I’m moving to a new parish
and this is my final Mass
with friends
from Hannahstown folk group.
Only three of us can attend –
Tina, Frances and me.
We sing melodies and harmonies
to the guitar and the whistle
and we play quiet instrumental
Irish airs.
Then, at Communion,
we sing “As I Kneel Before You”
and the congregation joins in –
singing harmony!
For the first time in my life
listening to music
gives me goose bumps.
All too quickly
Mass ends
and it’s time for farewells
in the church car park.
Thank you, Lord,
for the gift of music
and the gift of friends
who have offered so much
support and encouragement
over the years
and with whom,
for the first time in my life,
I experienced goose bumps.
© Claire Murray, 9th July 2017