Clonmel Union of Parishes: 2009

Monday, December 21, 2009

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Services 2009

Thursday December 24th

11.30pm (Midnight service) Holy Communion, St Paul's, Cahir

Friday December 25th

8.30am Holy Communion, Old St Mary's, Clonmel

9.30am Holy Communion, Holy Trinity, Fethard

11am Holy Communion, Tullaghmeelan

11am Holy Communion, Old St Mary's, Clonmel

Signed Munster Jersey

The auction of the signed Munster Jersey raised 401euro. The proceeds of this silent auction will go towards the painting of interior of St Paul's Cahir.

Thank you to all who placed bids.

The Bible Club

The next evening of storytelling and fun on

Friday, 22nd January 2010 @ 7.00pm at Old St. Mary's, Clonmel
– this is for all under 12s

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Signed Munster Jersey Auction _ Fundraiser

Charity Auction of a Jersey Signed by the Heineken Cup Panel 2009.

Send your name, contact details and bid to:

munster.bid@gmail.com
or
Text 0863634457

Bids only accepted between:
9am Tuesday the 8th december 2009 to 12 Midnight Friday the 18th December 2009.

Bids received outside these times will not be processed as part of the auction.

Proceeds in aid of the painting of St. Paul's Church, Cahir, Co Tipperary.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Singing Group –

Friday, 4th December@ 8.00pm in Old St. Mary’s –New voices are always welcome –whether you want to sit near the organ or not! We practise well known hymns etc and learn new ones.

Carol Services

Tuesday, 8th December – St Patrick’s, Marlfield @8.00pm

Sunday, 13th December - St. Paul’s, Cahir @ 7.30pm

Friday, 18th December – Old St. Mary’s,Clonmel @ 7.30pm

Sunday, 20th December - Holy Trinity, Fethard @ 7.30pm

“A Christmas Carol”

South Tipperary Rural Arts Group will present “A Christmas Carol” with Mary Flaherty, Soprano and Liz Ryan, mezzo Soprano on Saturday, 19th December @ 8.15pm in St. Paul’s Community Centre, Clogheen.

– Tickets €15 (to include mulled wine and mince pies)
– Tickets from 0876320899/0863667453/0866086638

Messiah –

The Messiah will be performed in St. Mary’s Church, Irishtown on the evening of 12th December @ 8.00pm.

Whist Drives –

The 2nd Friday of each month from Friday, 9th September – 9th April 2010
@ 7.45pm in the school hall across the street from Old St. Mary’s is the
place to be on those nights!
Donations of prizes for the raffle and contributions to the supper, both in help and food, most welcome! These events contribute to our efforts to meet our Sustentation/Assessment commitment.

Friday, 11th December @ 7.45pm (Christmas Drive)

Newcomers always welcome – beginners are welcomed and treated kindly!

Select Vestry –

The next meeting will take place in Tullameelan Church on 27th January 2010 @ 8.00pm – notices will not be posted to members before hand – so write it in on your kitchen calendar! The Rector will text those whose numbers she has a day or two before – if she does not have your mobile number, text her!

Fas –

With the advice of the Heritage council and the town gardener, three trees in the
churchyard of Old St. Mary’s have been identified as needing to be removed.
The Heritage Council are anxious that we would put together a plan for the future repair, renovation and use of Old St. Mary’s – the use would include ways of bringing in some revenue from visitors.
In these discussions, the Rector plans to include the other churches as part of the package as all of our churches have a very important historical, heritage and architectural importance.

St. Mary’s Parochial School (sometimes called the Model School)

Mr Andrew Colamn of Christian Aid visited the school during the month to talk about Christian Aid’s work in Haiti. His Power point presentation showed the visit of an Irish group to a school in Haiti, which has benefited from funds from Christian Aid. The children had lots of questions for Andrew, who has a particular talent in presenting his agency’s work to children. (his lovely west Cork accent helps!)

The school play will be presented in the G.A.A. Hall, Western Road on 9th December @ 3.00pm

Bible Study –

Thursdays during Advent, 5th, 12th & 19th December @ 8.00pm in the Rectory – subject: The stories of Jesus’ birth in the gospels of Matthew and Luke; based on the book “An Adult Christ at Christmas” – presented by the Rector and curate – all welcome!

Confirmation -

I have four names for Confirmation in 2010 – classes will begin
immediately after Christmas. Parents and candidates should be aware of the rule recently introduced in our diocese that you are confirmed where you attend preparation classes – ie. Preparation in school leads to confirmation in school and preparation in your parish leads to confirmation in the designated church in your parish/diocese. There will be no option to do otherwise. The bishop would not be prepared to confirm where adequate preparation has not been undertaken. Once again, let me remind you that adult confirmation has become part of many Confirmation services in our diocese – so if you lost out in your earlier years, it is never too late. Adult Baptism has also become quite usual in the context of the “Confirmation season” – in this instance, it is the Bishop who baptises.
If you would like to be confirmed, please speak to me personally or by phone as soon as possible. I do prefer that young people ask to be confirmed themselves – after all, they are going to make the vows themselves – confirmation is so much more than an occasion that ,sometimes, appears to be regarded as a “social” occasion that must be done with no further consequences. – we need to move away from that kind of thinking.
Confirmation will take place in St. Carthage’s Cathedral, Lismore on Sunday, 27th June 2010 – the early classes are due to plans already in place by the families concerned

The Tourist Office –

Dr Martin Mansergh, Minister for the Office of Public Works will officially open the Tourist Information Office at the Mainguard, Clonmel on Friday, 27th November.
Meanwhile the Secretary and Outreach Worker of the Tourism and Fisheries CE Scheme, of which we are part in Clonmel work in the former tourist office and ensure that Old St. Mary’s is open to the public for much of the week; Monday –Friday. We do have an arrangement for a contribution to heat and light.

