SPRING 2013 ISSUE

ACHONRY

Christmas seems hardly gone when cuddly toys, hearts, not to mention Easter eggs fill the shelves, a deliberate ploy to keep spending?  Maybe, but also a way of reminding us to think of those we love and show how much we care in action as well as words, food for thought as we focus on what God has done for us through Jesus. What can we do for him?

Over Christmas, we tried thinking of our extended family and bringing something of the love of Christ there, as our travelling nativity crib set, visited a different home each night during Advent, bringing the message alive for young and old, for families and those who lived alone.

Thinking again of our Church family, we hope to invite those who have had baptisms, weddings or funerals to a service on Mothering Sunday in Rathbarron, and in Tubbercurry at Pentecost followed by refreshments, to let people know we still care about them.

Speaking of thoughts, our sympathies go to the family of the late Mary Middleton, who was a faithful member of Rathbarron church for many years, and contributed much to the community, to her large family and many friends.  She will be sadly missed.

News of out Mothers’ Union activities is available on that page of Tidings.

 

Congratulations to Keith Carroll on his recent engagement to Bernie, wishing them every happiness in their future together.

 

Last September, the Bishop challenged us, in two ways, the second was to organise an event for those outside, some might say we have done that in our Christmas concert in Rathbarron with Sligo Gospel Choir and others, or even in the socials in both Tubbercurry before Christmas and in Rathbarron around Valentine’s Day, which raised much needed church funds and we hope to repeat, but no we don’t feel these meet it, nor do we think that the Parish lunch in Rathbarron on Father’s Day strictly meets it either.  The Easter Egg hunt, on Holy Saturday may do, as may a group of us ladies from the Coolaney area undertaking the Mini Marathon in June for the local community centre, but in truth we have given the youngsters the task of coming up with something that might fit the bill, which we hope will happen in the next few months.

Speaking of coming to fruition, the youngsters from the Sunday Schools recently received prizes,a result of the hard work they put into their lessons.  Well done to all of them and keep up the good work!

The fruition of our youth groups can be seen on their page, and we hope continues to bear good fruit long into the future.

Who knew that our Bible Book Club, beginning before Advent, would bear fruit of lively discussions, friendly banter, and the building of closer relationships with neighbouring parishes but it did and we hope to do something again in the not too distant future. For now, there are the Lenten midweek services on the theme of Journeying and on Sundays, taking a closer look at the Lord’s Prayer, concluding with Holy Week with Foot Washing on Holy Thursday, on Good Friday, ‘The Words of Christ on the Cross’ at 11am in Rathbarron and ‘Journey to the Cross’ at 2pm in Tubbercurry and on Easter Day, services will include yummy chocolate eggs, to remind all of the new life of Christ.

Easter Blessings to All.

AUGHAVAL

I sent Dean Alistair, God forgive me, a trunk call from Jaipur and a photo of our young friends Druv and Prangna after their recent Hindu wedding .  The wedding was marvellous, with huge depth and directness of thanks to God, of confidence that God would hear their humble prayer for all needed blessings, and of love for each other and all humankind.

I mention this because until now, such a wedding would have been utterly rare in the West of Ireland, but a quietly increasing number of settlers in the West come from other cultures and other faiths.   ‘Clash of civilisations’ claptrap gets dragged out so easily to unsettle populations when any new stream of settlers comes to join them.  It helps so much more that we dispose our hearts meet each other humbly, watchful and grateful for God’s grace to be seen and found everywhere, despite all the sins and follies of both east and west, of ‘us’ and ‘them’.  It’s therefore very timely that there will be a C of I Inter Faith Working Group workshop, “Together and Different” on 2nd March in the NUI Galway Chapel, led by Canon Andrew Wingate from Leicester.  Everyone is welcome.  Register with Revd Darren McCallig by email mccalld@tcd.ie , or phone 01 896 1402.

How did you go through the fluey times?  I envy the almost liturgical grace whereby the soloist on the French Horn, let’s say, will remove the valve in a quiet moment and unperturbedly – is that a word? – shake out the fruit of his or her condensed breath onto the stage, all part of the performance, then resume without missing a beat.  The priest leading in Church in wintertime is awfully lucky if his coughs and colds and runny nose leave him [and the people and their common prayer] with any shreds of dignity at all.  There, I feel better.

Listen, when you next meet Canon Doris, ask her how she won first prize at yesterday’s TKA Clergy Poetry Slam in Westport.  Don’t let on that you heard it here.

Doris will be in Westport soon again to lead a further training session for our Holy Trinity School Board of Management.  Canon Kathy Trimby will be here soon to conduct a Children’s Ministry Training.  Doris and Kathy, thanks to you and to our other Diocesan clergy who serve parishes other than your own, including ours, in specialised tasks.

