Sir, - It was an evening to remember, January 9th in the year 2000. The packed car-park and the vehicles crammed into every available parking space within a half-mile radius of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Ballyroan, told their own story. Within, every seat in the church was taken. The celebration, "An Ecumenical Song of Praise to welcome the New Millennium," was refreshingly different.
In the summer of 1999, representatives, lay and clerical, from the Church of Ireland Parish of Rathfarnham met representatives from the four neighbouring Catholic parishes of Ballyroan, Churchtown, Rathfarnham and Templeogue, to discuss an ecumenical project worthy of the new Millennium. Helping the Simon Community to refurbish, repair and renew their hostel on Usher's Island was agreed on. A target of £50,000 (£10,000 from each parish) was set - an unrealistic target, some thought. The amount raised exceeded all hopes and the amount to date (still rising) is £114,000.
At the service on Sunday night a combined choir from the five parishes, aided by the Rathfarnham Concert Band, celebrated in song the birth of the new century.
To the strains of the late Dan McNulty's Millennium March, we were going proudly together - five parishes, Catholic and Church of Ireland, united in our concern for those less fortunate than us, the homeless in our society.
Were we proud as we gave full voice to Handel's Hallelujah Chorus at a truly memorable Millennium celebration? We were. - Yours, etc.
Phil O`Keeffe, Landscape Gardens, Churchtown, Dublin 14.