Coffee Time –

Saturday, 16th January 2010 - This will be a “drop – in” type of morning and new faces are beginning to appear!! Your are invited – all of you – to drop into the Rectory on etween 10.00am – 12.30pm. The idea is to facilitate parishioners meeting each other over a cup of tea or coffee. There will be a biscuit and, if your lucky, maybe a scone and jam! There will be a jam-jar for anybody who might like to make a donation to the Hall Restoration Fund – no obligation! This invitation includes all of all ages

Bible Club –

Our first session went well but numbers were small ( The weather did not help!!) – we hope for growth in the future!

Next evening of storytelling and fun on Friday, 22nd January 2010 @ 7.00pm – for all under 12s.

Cashel, Waterford & Lismore Clerical Society –

This group met for worship in Old St.Mary’s on 19th November. The special speaker after lunch was Mr George Kidd, a Diocesan Reader, who spoke about his ministry
– very interesting.

Changes of Personnel –

We will be having changes of personnel in the diocese in the coming weeks:
Canon Nancy Gillespie will leave her position as Rector of Stradbally, Co. Laois and become part-time assistant to the Rector of Carlow – this move has been facilitated by the new rule on interchange between part-time and full-time ministry.
The Rev Susan Green (Orr) will take up her appointment as chaplain to Kilkenny College – a part-time appointment.
The Rev Olive Donohoe, at present Rector of Mountmellick, will take up her appointment as Priest-in-Charge of Stradbally Parish (Co. Laois) – this parish will cease to have a Rector at this time.
The Rev Stella Jones will leave Clonenagh Parish (Mountrath) and return to the Diocese of Cork.
The Rev Gunilla Alquist will leave Wexford Parish to return to Sweden after serving as Curate for a number of years.
Dean Norman Lynas has left Kilkenny Parish to take up a three-year contract ministry in Bermuda.
We pray for these clergy as they move into new situations and for the people of hte parishes who will experience change.

St Mary’s Hall –

All the rubbish has been cleared out of the hall and the fas workers have given it a coat of paint – it looks great, but there is no heating. The radiators and pipes are there – we need a boiler if we are to use it during the winter months. The roof needs replacing, but the building is safe for use. Any ideas? We don’t have the cash to do the needful at the moment.

Munster Jersey –

A generous donor has presented a Munster jersey, signed by the team, to be either raffled or auctioned in aid of the redecoration of St. Paul’s Church, Cahir.

Further details will be available at the weekend – there should be quite a number of parishioners or others who would like to own this or give it as a Christmas present! Thank-you donor!!

Baptisms -

Conor Thomas Whelan, infant son of Tommy & Emma, brother of Callum and Victoria and grandson of Marion High was baptised in Old St. Mary’s, on Saturday, 14th November.

Baptisms in our parish normally take place during Sunday morning worship and, usually, in the context of Holy Communion. To make arrangements, telephone the Rector. For adults and children old enough to answer for themselves, preparation classes are provided.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Email change

The Rector has a new email address.. frydayb@gmail.com

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Select Vestry –

The next meeting will take place in Holy Trinity Church, Fethard on Monday, 9th November 2009 @ 8.00pm – notices will not be posted to members before hand – so write it in on your kitchen calendar! The Rector will text those whose numbers she has a day or two before – if she does not have your mobile number, text her!

Service of Remembrance –

The annual remembrance of babies who have died in South Tipperary General Hospital will take place on Friday, 13th November @ 8.30pm. Parents, grandparents and other members of families who have suffered the death of a baby are welcome. The numbers have increased dramatically in recent years. For some, this is a very traumatic occasion. Staff and clergy try to make this a time for healing, remembrance and for mourning.

Carol Services 2009:

Sunday, 13th December - St. Paul’s, Cahir @ 7.30pm
Friday, 18th December – Old St. Mary’s @ 7.30pm
Sunday, 20th December - Holy Trinity, Fethard @ 7.30pm
Tuesday, 8th December – St Patrick’s, Marlfield @ 7.30pm

St Paul’s Church, Cahir-

As this issue is being printed, the parishioners of Cahir are preparing for their “Music for an Autumn Evening”. Proceeds of this musical evening will go to pay for the re-decoration of St. Paul’s Church.

Coffee Time –

This will be a “drop – in” type of morning and new faces are beginning to appear!! Your are invited – all of you – to drop into the Rectory on Saturday, 14th November 2009 between 10.00am – 12.30pm. The idea is to facilitate parishioners meeting each other over a cup of tea or coffee. There will be a biscuit and, if your lucky, maybe a scone and jam! There will be a jam-jar for anybody who might like to make a donation to the Hall Restoration Fund – no obligation! This invitation includes all of all ages

Whist Drives –

The 2nd Friday of each month from Friday, 9th September – 9th April 2010 @ 7.45pm in the school hall across the street from Old St. Mary’s is the place to be on those nights! Donations of prizes for the raffle and contributions to the supper, both in help and food, most welcome! These events contribute to our efforts to meet our Sustentation/Assessment commitment.
Friday, 13th November @ 7.45pm
Friday, 11th December @ 7.45pm (Christmas Drive)
Newcomers always welcome – beginners are welcomed and treated kindly!

Bible Club –

This is for the under 12s and will take place once a month in Old St. Mary’s on the 3rd Friday, 20th November from 7.00pm – 8.00pm. We will focus on preparation for the 4th Sunday Service of the Word – there will be stories, singing, colouring and fun. As the Rector has completed Safeguarding Trust training and is exempt from being barred from doing youth work as a member of the Panel, she will help on these evenings.

Singing Group –

Friday, 6th, 20th November @ 8.00pm in Old St. Mary’s – Unfortunately we had to cancel our session in October due to a diocesan meeting in the church.
New voices are always welcome –whether you want to sit near the organ or not! We practise well known hymns and learn new ones.

Theatre Evening-

Seven of us enjoyed the fun of Panto on 25th October in Carrick-on-Suir.

St Mary’s will be presenting “The Pirates of Penzance in the White Memorial Theatre, Clonmel in November – maybe we can get a group together on the Sunday night.

