Bathgate Band ensemble supports special church occasion

Bathgate Brass Band strengthened its links with the local community over the weekend when an ensemble of members were honoured to provide music as part of a very special ceremony for the town.

On Friday the group performed at St Mary's Church, Bathgate, for the Ordination to the Sacred Priesthood of Rev Matthew McCafferty. It was a privilege to be invited to contribute to such a significant milestone in Father Matthew's vocation, helping to mark this memorable occasion with music.

The celebrations continued the next day when the group returned to St Mary's and St Columba's to perform at Father Matthew's first mass celebrated as an ordained priest. Family, friends, parishioners and visitors gathered to celebrate the beginning of his priestly ministry.

“We are always proud when our members are invited to represent the band at important community occasions, and it was a privilege to be part of such a joyful and historic weekend for Father Matthew, St Mary's Parish, his family and the wider Bathgate community,” said Bathgate Band vice president Derek Brown.

“Congratulations to Father Matthew McCafferty on his ordination. We wish him every blessing and success as he begins his ministry. And thank you to St Mary's and St. Columba's Parish for the invitation to be part of these special celebrations.”

The Bathgate Band ensemble and accompanying choir on the balcony for the ordination service