Our School Board members under Julian Ellison, and the Children’s Ministry team under Orla Brickenden [hitherto] and Edith Rohu [henceforth], give enormous time and love to their ministries that other parishioners might not be aware of.  I hope that they, with our teachers from HT NS, will be the parish’s next supper guests in the rectory, simply to say we are proud of you and grateful to you.

Last night’s supper for our HT Lectors and Readers was great fun; by and by we hope to host every group of workers, and any other interested parishioner, from our four Aughaval parishes.   Not every rectory family can host such events; it’s one thing Josie and I can do with help from Sheilah P and others, while there are myriad works of service done by our neighbouring clergy and parishes that we couldn’t ever attempt.

 

Now it’s Diary Time:  First, dates and times for Holy Week:

Mar 24, Palm Sunday –               Turlough, 8pm Sat.  Castlebar, 10am.  Westport, 11.30am

Mar 28, Maundy Thursday –      Westport, 8pm

Mar 29, Good Friday –                 Westport, 11.30am

Mar 30, Easter Vigil -                    Turlough, 8pm

Mar 31, Easter Day -                     Castlebar, 10am.  Westport, 11.30am.   Achill, 3pm

 Easter Vestries:  Apl 10, Christ Church, 8pm; Apl 12, Holy Trinity, 8pm; Apl 13, Turlough, after 8pm Service; and Apl 14, St Thomas’s, after 3pm Service.   Parishioners who commit to being Vestrymembers must register, and the rolls will be open from 13^th March.

 The other great Feasts of this half of the year:

May 12, The Ascension of the Lord; May 19, The Day of Pentecost [We have a ‘Neighbours, Friends + Family’ Service that day: 11.30am Westport]; May 26, Trinity Sunday.

 Bishop Patrick will be in Holy Trinity on June 2^nd for Confirmation – of adult candidates if any; and [this year] young candidates of High School age only.  On Mar 07, preparation begins for the latter.  Families should speak to Val during February.  As should interested adults, for whom a separate programme would be negotiated.

 

Music: Mar 25   Holy Trinity, 8pm:  Hood River Valley High School Choir, Oregon:mostly a capella religious works [Bruckner, Tallis, Victoria, Dickou, Chenekov etc]

Apl 06     Christ Church, 8.15pm [note time]:  Seven Towers Male Voice Choir, Ballymena

Apl 07    Christ Church, 10am: The Ballymena choir join our Service

May 23-26   Christ Church, Mayo International Choral Festival

Sep 07 -08   Holy Trinity: Westport Chamber Music Festival

Oct:  Holy Trinity: Westport Arts Festival

Nov:  Holy Trinity: Rolling Sun Festival

 

BALLISODARE

May I begin by wishing you a Happy New Year.

Before I begin I would like to say thank you to all who helped over the last year and especially in our Christmas services and events. In particular to our wardens, organists and helpers with the music.

 We had a busy Christmas time, in addition to the carol services, the Churches of Ballisodare and Collooney came together to sing ‘Carols for Charity’.  We had a good turnout  of enthusiastic singer who raised €250 for the Northwest Hospice and MalWeNi Bishops appeal. Not forgetting the good time the children had at ‘Xmas Cracker’ games and craft which naturally was about birth of Jesus and included a giant cracker!

 New year is a time for new beginnings, we have had some new beginnings with a monthly Prayer Cel,l praying for the needs and work of the Parish Group and WellSpring, an informal evening service with healing, keep an eye on Trinity for these.

 It seems only a short time ago we were welcoming baby Jesus and in a few short weeks we reach the climax of Easter. This Jesus who was so helpless as a baby now seems so helpless on the cross. It reminds me of the hymn how deep the father’s love.

 How deep the Father’s love for us 

How vast beyond all measure 

That He would give His only Son 

To make a wretch His treasure 

 

It was my sin that held Him there 

Until it was accomplished 

His dying breath has brought me life 

I know that it is finished 

 

I will not boast in anything 

No gifts, no powr’s, no wisdom 

But I will boast in Jesus Christ 

His death and resurrection 

 

Why should I gain from His reward? 

I cannot give an answer 

But this I know with all my heart 

His wounds have paid my ransom 

 Often without realizing it, we receive our theology our understanding of God through our hymns. As we prepare for and celebrate Easter this year I hope that we would come to grasp how deep, how wide and long the Father’s love and the Sons’ love is for us, such is the amazing message of Easter.

 I would like in closing to take this opportunity to congratulate, the families of Jessica Gardiner, Tadhg Doe on their baptisms.

