About Us
A 25-year Story
We are looking forward to celebrating the 25th birthday of the parish community of Cherry Orchard during Candle Week in February 2012.
From the beginning, partnership has proved to be the hallmark of the approach to ministry, pastoral work and church life in Cherry Orchard. The parish is led by a parish team and a pastoral council working together for the good of the area.
The parish team currently consists of Redemptorist priests and Dominican sisters. The chairman is Fr. Pat Reynolds, the parish priest.
The pastoral council includes a very active team of local lay leaders, priests and religious sisters and the chairman is Mr Pat Kelly. These members are dedicated and committed and are responsible for several of the initiatives highlighted in the website. We work with many partners, including civil and secular organisations, community centres, equine centres, local politicians, the local city council, 
education personnel and care workers, social workers and health workers as well as youth workers and diverse community development workers. It is our experience that there are very many excellent people who are deeply committed to achieving the important outcome of community gain.
The partnership approach continues to flourish in Cherry Orchard. The Jesuits continue to live in Cherry Orchard and support pastoral needs, while the Christian brothers live in Croftwood Grove, one of the estates in the parish and at the same time operate a cherished education programme based at Elmdale Crescent. The Daughters of Charity, while no longer living in the area, continue to support important pastoral initiatives.
However, our mission is much broader than the events that happen within our church building. We are committed to journeying with the people of Cherry Orchard, listening to their stories and needs, networking with others, so that together we can build a community and parish where all can flourish and live lives of peace, security, happiness and hope.
We are people of faith. Our parish shows many signs of faith. We are filled with hope.
This website shares some of our dreams and plans. We invite you to rejoice in our successes and achievements and to think about helping us to achieve our interesting plans and goals. Journey with us, join us in prayer, participate in Candle Week, wherever you are in the world, and continue to visit us and make contact.
Yours in Christ,
The Cherry Orchard Parish Pastoral Council