Baptisms –

Kris & Leon Rohrssen, 2 ½ year old twins of Folke and Annika were baptised
in St. Paul’s Church, Cahir on Sunday, 11th October. The boys took a very
active part in the Service; even nominating who would be baptised first. The
service was conducted in English and German and thank-you Lisa for playing
the organ.
Baptisms in our parish normally take place during Sunday morning worship and, usually, in the context of Holy Communion. To make arrangements, telephone the Rector. For adults and children old enough to answer for themselves, preparation classes are provided.

Confirmation 2010 -

I have some names for Confirmation in 2010 – classes will begin
immediately after Christmas. Parents and candidates should be aware of the rule recently introduced in our diocese that you are confirmed where you attend preparation classes – ie. Preparation in school leads to confirmation in school and preparation in your parish leads to confirmation in the designated church in your parish/diocese. There will be no option to do otherwise. The bishop would not be prepared to confirm where adequate preparation has not been undertaken. Once again, let me remind you that adult confirmation has become part of many Confirmation services in our diocese – so if you lost out in your earlier years, it is never too late. Adult Baptism has also become quite usual in the context of the “Confirmation season” – in this instance, it is the Bishop who baptises.
If you would like to be confirmed, please speak to me personally or by phone as soon as possible. I do prefer that young people ask to be confirmed themselves – after all, they are going to make the vows themselves – confirmation is so much more than an occasion that ,sometimes, appears to be regarded as a “social” occasion that must be done with no further consequences. – we need to move away from that kind of thinking.

St. Mary’s Parochial School

St. Mary’s Parochial School (sometimes called the Model School)
Plans are now being put in place towards gaining our second green flag – for energy.
Thank-you to parents who are prepared to help towards keeping the grass at the car park entrance tidy.
With regard to parking at the school entrance on Western Road – as with all public parking areas, nobody has a “right” to expect that spaces will be reserved for them. All street parking in areas with no restrictions is for everybody.

The Tourist Office –

As I write this the tourist is office is on the move to the Mainguard – the move will be completed early next week, but the secretary & outreach worker will remain in the church. We now have an arrangement for some contribution to heat & light.

Repair Works & Invoices

Invoices –All proposed repairs etc., must be sanctioned by the Select Vestry and proper procedures followed. In emergencies the sanction of the Rector and/or treasurer is required. All invoices must be made out to “Clonmel Union of Parishes” and it is for the Treasurer alone to pay for sanctioned work and services. All cheques must be made out to “Clonmel Union of Parishes” – the banks have become extremely fussy and with the changes in Charities Legislation we will in future be subject to auditing and so our financial procedures must be carried out in proper order.

Gospel Choir Concert 11th November

St. Mary’s Church Ballintemple (Dundrum) recently had their tower re- roofed as an emergency safety measure. They are a very small rural congregation and I and the Rev Carter have a special interest in it!
Gospel Choir Concert in St. Mary’s Church, Ballintemple (Dundrum) on 11th November @ 8.00pm – Booking with the Rector.

St Mary’s Hall –

Our Fas workers are clearing out all the rubbish from the hall at the moment and will be giving it a coat (or two) of “magnolia” paint. The toilet renovation will be completed shortly and, although there is no heating, we will be able to use the premises for some activities. There are plans to finish the temporary repairs on the roof, which will give us some time to raise the funds for the major repair and renovation that is required.

Fas –

I’m sure you have been enjoying the brighter appearance of the grounds of Old St.
Mary’s. When Spring arrives the grounds should be a vision of crocuses, tulips and
daffodils – all part of the horticultural course our participants have been undertaking. Out thanks is due to the town gardener who has offered valuable advice. The trees along the railings have also been trimmed back to prevent branches falling on cars and pedestrians.

“Sunday Life” on Tipp Fm –

This programme of prayer, meditation and hymns is broadcast on Tipp Fm every Sunday mornign at 7.00am .
The Rector will next broadcast on Sunday, 8th November 2009 @7.00am.

Diocesan Synod –

Our diocesan Synod took place in the Woodlands Hotel, Waterford on 21st October. We were well represented and your giving of your time in the governance of your diocese is greatly appreciated. There is a slow but steady movement toward full unity of our large diocese. It was good to see members from Ferns contributing to the Cashel report and vice-versa. The new arrangement of praying, working and eating at the same table worked well. Two members from our link diocese of Sodor and Man attended, as did representatives of other Churches. It was a long day in which we did the business of the diocese, met old friends and got to know new people and all done in the right spirit. The Diocesan Council now does its work for the Synod at its meetings during the year.

Shrapnel Fund –

I know you haven’t forgotten about the shrapnel fund which is part of our initiative to pay off our debt. Bags of coins continue to come in. We have aked that as many of you as possible would put your loose change into a jam jar and give the proceeds to us to help with our effort to get rid of the debt. Shirley Clooney has taken charge of the counting etc. Over €1,000has now been given in this part of our project.

Hymnbooks & Prayerbooks –

There is a limited stock of hymnbooks and prayerbooks availabe at Old St Mary’s. cost €20 each. Every household should have, at least, one copy of each and, of course, a Bible.

Womens World Day of Prayer 2010 –

Friday, 5th March 2010 – St. Peter & St. Paul’s, Clonmel

Harvest Thanksgivings –

The Bishop celebrated a Harvest Eucharist in St. Paul’s Church,
Cahir on 11th October. The parishioners had decorated the church beautifully. Maureen Ahearne and her choir led the singing and sang during Communion. Thank-you to the decorators and to those who produced the refreshments afterwards in the Butler/Charteris Hall.
The Rev James Mulhall was the preacher in Tullameelan on 18th October. The church was full, the children brought up their baskets of fruit and vegetables and the church was beautifully decorated. The really impressive part of this celebration was the number of parishioners who shared in the decorating. Refreshments were provided by the parishioners in Knocklofty house Hotel by kind invitation. Thank-you everybody!

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Confirmation 2010 –

It is time, once again, for us to inform the Bishop of the names of those wishing to be confirmed. I prefer that those wishing to be confirmed ask me themselves – confirmation is, after all, a time to make one’s commitment to Christ for one’s self. A telephone call, quick chat after church or, even, by email, is sufficient to get your name on the list. If you missed out when younger, it is never too late and it has become quite common for mature adults and young people to be prepared for confirmation together and to share in the same service. Dates for confirmation will be arranaged by the bishop in the coming weeks. Preparation classes are arranged to suit the candidates and the Rector/Curate.