Congratulations to Ian and Jennifer on their wedding in Holy Trinity.

Our sympathies and prayers are with the families and friends of, Lewis Gray on the death of his nephew,Hilary Sproule on the death of her father James,Edward Williams on the death of his aunt, Helen.

 

Our Easter Services:

Wednesday Holy Week      Evening Prayer 8pm Holy Trinity Ballisodare

 Maundy Thursday    Holy Communion with foot washing  8pm Emlaghfad, Ballymote

 Good Friday    ‘Eggsplosion‘   10-12am St Paul’s School

                          Children’s Easter games, craft, story Collooney

                         followed by a service  12:30 St Paul’s Collooney

                        A Time at the Cross 8pm Holy Trinity Ballisodare

Easter Sunday                 Holy Communion 9:30am Holy Trinity Ballisodare

                                                                  10:45am Emalghfad Ballymote

                                                                  Midday  St Paul’s Collooney

GALWAY

Deaths: 

Marek Nogajski, from Poland in Kilcummin Church on 27^th Dec. Please remember his partner Aleksandra and  mother Zofia and the rest of the family in your prayers.

Hugh and Alma Allen sadly passed away within a few days of each other. Alma’s funeral and burial was on January 6^th  and Hugh’s on 13^th  both in Kilcummin Church. They will be greatly missed from amongst us, and our prayers and sympathy are with their children, Joan, Chris and Mark, and all the family.

Pauline Ellis died at home amongst her family, as she wished, and her funeral was in St Nicholas’ on 15^th Jan. Our sympathies are with her husband Stuart, and her children Naomi, Sarah and Brian.

Sherrie Spicer-Jones, originally from Maryland USA. We remember her fiancee Richard Syme in our prayers. The funeral was on 23^rd Jan in Kilcummin Church.

Baptisms:

Hannah Duffy, daughter of Heather and Gavin. 28^th Nov

Evanna Robyn, daughter of Oliver and Siobhán Previté 28^th Nov

Moses Odufaderin, son of Oluwatoyin and Adekunle, 25^th Nov

Elijah Patrick Madden son of Michael and Deirdre, 9^th Dec

Jarah Phoenix Barlow Stanley, son of Andrew and Avril, 2^nd Jan

Lexie Violet Curwood daughter of Ashleigh and Jason. 26^th Jan

Niall Hugh Kadir, and  Shane Thomas Ajaz, sons of Mark and Xeneb Allen. 18^th Jan.

 

Busy! — All Souls with the Augies, the Christmas Fayre [nearly €15,000 raised!],

Remembrance Sunday, Back to Church Sunday, a Diocesan Children’s Service in Tuam, and Advent Study Groups, one of them a Lunchtime Picnic Group in Kilcummin. The Schola Cantorum kicked off; the Choristers were formally admitted at an 11am service, the Choral Scholars sang Compline and their first Sunday service. The St Nicholas’ singers performed Music for Remembrancetide. The parish choir sang at the Advent Procession, and they all sang at the Civic Carol Service in St Nicholas’. Carols in Kilcummin church with Denis Geoghan’s choir, Carols round the Christmas Tree, and also our Parochial School Carol Service were their usual wonderful selves. Thanks to all who helped, read, sang, sorted out, organised, cleaned up before and after, decorated and got involved in any shape or form. You know who you are!

A walk in Coole park was greatly enjoyed and a party organised for the children of the Sunday Club went off well with wonderful entertainment and no serious injuries. Further activities are planned by the Social Committee.

On St Briget’s Day, an interchurch service was held for the peace and prosperity of the City of Galway, in St Nicholas’ where Bishop Drennan preached, our own parish choir sang and members of De Danann played.

Evensong for Candlemas on 2^nd Feb, and on the Sunday morning a Candlemas service with our choristers and young people from the Parochial School taking part.

Please note Kilcummin church is at 11am, 2nd & 4^th &5^th Sundays in month, 9.30am otherwise.

Lenten Study groups on Wednesdays start 20^th Feb,  in Oughterard at 12.30am, Picnic Bible studies in the vestry and Galway Christian prayer and meditation course 8pm in the vestry.

Compline, sung by the Choral Scholars at 9pm 21^st & 28^th Feb, and 7^th March

March 2^nd  An Interfaith conference is to be held in the Chaplaincy NUIG. Details elsewhere in this publication.

March 3^rd 11am St Nicholas’ Canon Andrew Wingate, leader of the Interfaith Conference, to preach. Followed by a Famine Lunch, proceeds to Mabweni appeal.

March 16^th  5 pm Evensong for St Patrick’s Eve.

March 24^th Palm Sunday, Bishop Patrick in Galway at 11am, Choristers singing.

