The sound of Peter Kearney’s music filled the air at the Tenison Woods Centre in Lochinvar place last Saturday (29 July) and delighted the crowd of 50 who had gathered to hear it.

Many in the audience came from the Parish’s Independent Living Villages and residential care homes, while one even travelled from Coffs Harbour to enjoy the afternoon of entertainment.

A follow-up email from a happy concert-goer said, “Thanks to the Parish for organising the Peter Kearney concert. I found it very inspiring and hope-filled.”

Another said, “Peter is an amazing performer and his songs were incredibly moving and indeed, were a catalyst for reflection. It seemed to me that everyone present really appreciated what a wonderful opportunity it was to experience Peter in an intimate live setting.
Thanks to all the hospitality volunteers. It was great afternoon all around”.

Peter Kearney is a well-known songwriter, singer and recording artist whose songs ‘Fill My House’ and ‘The Beatitudes’ became internationally known and are still widely sung in churches around the world. He has written many successful hymn and songs and has released 15 albums since 1966.

A folk singer and storyteller, Peter linked his songs to stories and reflections about people whose faithful lives have brought about compassion, hope and justice into our world. Among those he sang and spoke about were: Mary and Joseph (the parents of Jesus), St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Irene McCormack, George Fox, the L’Arche Community, Fr Ted Kennedy, and Peter’s own parents.

The concert was originally booked for 2021 but, like a lot of things, was cancelled due to COVID. It was rebooked as part of the Parish’s Season of Renewal. The theme of Peter’s concert was ‘Signs of Hope – People of Faith’, tied in well with the ‘Living Hope’ theme of our Lenten journey earlier in the year.

Thank you to the Pastoral and Spiritual Care Team and Presbytery Pastoral Team for their kind assistance and support with the hospitality and set up on the day.