Harvest Thanksgivings;

Sunday, 18th October – Tullaghmeelan – Rev James Mulhall NSM @ 3.00pm

Theatre Evening-

“Robinson Caruso” @ Strand Theatre, Carrick-on-Suir on Sunday evening, 25th October – Tickets €10 – booking with Rector.

Singing Group –

Friday, 16th & 30th October 2009 @ 8.15pm in Old St. Mary’s – the 16th will take place in the room above the tourist office as there is a diocesan meeting in the church - New voices are always welcome –whether you want to sit near the organ or not! We practise well known hymns etc and learn new ones.

Whist Drives –

Our first whist drive made a good start to the season. Held the 2nd Friday of each month from Friday, 9th September – 9th April 2010 @ 7.45pm in the school hall across the street from Old St. Mary’s is the place to be on those nights!

Donations of prizes for the raffle and contributions to the supper, both in help and food, most welcome! These events contribute to our efforts to meet our Sustentation/Assessment commitment.
Friday, 13th November @ 7.45pm
Friday, 11th December @ 7.45pm (Christmas Drive)
Newcomers always welcome – beginners are welcomed and treated kindly!

Coffee Time –

Helping Others –

Bereavement –

We sympathise with Anne and Bob Savage who have both been bereaved.
Anne’s mum died at the age of 93 years and bob’s nephew was killed in a
road accident, both in England. May they rest in peace

St. Mary’s Parochial School (sometimes called the Model School) –

Having taken a very active part in the Harvest Thanksgiving Service in Old St. Mary’s, the schoolchildren brought their baskets of fruit and vegetables to Mariancourt the following Monday morning.
Thank-you to Rev James who visited the school in preparation for the 4th Sunday Service in September – the children loved his time with them and his lesson on St. Michael and All Angels.

Break-in at Holy Trinity –

The church was broken into sometime during the night of 30th September. Having removed part of a window in the vestry, the culprits sprayed foam from a fire extinguisher on almost all surface and then sprinkled petrol & oil on wooden surfaces. Thankfully no matches we lit. Thank-you to Brian Palmer who organised for cleaners to clean up the mess in time for the Harvest Thanksgiving.

Harvest Thanksgiving -

Thank-you to those who decorated Old St. Mary’s Clonmel and Holy Trinity Fethard for the Harvest Thanksgiving Services we have had so far.
The congregation in Old St. Mary’s was over 200 and in Holy Trinity, 85. Both churches were beautifully decorated for the occasion.
The choirs of St. Mary’s, Irishtown, St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s and St. Olivers were present in Clonmel. The friars from the Franiscans took part in the worship. Archdeacon Murray preached a though provoking sermon with many challenges in it.
The Dean of Lismore, the Very Rev Paul Draper preached another challenging sermon in Holy Trinity. The curate, Fr Anthony MacSweeny and Fr John from the Augustinians attended and took part.
On both occasions, refreshments were served by parishioners. Thank-you, everybody for your efforts.

Fas –

The new arrangement at Old St. Mary’s is going very well. There are 5 participants, but when the scheme to which they have been assigned rolls over at the end of October, one of these men will end his time with Fas. His replacement will be chosen from Cahir (under the Clonmel St Vincent de Paul Scheme) and will work at St. Paul’s and Kilcommon under a Cahir scheme.
There is no Fas scheme in the Tullaghmeelan area, so we will be making arrangements to help them in the coming year to maintain the church and grounds

Select Vestry –

The next meeting will take place in Holy Trinity Church, Fethard Monday, 9th November 2009 @ 8.00pm – notices will not be posted to members before hand – so write it in on your kitchen calendar! The Rector will text those whose numbers she has a day or two before – if she does not have your mobile number, please text her!

Treasurer –

Caroline Quaid is settling into her new role as Parish Treasurer. She is putting in place some measures that will ensure that your contributions are acknowledged promptly and that lodgements etc are seen to efficiently. The Select Vestry, at its last meeting, decided that there should be only one current account for the day-to-day running of the parish. We will continue to have local accounts for building, restoration and repairs – these funded from fundraising.

“Sunday Life” on Tipp Fm –

This programme of prayer, meditation and hymns is broadcast on Tipp Fm every Sunday mornign at 7.00am .
The Rector will next broadcast on Sunday, 8th November 2009 @7.00am

Organ Marathon –

The final sum raised by the bishop form his Organ Marathon is €56,292 . Our diocesan Outreach Project in Seoul, South Korea, which assists in the ministry to Anglicans in the that areas by the Ven. Paul Mooney, former Archdeacon of Ferns, Bishops Appeal, the Church of Ireland aid agency, Protestant Aid will benefit for this amazing effort. As a result, our bishop doesn’t seem inclined to sing “Come, ye thankful people, come,” at the moment!!! Thank-you to all who supported this effort.

The Tourist Office –

The tourist office, which has been housed in Old St. Mary’s for the last four years will move to the Mainguard, Clonmel sometime in the near future. The Secretary and outreach worker will remain in the church and this will greatly assist us in keeping Old St. Mary’s open to the public.
Those of you who have been at Old St. Mary’s will see the improvements that have been made in the grounds. Bulbs are being planted in the new flowerbeds at the moment. The renovation of the toilets in the hall is approaching completion

The Tourist Office –

School Extension Blessing –

The rector attended the blessing of the new extension at the CBS school on 1st October. The blessing was performed by Bishop Lee and the extension was opened Dr Martin Mansergh T.D. It with some horror that I heard that only 1/3 of the Department of Education and Science budget for building in 2009 has been either spent or allocated so far this year.

Shrapnel Fund -

I hope you haven’t forgotten about the shrapnel fund which is part of our initiative to pay off our debt. We have asked that as many of you as possible would put your loose change into a jam jar and give the proceeds to us to help with our effort to get rid of the debt. Shirley Clooney has taken charge of the counting etc. Over €1,000 has now been given in this part of our project.