March 28^th  8pm Maundy Thurs H.C. St Nicholas’

March 29^th 12noon, Good Friday: both Galway & Kilcummin churches

March 30^th  9pm Easter Vigil, Galway.

Easter Sunday 11am Galway & Kilcummin.

 

KILLALA

The other day I was standing in the vestry of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Killala, and out of nowhere that old and very bad joke came to mind. When is a door not a door? I then realized that I had been staring at the newly installed boiler for the heating system in the cathedral. So the question then had to be asked, when is a boiler not a boiler?

For give or take eight years the Deans, Select Vestries and the parishioners of Killala Union of Parishes have been endeavouring to get a heating system installed in the cathedral. Ye olde heating system having valiantly served for many years, had all but packed in. It needed replacing.

The green fungal growth, while part of God’s great created order, was gaining foothold on the walls of the chancel. The parishioners shivered in their penitently uncomfortable, historic pews from cold rather than a charismatic experience.

Then following protracted, yet successful negotiations with the Heritage Department of Mayo County Council and Trojan (and very neat, clean and tidy) work by Fallon Heating Engineers, work began and was completed on the brand-spanking new heating system. We now have a working, wall drying, under-seat heated parishioner heating system. In going back to our dilemma, when is a boiler not a boiler, we need to look at what this boiler represents.

Firstly, it is the engine room of heat that will dry the cathedral walls of the mould and dripping moisture that have plagued it for so long. The boiler will aid in the drying out and help maintain a working bellows in one of a small number of rare organs in the country. The boiler will help to attract concert and venue promoters when deciding their next venue, and attract much needed revenue to the parish and cathedral coffers.

But finally the Coup de Grâce in what makes this boiler more than the sum of its parts, is the spoken, albeit in hushed tones, promises of parishioners who will return to church when the church is warm. This boiler is not a mere boiler, it is the future of a thriving, worshiping, financially sound Christian community in the heart of God’s own country. Oh by the way; a door is not a door, when it’s ajar.

In February we celebrated two Baptisms in Killala. On Saturday 9^th baby Lily Kate Carson, daughter of Andrew and Catherine Carson and brother to Alastair, was welcomed into the Church of Christ.

On Sunday 24^th baby Dara Ryan Carey, brother to Aaron and son of Vanessa and John Carey was also christened in the cathedral. We wish both children a healthy and happy life.

Much joy was celebrated in the Flanagan household in Crossmolina. Baby Donnacha Jack Oliver was born on the 9^th of January to proud parents John Luke and Samara. Congratulations to both sets of grandparents, especially to Olly and Monica.

While we have only, it seems, said goodbye to the Christmas festive season; we must now turn our faces towards Easter. The Good Friday service will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, Crossmolina at 2pm.

Easter Sunday Holy Communion services begin at St. John’s in Ballycastle at 9am, in St. Patrick’s Cathedral Killala at 10:30 am and at 12noon in St. Mary’s Crossmolina. This years’ Easter Sunday service in the cathedral will be celebrated and the sermon preached by Bishop Rooke.

KILMOREMOY

Award for Leaffoney National School

The Children and Staff of Leaffoney School were given a very special present in time for Christmas when they travelled to Dublin to receive a 1,000 euro award from Foras na Gaeilge in recognition of a film they had made promoting the Irish language.

Twins celebrate their 84^th birthday!

Maud and Madeline Close celebrated their 84^th birthday on the 14^th December and reflected on a lifetime of close friendship. But if it hadn’t been for the intervention of a neighbour at the time of their birth it might have been a very different story! The twins mother was told to prepare for the fact that little Madeline may not live, but determined that both her new-born girls would survive she called on the wisdom of a female neighbour who advocated massaging the baby all over with whisky then swaddling her warmly and placing her in her crib next to the big farm fire. Both girls were baptised at home as Madeline wasn’t expected to live. Their memories of growing up are still very clear, they belong to a special time in Ireland’s history and the importance of these oral histories can’t be underestimated; such as the socials held in Leaffoney School House, a great meeting place for young and old. Dancing would begin at 9.00 or 10.00 accompanied by fiddle and accordion and the ladies of the parish would prepare a substantial tea for 2 shillings and sixpence. At home on the farm turkeys were raised for sale at Christmas and people would also come round to buy bags of feathers for pillows or quilts. Work on the farm was physically very hard and money was scarce but they were mostly happy times. When the money became more plentiful, people stopped leaving their doors open and neighbours ceased to wander in. Every year Canon Ewart or Canon Harris would examine the children of Leaffoney School on the Old and New Testament and a prayer book would be awarded. Madeline remembers Canon Harris being far stricter than Canon Ewart and really made the children earn their prizes which would be awarded at the Christmas Tree Party. The years slipped by and neither girl married – something they both regret, but they remain to each other that which they have been since the very beginning – the best of friends! Maud and Madeline have been faithful members of the C of I all their lives and remember with affection making their very public commitment to a Christian life at the time of their Confirmation. Dressed all in white, they recalled walking all the way to church in Easkey as there was no petrol available during the war unless you were the doctor or the clergyman! The ladies remain firm and faithful supporters of their church although nowadays due to health and mobility problems they mostly receive Holy Communion in their own home. Dean Wendy

