05.10.2014
Monkstown Parishioners Visit AA Group in New Home
Parishioners in Monkstown gathered this morning (Sunday October 5) in the refurbished crypt of their church. The parish has offered the premises to the local branch of Alcoholics Anonymous for their use and members of the group set about transforming the crypt which had been largely disused.
The local branch of AA, which has 800 members, became homeless some time ago and after a period in the nearby Knox Hall they entered negotiations with members of the vestry of Monkstown Parish.
The AA group hosted the parishioners this morning and one member, Peter paid tribute to the parish for the welcome the organisation had received and thanked them for the use of the crypt. “For most people this is a very special room… You saved our lives. Thanks very much for having us here,” he said.
Another member, Frank, paid tribute to the three vestry members, Roger Kirker, John Hewitson and David Miller who helped facilitate the move. He added that their recoveries would be a form of thanks to the parish.
Rector of Monkstown, Canon Patrick Lawrence, said the principle behind the decision to accommodate the AA branch was the principle of welcome. He told parishioners that the crypt would be available for parish use outside the AA hours.
He said they were delighted to help out the group but observed “It’s nobody who helps you but you yourselves. We’ll facilitate it but it is self help with the grace of God”. He wished God’s blessing on the members for the future.
A total of 24 meetings a week take place in the rooms below the church with 400 people a week attending.