Diocesan Synod –

Our diocesan Synod takes place in the Woodlands Hotel, Waterford on 21st October. We will be represented by the Rector, the Rev James and five who were elected at the triennial elections last year. As the Rev James has forfeited his layman status the 1st supplementalist takes his place. We welcome Jenny Nash to Diocesan Synod. This meeting of the con-joint synods of Cashel & Ossory and Ferns reviews the workings of the diocese in the last year and is empowered to make diocesan rules based on the Constitution of the Church of Ireland – please pray for us as we do this important business on your behalf.

Safeguarding Trust –

The latest newsletter explains who should be contacted by the Parish Panel in the event of an incident or suspicion of an incident of abuse of minors coming to the knowledge of the Parish Panel. The members of the Parish Panel in this parish are :
The Rector: Tel 052 6187464/086-2750735
Mrs Mulhall: Tel 051 646984
Dr Alan Thomas: Tel 052 28235
The next training day is Saturday, 17th October @ 10.30am – If you would like to help with setting up youth work in our parish , you speak to the Rector and attend on this day

October 25th –

The Service on this, the fourth Sunday of the month, is a Service of the Word that is oriented towards family worship. The children of our Parochial School more-or-less conduct the Service with parents taking an active part as well. We have many children in our parish who do not attend the Parochial School and it is the Rev James and my hope that more of these families would join in this service particularly. In order to spread participation wider than the school, I need you, the parents, co-operation in organising the Service. If I might have names of children who might read or lead prayers, take up the collection or do other things, please, ring me – if you get the answering machine leave a message and I will get back to you or use my mobile number.

St Paul’s Church, Cahir-

Sometimes we scorn the raising of small sums of money. We love to make large sums. But small amounts do add up to great achievements. At our most recent Select Vestry meeting, the members gave the parishioners of St Paul’s permission to paint the church. A lot of work has been done on this historic building in recent years and now, probably in January, the present work will be completed with its redecoration. Congratulations is due to the small group who have “stuck with it” and reached this point. A small fundraising event is all that is needed to do this work.

Butler/Charteris Hall -

The work on the hall is completed and the bills are paid. A big thank-you to Rev Carter for his diligence in getting everything into order.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Helping Others –

*****Change of date*****
St. Mary’s Church Ballintemple (Dundrum) recently had their tower
re- roofed as an emergency safety measure. They are a very small rural congregation and I and the Rev Carter have a special interest in it!
Gospel Choir Concert in St. Mary’s Church, Ballintemple (Dundrum) on Wednesday 11th November @ 8.00pm – Booking to the Rector.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Tullaghameelan Harvest Resheduled

Tullaghameelan Harvest Resheduled because of the World Military Cycle Championship to Sunday, 18th October 2009 @ 3.00pm
No Service in Tullaghmeelan on 13th September as roads are closed in that area from 6am – 6pm on that day – restricted traffic in Clonmel on that day also.

“Sunday Life” on Tipp Fm –

“Sunday Life” on Tipp Fm –The Rector will next broadcast on 24th September @7.00am.

Whist Drives –

Yes!, the new season is upon us! The 2nd Friday of each month from Friday, 9th September – 9th April 2010 @ 7.45pm in the school hall across the street from Old St. Mary’s is the place to be on those nights! Donations of prizes for the raffle and contributions to the supper, both in help and food, most welcome! These eventscontribute to our efforts to meet our Sustentation/Assessment commitment.
Friday, 11th September @ 7.45pm
Friday, 9th October @ 7.45pm
Friday, 13th November @ 7.45pm
Friday, 11th December @ 7.45pm (Christmas Drive)

Theatre Evening-

“Robinson Caruso” @ Strand Theatre, Carrick-on-Suir on Sunday evening, 25th October – Tickets €10 – booking with Rector.

Church Missionary Society Roadshow –

Model School, Kilkenny (beside entrance to Kilkenny College), Thursday, 1st October @ 7.30pm

Sunday, 28th September –

Teenagers –

“Anois”, the Church of Ireland Youth event in Kilkenny College on Sunday, 25th October 2009 – details later.

Singing Group –

New voices are always welcome – we usually practise on the 1st & 3rd Fridays of the month at Old St. Mary's, Clonmel. If you don’t want to sit with those who are making a huge commitment to leading worship, do open your hymn book and sing! Our small group does not pretend to be very professional, but appreciation of their efforts rather than criticism of their small failings does encourage them to continue. If we want perfection, we must contribute to it!

Harvest Thanksgivings –

These special occasions owe some of their appeal to the church decorations. In recent years contributions of flowers vegetables, fruit and greenery and help in actually doing the decorating has not been good. The same is true for Christmas and Easter.
Where the service is on a Sunday, Saturday would be the day for decorating – probably in mid-afternoon and for a weekday, during the day, up to 4.30pm approx would be suitable. And don’t forget the dismantling – we don’t have anybody to do this for us and many hands really do make light work!

Select Vestry –

The next meeting will take place in the Butler/Charteris Hall,
Cahir on Wednesday, 7th October 2009 @ 8.00pm – notices will not
be posted to members before hand – so write it in on your kitchen calendar!

Fas –

The new arrangement at Old St. Mary’s is going very well. There are 5 participants, but when the scheme to which they have been assigned rolls over at the end of October, one of these men will end his time with Fas. His replacement will be chosen from Cahir and will work at St. Paul’s and Kilcommon under a Cahir scheme.
There is no Fas scheme in the Tullaghmeelan area.

New Life –

Congratulations to Eoin and Wendy Hislop on the birth of Peter, a very welcome brother for George, Alice and William and a new grandson for Granddad and Granny Cunningham.

Our School

St. Mary’s Parochial School (sometimes called the Model School) – The children, teachers and staff returned to school on 1st September. We welcome Ms Kenny, the new pupils and the Ruttle family back into our school. After many years of trying to sort out our position regarding lease and trustees we now know that we need put no new procedures in place.