Funerals                                                                                                                                                                    Margaret Marshall 15^th January 2013, Church of St Michael, Ballina. On behalf of the Clergy Team i would like to extend deepest sympathy to the Patterson and Ryan families on the tragic death of Tara Ryan.

 

Plans for Lent and Easter

A Lent study course will be held, depending upon interest. please contact Dean Wendy for further details.

 All churches [except Kilglass] Palm Sunday: Liturgy of the Palms

Ballina Maundy Thursday: Holy Communion 8.00 p.m.

Ballina Good Friday: Liturgy 12.00 noon

Foxford Good Friday: Liturgy 8.00 p.m.

All churches Easter Sunday Holy Communion

Confirmation: Sunday 16th June 11.15 a.m. Ballina

Foxford:

Frederick William (Bob) Pantland, originally from England died in Ballina hospital on 17th November, 2012.    He had been battling with Alzheimer’s Disease for a number of years.     He had bought the old schoolhouse in Toomore, Foxford and had marvellous ideas for doing it up.    He got a lot of it done but not all due his failing health.     A service of Thanksgiving for his life was conducted by Rev. Andrea in Foxford Church on 9th December.   We send sympathy to his wife Katherine and sons Robert and William.

The Carol Service was held on 23rd December.    There was a large congregation, many from the wider community and Fr. Padraig Costello PP read one of the lessons.

On 17th February Foxford parish are hosting a Fund-raising Lunch in aid of parish funds in the Admiral Brown Hall.    It will be served from 12.30 p.m. to 2.30 p.m.     Bookings can be made with Rev. Andrea (086) 2617572.  Rev Andrea

OMEY

SKREEN

The Christmas season was a real whirlwind of activity and mixed emotion in our parish. There has been joy and laughter mixed with tears and loss, we have all experienced the rawness of life.

We lost two very special members of our parish family and our thoughts, prayers and love continue as we hold their loved ones in our hearts. Jimmy Lindsay impacted so many people across our parish and community, his talents could fill this whole page and in Kilmacshalgan we already miss his practicality, wisdom and guidance to say nothing of his wonderful madcap sense of humour.

On Christmas Eve Norman Bournes was laid to rest in Skreen churchyard, he was a true countryman who’s skill at producing prizewinning vegetables was the stuff of legend, Beltra show will never be the same without Norman. For many years he served our parish in a variety of roles and was loved by all. Prodigiously fit to the end, there is comfort that he passed away quietly in his sleep, it is always hard to lose a beloved family member and it certainly felt all the more painful at Christmas.

More joyfully, we celebratred at the weddings of two of our parish sons, Neil Williams was married in Lucan on 21^st December and Neville Bagnall tied the Knot in Virginia on 29^th December, our prayers and good wishes for a long and happy life are with Neill and Dee as well as Neville and Lorna.

Happiness too at the baptism of Campbell and Cameron in Christ Church on the Sunday after Christmas they were very grown up and mature and we wish them well as they have gone back to Massecheusettes.

A blanket thank you for all the work, devotion and effort that went into our festivities; so if you read, prepared and played music, boiled the kettles or made the sandwiches for our three carol services, Christmas Day, our quizz, Christmas tree party and New Year Dance as well as Kilmacshalgan dance in November, and thanks to all who came along. We had a great turn out at our Mothers Union lunch on 20^th January.

Lent, Holy week and Easter are just around the corner and Bishop Rooke will be with us for Holy Communion in Skreen on Ash Wednesday, 13^th February,at 11:30am. This service will be followed by a frugal Lenten Lunch in the rectory with an offering for the Mabweni project.

Pictures of the Lenten Luch which raised E150 for the MABWENI Project.

 

Mothers Union meet that evening in Skreen School House for their Bridal Evening

Bishop Patrick will join us again for worship on Sunday 17^th February.

Our Community Bible Experience has been a roaring success for those who joined in, not least because it has been a joint enterprise with our neighbouring parishes and I would love to do it again with a new group. This has run alongside our monthly parish bible study. During Lent our bible studies will be on 27^th February and 20^th March.

