping us to grow in faith,

For encouraging us to take initiative,

For helping the whole community realise God’s presence among us.

Fr John was a native of Carrahill, Crusheen, Co Clare was born on 29 May 1934. He studied for the priesthood at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth where he was ordained on 22 June, 1958. He began his priestly ministry in the Diocese of Brentwood, England during August 1958. On his return to Ireland on 12 March 1965 he was appointed briefly to Feakle Co. Clare and Castleconnell, Co Limerick. He became curate in Mullagh on 15 May 1965 and afterwards in Miltown Malbay on 10 July 1971. Fr John became Parish Priest of Coolmeen-Cranny on 26 November 1989. Fr John retired as Parish Priest and became priest in residence in Coolmeen-Cranny on 25 July 2008.