Organ Marathon –

Bishop Michael player “Come ye thankful people, come” on all but one of the organs in our parish. Kilvemnon was not visited as there has been no service in the church for many years and is effectively closed for Public Worship.
Thank-you to those who turned out and sang along. We will be sending our donation towards the three charities who are to benefit form this diocesan effort; Protestant Aid, which assists in helping members of our Church who are in need of finacial assistance, Our diocesan Outreach Project in Soul, South Korea, which assists in the ministry to Anglicans in the that areas by the Ven. Paul Mooney, former Archdeacon of Ferns and Bishops Appeal, the Church of Ireland aid agency.

Coffee Time –

This will be a “drop – in” type of morning and new faces are beginning to appear!! Your are invited – all of you – to drop into the Rectory on Saturday, 10th October 2009 between 10.00am – 12.30pm. The idea is to facilitate parishioners meeting each other over a cup of tea or coffee. There will be a biscuit and, if your lucky, maybe a scone and jam! There will be a jam-jar for anybody who might like to make a donation to the Hall Restoration Fund – no obligation! This invitation includes all of all ages

Walled Town Day –

In spite of the rain both venues in South Tipperary enjoyed success. The events at old St. Mary’s had to be confined to the church, but a goodly number of people enjoyed Banna Cluain Meala and varius activities.
Fethard is light years beyond Clonmel! On the Saturday night the conservation plan for the walls of Fethard was launch. On the Sunday our church was open all afternoon and the visitor numbers were greatly increased on last year – thanks to the rain! As usual the streets and riverside was alive with activity.

Shrapnel Fund -

I hope you haven’t forgotten about the shrapnel fund which is part of our initiative to pay off our debt. We have aked that as many of you as possible would put your loose change into a jam jar and give the proceeds to us to help with our effort to get rid of the debt. Shirley Clooney has taken charge of the counting etc. Over €1,000 has now been given in this part of our project.

Tourist Office Website-

The minister for State for the Office of Public Works, Dr Martin Mansergh TD launched the Clonmel Tourist Office website on 26th August at Old St. Mary’s. Mr Simon Molloy presented a powerpoint presentation on the reopening of the salmon runs on the river Suir and Barrow. It was very interesting to see how this work was carried out using, in particular, old methods; such as willow wattling. The ladies in the tourist office treated their guests to a sumptious lunch.

The Tourist Office –

The tourist office, which has been housed in Old St. Mary’s for the last four years will move to the Mainguard, Clonmel at the end of this month. The Secretary and outreach worker will remain in the church and this will greatly assist us in keeping Old St. Mary’s open to the public.
Those of you who have been at Old St. Mary’s will see the improvements that have been made in the grounds.

Parish Treasurer –

Caroline Quaid has take over as Parish Treasurer. We thank the Rev James Mulhall for all he has done in this post during the recent past – there are few who can boast that they volunteered for this job!

Marriage Registers –

The Rector has met with the Civil Registrar and the process of checking that each entry is registered is in progress. The parish will retain one copy while the second copy will be kept by the Office of the General Registrar.

Baptisms, Marriages & Funerals –

The correct procedure for arranging these is to contact the Rector. The Rev James will not be added to the state’s List of Solemnizers until he completes his 1st year of ministry – he cannot officiate at weddings until such time as he is added to the list

Christian Burial –

Kenneth (Ken) Reid died in Australia in June 2006. A Funeral Service was held in Old St. Mary’s on 29th August, conducted by the Rev Arthur Carter. Friends and family joined in giving thanks for his life. His ashes were interred in the churchyard of St. Patrick’s, Inishlounaght.
May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

Tullaghameelan Harvest Resheduled

Tullaghameelan Harvest has had to be Resheduled because of the World Military Cycle Championship, It shall now take place on Sunday, the 18th October 2009 @ 3.00pm
No Service in Tullaghmeelan on 13th September as roads are closed in that area from 6am – 6pm on that day – restricted traffic in Clonmel on that day also.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Harvest Thanksgivings;

Sunday, 13th September – Tullaghmeelan – Rev James Mulhall NSM @ 3.00pm
Friday, 2nd October – Old St. Mary’s – Archdeacon John Murray @8.00pm
Sunday, 4th October – Holy Trinity, Fethard – The Dean of Lismore @8.00pm
Sunday, 11th October – St. Paul’s, Cahir – Harvest Eucharist – The Bishop @ 7.30pm

The Harvest Thanksgiving in Old St. Mary’s will be a “Songs of Praise” with the choir s of St Peter’s & St. Paul’s and St. Mary’s, Irishtown.

Holy Baptism –

Tullaghmeelan was the venue for the Baptism of Aurora Faith and Brandon Conor Wolfe Morre, children of Gary and Melissa Newcastle on Sunday, 12th July. This growing congregation is becoming very much a very family friendly place of worship. We look forward to Aurora and Brandon growing in the knowledge and love of their Lord.

Jacob John Patrick Mulhall, son of the Rev James and Suzanne was baptised by his Dad on Sunday, 2nd August in Old St. Mary’s in the presence of a large congregation of family, friends and parishioners.

We look forward to Aurora, Brandon and Jacob growing in the knowledge and love of their Lord.

Fas –

Our new Fas schemes will come into operation on Monday, 3rd August. We do not have a date for the Tourist Office’s move to the Main-Guard. The Secretary and outreach worker will remain in the church. It is hoped that their presence for quite a bit of the week will help us keep Old St. Mary’s open to the public, but we do need to review this situation.
As we say “Good-bye” to Cormac Logue, our Fas Supervisor for a quite a number of years, we hope to show our appreciation of what he did during his time with us. There will be an opportunity to say “Thank-you” in the near future and if you would like to contribute to a token of our gratitude, Bob Savage will be glad to accept your donation.
There will be no change in personnel at Old St. Mary’s in the new arrangement.

Bereavement -

Elspeth Wynn (nee Parker) – The death occured recently in Coventry
of Elspeth Wynn who grew up on Mitchelstown Road, Cahir. Her mother, Eileen, was organist in St. Paul’s for many years. Her father, Merith, was a keen fisherman. Elspeth was predecesaed by her husband and our sympathy goes to her son, Tony, and her brothers Bertie and Tommy. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.