Holy Week Services will be held at 8:00pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Good Friday at 8:00pm with a celebration of Holy Communion at the Maundy Thursday service in Kilmacshalgan.

Easter Sunday will commence with the dawn Eucharist on Dunmoran Strand at 7:00am followed by the traditional breakfast fry up in the School House. The celebrations continue with Holy Communion in each of our churches at the normal times throughout the rest of the day. Easter falls on a fifth Sunday so there will ne no healing service that night.

TUAM

CHRISTMAS: The churches were decorated and the carols sung with enthusiasm all across Tuam Group to mark the Great Festival of Christmas. We had a grand crowd in Cong for the Traditional Nine Lessons and Carols on 23^rd December with refreshments served afterwards in the church. Our plans of singing carols around the village were scuppered by atrocious weather of wind and heavy rain but we’ll try again next year. And on Christmas Day itself it was fine to welcome home so many old faces.

In Tuam, Bishop Rooke celebrated the Holy Mysteries on Christmas Day and for that we thank him. The Carol Service on 30^th December was badly hit by illness, injury, holiday-tide travelling among the faithful and yet more dreadful weather conditions. But we managed to struggle on and mark the progression from The Garden of Eden to a stable in Bethlehem.

Many thanks to everyone who contributed to the festivities in any way.

SICKNESS: We have had an unusually high number of folk in the parishes struck down with one thing another. Frank Costello did leg damage in a tree felling accident; Hilary Cooke broke her arm badly; Margaret Paxton endured a nasty chest infection; and Jim Huston had a car accident. All, I am happy to report, are either recovered or on the way to recovery. Deo Gratias.

DEATH: It was with much sadness that we heard of the untimely death of Geoff Tottenham, husband of Lucy nee Ormsby of Milford in Cong Parish. Aged just 50 years, Geoff died in the Blackrock Hospice after a long illness. We extend our deepest and prayerful sympathy to Lucy, and Joanna and Edward, Geoff’s children, to Liz and all at Milford House. Geoff’s Funeral Service was held in Killiskey Parish Church, Nuns Cross, Ashford, Co. Wicklow.

A former Clonbur resident was ‘brought home’ during January. Frances Lee ( nee Harley ) died aged 93 in Greystones, County Wicklow. He funeral was held in St Mary’s Cong with burial in Ross graveyard in Clonbur. Our sympathies go to her daughter Susan and all the extended family and friends.

RETIREMENT: In early January we heard of the impending retirement of The Very Revd. Denis Sandes, rector of Clifden and Provost of St Mary’s Cathedral, Tuam. We wish Denis many long years of hitting a wee white ball around a field in his years of relaxation.

MARRIAGE: A Service of Celebration for the Marriage of David and Ann Rooke was held in St Mary’s Cong on 3^rd November. The groom’s brother, bishop Patrick join the Dean to lead the worship and a long-time friend, Revd. Chris gave the address. We wish the happy couple and long and happy life together.

REMEMBRANCE IN TUAM: The Service of Remembrance in St Marys Cathedral, Tuam is a small bit different from the established norm. Here, we have our Act of Remembrance with the laying of wreaths and the words of Bunion. But we also welcome retired members of the Irish Army Veterans Association who served with the U.N. Peacekeeping Missions abroad. This has become a established occasion in the life of the cathedral and one which we are justly proud of. Armistice Day fell on Sunday in 2012 and we were delighted to host this service once more with an increased number of Veterans and local folk being with us.

NATIONAL SCHOOLS SERVICE: St Mary’s Cathedral hosted our annual Schools Service in November and were delighted to be able to do so.

CLAREMORRIS: It has been decided to continue the Claremorris Outreach project until June 2013. Services will be held in the McWilliam Hotel on the first Sunday of every month, January until June, at 11.30am.

 ST. PATRICK’S DAY: Our Patronal festival falls on a Sunday this year. There will a celebration of Holy Communion in both Cong at 10am and Tuam at 12 noon. Bishop Rooke will be with us that day.

LENT, HOLY WEEK AND EASTER: Ash Wednesday, falling on February 13^th, will be marked by two services in the Group. In Cong at 10am and in St Mary’s Cathedral Tuam at 7.30pm.

During the Season of Lent there will be a weekly Service of Compline held in The Cathedral at 7.30pm every Wednesday followed by a study/discussion group on the Book of the Pslams.

Holy Week Services will be as follows:

Wednesday 27^th March, 7.30pm Tuam.

Thursday 28^th March Cong.

Good Friday, 29^th March, 10am Cong; 12 noon Tuam.

Good Friday Procession of the Cross, 2pm Tuam meeting at the Cathedral of the  Assumption.                                                                                                                                Easter Day: HC 10am Cong; HC 12 noon Tuam.

