STAPLESTOWN – 1936 – Charity Sermon in aid of Church Restoration

The Roman Catholic Church at Staplestown, was en fete last Sunday. Not for many years have its venerable walls sheltered so large, so representative, and so interested a congregation. It numbered not only the people of Staplestown, but many from the neighbouring parishes, and even from Dublin. The occasion was a charity sermon in aid of the funds necessary to finish the work of restoration, which has been in hand for over a year. High Mass was celebrated at 11 o’clock. Celebrant, Rev. Thomas Murphy, C.C., Clane; Deacon. Very Rev. F. Cuffe, S.J., Clongowes Wood College; Sub-deacon, Very Rev. J. Dennehy, S.J., do ; Master of Ceremonies, Rev. L.J. Kehoe, P.P., Clane. At the end of the Mass the Very Rev. James Foynes, Carlow College, ascended the altar. Taking for his text, "Lord I have loved the Beauty of Thy House, and the Place where Thy glory dwelleth," his sermon was heard with rapt attention by the vast congregation. In moving words, he reviewed the persecutions of the Penal Times, and told his hearers that this venerable church, now repaired and adorned, would long stand as a witness to the trials and the triumph of our Catholic Faith. Benediction of the Most Holy Sacrament was given, after the sermon, by Rev. T.P. Murphy, C.C., Clane.

The choir consisted of the children of Staplestown school, under the training of Mr. and Mrs. O’Farrell. The rendering of the sung parts of the High Mass reflects credit on both teachers and pupils.