Select Vestry –

The next meeting of the Select Vestry will take place in Old St. Mary’s Clonmel on Wednesday, 2nd September @ 8.00pm – Select Vestry members should write it in on your kitchen calendar!

Baptisms, Marriages & Funerals –

Coffee Time –

This will be a “drop – in” type of morning and new faces are beginning to appear!! Your are invited – all of you – to drop into the Rectory on Saturday, 22nd August 2009 between 10.00am – 12.30pm. The idea is to facilitate parishioners meeting each other over a cup of tea or coffee. There will be a biscuit and, if your lucky, maybe a scone and jam! There will be a jam-jar for anybody who might like to make a donation to the Hall Restoration Fund – no obligation! This invitation includes all of all ages

Whist Drives –

Yes!, it’s almost time for a new season! The 2nd Friday of each month
from September – April @ 7.45pm at the school hall across the street from Old St. Mary’s.
Donations of prizes for the raffle and contributions to the supper, both in help and food, most welcome! These events give our efforts to meet our Sustentation/Assessment a great boost!

Envelope Scheme & Sustentation/Assessment –

It is important that those of you who take part in the envelope scheme ensure that your number is on each envelope you return. Add the date, if it is important to you. You keep your number from year to year. This is to ensure that our records of your giving is kept accurately, both for your information and for that of Inland Revenue.

Readers -

One hundred years ago in 1909, the Church of Ireland introduced that Office of Reader. A Reader wears a cassock, surplice and blue scarf – they have undergone a pretty intensive training and are licensed to read Morning & Evening Prayer and may conduct a funeral in the absence of an ordained person being available. Services of the Word may be authorised by the Rector of the parish who has full responsibility for all matters in worship. Readers have no pastoral ministry and work only at the request and under the direction of the Rector in whose parish they conduct worship. It isn’t appropriate to ask a Reader to change any item in worship or to expect any pastoral advice or care.
The centenary of this ministry that serves our Church so well will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin on Saturday, 28th November 2009.

Swine Flu - Message From the Bishop

1. At the moment I do not see a need to withdraw the common cup as a matter of policy. It is up to people to decline politely and quietly to drink from it, not for us to refuse to offer it. If they do choose not to drink, that should be respected- communion in one kind only has always been considered when necessary to be complete. What should be avoided is people dipping the host in the chalice rather than drinking from it - this is extremely unhygenic as their fingers will very probably make contact with the wine. On those fairly rare occasions when communion by intinction continues to be practised (eg one to one with the sick) it is the celebrant who mixes the elements with the greatest possible care to use clean hands.
3. After the Peace, however, there is a particular onus on the clergy to have clean hands (as well as a pure heart) before they handle the bread. The ancient tradition of the priest's handwashing is now proving to have a more practical use. Where - as in most cases - actual thorough handwashing in the sanctuary cannot be done, there is a great deal to be said for the use of antiseptic wipes before the thanksgiving and distrbution on the part of the Eucharistic presider and the assistants. The visible provision of supplies of such wipes in the porches etc of churches could also have much practical value - provided they are used properly! – this will be introduced immediately.
4. People who feel they have flu like symptoms should stay at home rather than struggle to church. The same applies to the clergy - a supposedly heroic but sick priest struggling on at the altar is the last thing that congregations need at the moment. if you need sick leave take it - and the diocese will just have to do its best to cover the gaps
5. We will plastic bag lined bins for the hygienic disposal of tissues and wipes.
6. Hands should be very clean particularly before babies are handled at baptism wipes will be supplied
7. It is unwise to visit people who are housebound with flu - contact by phone is the best option. When visiting places such as nursing homes where residents are at high risk, please follow the advice of professional staff and accept that there may be occasions when, despite all your pastoral instincts, it is best to stay away for a few days.
8. If down the road further advice is needed about a more dramatic reponse (eg cancelling events or if schools are to be closed) that advice will of course be given. For the moment, as in so many areas, sanctified common sense is what is called for - bearing in mind that there are many unexpected dangers out there to our frail flesh as well as this one. O God who knowest us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright.. (Abp Thomas Cranmer)

Walled Town Day –

Both Fethard and Clonmel are among the few walled towns left in Ireland. Sunday, 23rd August is the day. There will be workshhops in our hall and events at the walls at Old St. Mary’s in the afternoon. Fethard plans something similar to their more lavish celebrations of the last few years on the day – the church will be open in the afternoon and there will be fun and games for all!

Our Debt –

In mid-June this stood at just €40,000. It is, at present reducing at about €1,000 per month. Thank-you to all those families who continue to ensure that this burden on the parish will be gone in another four years and so is allowing us to make progress in other areas of parish life. Thanks are due to those who are contributing to removing this financial burden from us all. If you pledged an annual contribution you might consider giving it now. Thank-you!

“Sunday Life” on Tipp Fm –

The Rector will next broadcast on 24th September @7.00am.

Singing Group –

Next meetings in Old St. Mary’s @ 8.00pm on Fridays 7th, 21st August and 4th September New faces & voices welcome!

Summer Visitors –

There has been an improvement in the use of the tourist Office based at Old St Mary's Church. There has also been a considerable increase in the number of visitors seeking information about their ancestors.

Disco –

The Disco for disabled young people in the Park Hotel was a huge success.George Hogg plans that this will be a monthly event. Look out for future dates and times!

Concert –

Martin Hayes & Denis Cahill. With fiddle and guitar wowed a full Church in Old St. Mary’s on Wednesday, 8th July as part of the Junction Festival.

Welcome –

To the Very Rev Paul Draper and his family as they take up residence in Lismore.