EASTER GENERAL VESTRIES

Cong, Saturday 13^th April, 7.30pm in the church.

Tuam, Sunday 14^th April, after Holy Communion ( approx 1pm ) in the Synod Hall.

MOTHERS UNION

Letter from the Diocesan President: Mrs Alison Rooke

I am very much looking forward to my commissioning as Diocesan President on April 14th in Ballymote Church. Already I have been impressed by the commitment and loyalty of our MU members throughout the Diocese and I look forward to visiting each of the branches and getting to know individual members and the various office bearers.
MU has a relevance and role to play in our parishes and I look forward to exciting and challenging times ahead.  We live in a society where family life is more important than ever and organisations such as MU celebrate this and strive to help those whose family lives have met with difficulty.
For those who have resisted coming along to MU meetings can I urge you to give it a try – you may be in for a pleasant surprise.  Mothers’ Union has much to offer all age groups and all women, whether married, single or divorced.  And in these days of equality, men too are very welcome!
Good wishes to each of the branches in all their various activities and meetings throughout the remainder of this season and I look forward to meeting you all in due course.
Alison Rooke (Diocesan president)

 

NEWS FROM AROUND THE BRANCHES

Kilmoremoy

The MU had a really fun time when they joined forces with other members at the Presbyterian Hall for a Christmas party, kindly hosted by Revd Molly. We threw ourselves whole-heartedly into games imaginatively devised by Revd Molly, carols and a table quiz to get us all thinking. The evening was rounded off with cups of tea and plenty of delicious bring and share goodies.

Ballisodare: In September Gabrielle McSharry who has a degree in herbal medicine gave an informative talk – the main theme being to Think Traditional when eating food avoiding processed food.
October saw our members join with neighbouring MU branches in Granimore church where Niamh Daly from Tear Fund now known as Created, together with Elizabeth Tutty spoke about the work done by Created. This was followed by a sale of their products in the hall. Angela East started us thinking about Christmas with a floral arranging demonstration in early December while January 18th took us to the Catacombs in Sligo for our annual dinner which was enjoyed by all including some men folk.

Galway: St Nicholas’ Mothers’ Union group have had a full and varied programme of events so far this year, and we are looking forward to more! So far we have raised funds for development work in the Third World under the aegis of the MU Overseas Fund, by means of a cake sale and coffee morning. Then, we hosted a speaker from Cope’s Osterley Lodge for homeless women and children, to inform us about their work and focus our annual giving to them. Before Christmas, we facilitated the preparation of a considerable number of shoeboxes from St. Nicholas’ for the Team Hope project. Our sincere thanks to all who contributed so generously to this and to the Giving Tree for Cope and the Friendship Club.

There was fun too at the Christmas party where we made decorations and enjoyed Sally’s hospitality.  Early in January, for Inter-Church Unity week, we visited the Poor Clares’ Monastery on Nuns’ Island.

We met and talked to the sisters, enjoyed tea and finished the visit with Evening Prayer. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet the sisters whom we support with a hamper every Christmas. We thank the Rev. Andrea Wills for leading a Bible study and reflection in February and we look forward to helping with the Famine lunch after church on 3rd March in aid of Mabweni. After the Lady Day service on 20th March, we will assemble toiletries for Cope. The knitting and decorating of Easter chicks to support the work of Galway Hospice continues apace. Please buy one if you see them around. On 8th April we look forward to a Japanese night and origami workshop with Yoshimi Hagakawa. (Prepare to be amazed!) The knitting and decorating of Easter chicks to support the work of Galway Hospice continues apace. Please buy one if you see them around.

Achonry: Mothers’ Union  had an interesting talk by Stella Carroll on life in Palestine.  March began with the World Day of Prayer service in Tubbercurry, with Doris giving a challenging and thought-provoking address.  We joined with Skreen, for a talk on nutrition and different forms of relaxation.  March finishes with putting together bunches of daffodils, along with the ICA, for the Daffodil Day collection and April another planting night with the members from RSW.

 

TKA YOUTH

Bundoran and Sligo: Youngsters from across the Diocese joined with ‘Snacks’ Youth Club from Sligo for a day full of activities, firstly at the centre in Bundoran and later exploring the positives and negatives of church through practical exercises, led by Amy McCrea finishing with some bright, bold beautiful messy paintings, a reminder of just how beautiful things can be!

 

Annual Ice Skating Trip: The annual January skating trip to Dublin was again a great success despite the early start and the inevitable bruises!  Topped off, of course, with a bit of retail therapy in Dundrum and the obligatory burger and chips on the way home.

