Presentation Sisters Union North East Ireland Union of Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
THE STORY OF OUR COMMUNITY
28, GARVAHY PARK, PORTADOWN
Garvahy Park, Portadown was founded on 1st April, 1998 from the Presentation Convent, Thomas Street, Portadown. The founding Sisters were: Sr Kathleen Kennedy, Sr. Evelyn Glynn and Sr. Martha Masterson. The community was founded because of a Chapter Call to live and minister within the areas where people are considered to be disadvantaged.
Garvahy Park is one of the housing estates on Garvahy Road, where the population is mainly nationalist and Catholic. The Orange Order Marches in July are perceived as a threat by the people. Church practice and participation in education are relatively low.
The community building is best described as a small, two-storey, three-bedroom house, rented from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE). The adjoining house was also acquired from NIHE, to give two extra bedrooms and a meeting room (29th August, 1998).
The current ministries of the community are – community development/residents Association, and Prayer ministry . In the Presentation School we have a member on the school Board and a Sister is involved in English language development for foreign national pupils.
Sisters who lived in the Garvahy Community include: Kathleen Kennedy, Evelyn Glynn, Martha Masterson, Nora Daly, Yvonne Jennings, Mary Savage, Francis Carley, Laura Boyle, Maura Twohig, Rita Flannery, Joan Brosnan and Eveleen Conlon.
As at 2007 the present community consists of Rita Flannery, Eveleen Conlon and Joan Brosnan. Our particular political context calls for ongoing efforts toward conflict resolution and peace building.