The Future: Coming up in the next few months, the Splash and Dig Groups plus any other young people who would like to join them, will be cycling on the Greenway on 19 May and the Senior Camp is going to Summer Madness 28 June – 2 July, camping in Glenarm Castle and the Junior Camp to Lisadell from 5-8 August, where activities will include Kayaking, Go Karting, Swimming, Walking, Workshops, and much more.  In addition to these Diocesan activities the individual youth groups organise their own events locally.

GFS: The girls are busy getting their craft entries ready for the Annual Celebration and Enrolment Day which takes place in Rathbarron on 21 April, where they meet together for a service on the theme of the year, put together by the Chaplain, in which the girls take an active part, doing the readings and prayers. They both perform dramas based on this year’s Bible study, currently in mid preparation, who knew the Bible could be such fun!!  As well as that, they are doing badge work, with Kilmoremoy enjoying the delights of the cookery badge!  All of this they hope will come in useful for the Coffee Evening and Bake Sale in aid of funds on Friday 15 March at the Presbyterian Hall in Ballina. The girls are also looking forward to their annual outing to Lough Key Forest Adventure Park where outdoor activities and pursuits are the order of the day, hopefully the sun will shine!

BB: Before Christmas BB’s focussed on badge work, particularly work in the community, and as part of that we made and sent small gifts to the Indoor members of the Mothers’ Union in the Diocese which were very well received especially the decorated picture frames, being used to proudly display grandchildren!

The boys had a great night bowling in Carrick on Shannon in early February, the competitive spirit was alive and well, but all done in good spirit, and then rounded off with a welcome trip to Supermacs on the way home, the recipe for smiles all around!

1^st Achonry Company, joined with the boys and leaders of the Region on 8 March for a quiz night, we may need to do some swotting before next year!  Back to Cavan on 24 March for the Northern Region service.  Then they have two nights of pottery with a potter who will teach the basics and then let them loose on their own pots!! These pots, will join with other things they have made over the last weeks for their sale of work, and ‘Family Fortunes night’, on 19 April, involving parents and siblings as well, all in aid of the chosen charity for the year Bóthar. The cheque will be presented, along with badges and the team awards at our Diocesan service on 28 April.

Children’s Ministry Group: The Pray and Play Training Day in Westport School, in February for those who work with children, covered:  Setting Up, Programme Planning, Resources, Drama, Bible Stories, Messy Church and much more.  The feedback was positive as a ‘taster’ session and further sessions on specific areas are planned in the future. Watch this space….

If you wish more information on these or anything to do with young people then contact either Steve Brickenden (youth officer) or Canon Kathy.

 

DIOCESAN COUNCIL NOTES

Diocesan Council Meeting 17/1/13

          

• Achill Summer Duty – Visiting clergy will be asked to contribute €20/day toward accommodation costs if they remain longer than two days.
• Council for Mission (Outreach & Overseas) – It was agreed to unite both committees and establish one committee.  Monthly services will continue in Claremorris until June.  The Advent collection jam jars may be retained for the Lenten collections.   The monies collected should then be given to parish treasurers for the Bishops’ Appeal Mabweni project.
• Diocesan Fun Day – Council for Mission is tasked with organizing the Fun Day later in the year.
• Errislannon – A new five year leasing arrangement has been approved.
• Glebe/Property – Select Vestries are reminded that the maintenance of Security Alarm Systems is a parish responsibility.   A new heating system has been installed in Killala Cathedral.   Permission was given for an application for LEADER funding for the McGee Memorial Hall in Dromore West.
• Rural Deanery Inspections – Inspections are on-going.      
• Safeguarding Trust – Training in Ballisodare 11^th Feb.   The Bishop and Diocesan Trainers will decide if parish audits are necessary in 2013.      In the event of accident/incident (regardless of whether or not a claim is imminent), Parishes are asked to inform their Insurance company immediately.
• Tidings – Contributors are asked to notify the editor of forthcoming events.  More advertising is required to maintain the new publication.
• Tax Relief on Charitable Donations – It is important that Parishes are aware of these changes – see notice below. (Full copy sent to Parochial Treasurers)
• Website – More information on forthcoming events is required.
• Youth – New signatories approved for the Youth Account.

 TKA DIARY

  April

4 Council for the West Meeting

7 Service in Claremorris 11.30am

14 MU Diocesan Service and Commissioning in Ballymote – Preacher Very Rev Raymond Ferguson, All Ireland MU Chaplain 3pm

20 Tuam MU Council 11am

21 GFS Diocesan Service – Screen 3pm

23 Council for Mission 11.30am

28 BB Diocesan Service – Rathbarron 3pm

29 Visit of the Bishop and Clergy of Moray, Ross and Caithness