Charles Agar Weekend –

Congratulations are due to Dean Knowles and his many helpers on the success of the Agar BI-Centennial Weekend. Cashel Cathedral looked great and the music and learning was wonderful. The festival Service, with the Archbishop of Armagh preaching, was memorable

Organ Marathon –

Our bishop has a new Project to raise funds for charity. The
beneficiaries of his latest “scheme” receive their donations from an Organ Marathon in which he will play “Come Ye Thankful People Come” in every church in the diocese between 27th August and 13th September. He expects to find some people present when he arrives at each church to sing along with him!!!
The beneficiaries of his efforts will be Bishops Appeal and USPG (to share40%), Protestant Aid (40%) and the Rev Paul Mooney’s (former Rector of New Ross) Outreach Initiative to Anglicans in Seoul, South Korea (20%).
To raise funds we will give all our Collections on Sunday, 23rd August 2009 to this project.
And the date and times to sing “Come Ye Thankful People ,Come” with our Bishop here in this parish are:
Date: Saturday, 29th August 2009
Times: Holy Trinity, Fethard – 12.30pm
Old St. Mary’s, Clonmel – 2.00pm
St Patrick’s, Inislonaght (Marlfield) – 2.45pm
Tullaghmeelan - 3.15pm
St Paul’s, Cahir- 4.15pm
Be there!!!!

Gospel Concert -

It’s short notice! – but James Kilbane will give a Gospel concert at Clogheen Church on Monday, 3rd August from 3-5pm – Donation
€15 in aid of the Church Painting fund.

Marriage Registers –

Until 5th November 2008, the Church of Ireland held the State Registers of Marriages for those solemnised in our churches. Now that we have the new legislation, these registers must be officially closed. In the coming weeks I will take the registers and their duplicates to the local registrar who will officially close them and return the duplicate copies to me for safe keeping.
We are becoming more aware of the lack of safeguards against falsification of vital evidence in the planning of marriages.

New Parish Treasurer –

Caroline Quaid will take over the Parish Treasyrership in the coming
weeks. We thank the Rev James Mulhall for all he has done in this post
during the recent past.

Brochure Launch –

The Rector attended the launch of Cahir Tourisms new Brochure on the evening of the 23rd July.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Coffee Time –

Whist Drives –

The new season will begin in September. Contributions to raffles and suppers will be most appreciated. These take place on 2nd Friday of the month.

Licensing @ Lismore Cathedral

The Bishop has asked me to convey his thanks to the parish for the enormous support you gave to Rev James Mulhall at his licensing in Lismore Cathedral on 24th June.
I want to thank everybody also, but, also, for your enthusiasm and the encouragement you showed in helping to make Sunday, 28th June a memorable day for the Mulhall family and for the parish. It wasn’t just those of you who could be present on both occasions, but the many people who contributed although they could not be present on both occasions.
The Rev James’ licensing to serve in this parish for, at least, a year is a landmark in the life of our parish. The numbers of Anglicans living within our parish boundaries far exceed any estimates that have been made to date. Each person is entitled to the type of pastoral care that has not been possible during the last few years. The workload is too much for one person to accomplish to the type of standard that I expect to provide.
No consideration has been given to the increase in time required in the hospital chaplaincy since St. Joseph’s became a General Hospital. This is the largest unit in area in the diocese, but the numbers returned in censuses has given the impression of a very small population. Having three towns and many villages in our parish demands a greater presence than one person could possibly manage.
Having an assistant will lighten the load and help us move forward in a more positive way. But, beginning things which may be limited again in a year’s time is not something I want to embark on. I hope that by initiating new aspects in ministry will put us in a position for our present level of “manpower” to continue into the future. Rev James and I cannot do this by ourselves – we need your help and co-operation.
With Fas no longer requiring, at least, one room in the tower, we will, after the end of this month, have a further facility for activities. We also need to utilise the Butler/Charteris Hall in Cahir. And we could use our other buildings to better advantage.
I know we want to move forward, and where many put their hands to the wheel there is better and more efficient and each carries a much lighten burden than when there are only a few willing people.

Link Diocese –

The Rector, as the new co-ordinator of our new Link with the diocese of Sodor & Mann visited the Isle of Man with the bishop and other members of the new committee. We met with Bishop Robert Paterson and his new committee having been met at Douglas Airport by the diocesan outreach mini-bus. Our day included a visit to the tynwald, the oldest parliament in the world and had a tour of the island.
Each of us had time to chat with our counterpart. My role as well as being co-ordinator will be to interact with the Warden of Lay Readers, Rev John Gulland. The Sodor and Man co-ordinator is Gill Poole, bishop’s Chaplain and Mission Adviser.
Our next meeting will be here in our diocese and I hope to bring my counterparts to clonmel to visit in the very near future.
Please pray for us all as we seek to broaden all our outlooks and to truly work together towards the completion of god’s Kingdom here on earth.

Organ Marathon

Our bishop has a new Project to raise funds for charity. The
beneficiaries of his latest “scheme” receive their donations from an Organ Marathon in which he will play “Come Ye Thankful People Come” in every church in the diocese between 27th August and 13th September. He expects to find some people present when he arrives at each church to sing along with him!!!
The beneficiaries of his efforts will be Bishops Appeal and USPG (to share40%), Protestant Aid (40%) and the Rev Paul Mooney’s (former Rector of New Ross) Outreach Initiative to Anglicans in Seoul, South Korea (20%).
To raise funds we will give all our Collections on Sunday, 23rd August 2009 to this project.
And the date and times to sing “Come Ye Thankful People ,Come” with our Bishop here in this parish are:
Date: Saturday, 29th August 2009
Times: Holy Trinity, Fethard – 12.30pm
Old St. Mary’s, Clonmel – 2.00pm
St Patrick’s, Inislonaght (Marlfield)– 2.45pm
Tullaghmeelan - 3.15pm
St Paul’s, Cahir - 4.15pm
Please try and attend at least one of these venues!

School Parents Day

Parents Day was a wonderful occasion.The day began with a science display. We were treated to learning and with the anticipation of the bomb going off – it didn’t quite work but the fun was really good! Parents and teachers watched the children perform, in the open air, in drama, verse, song and music. Our children have such talent and it’s great that they have the confidence to share their talent for the enjoyment of others.

Diocesan Childrens’ Festival Service

Teachers and children travelled to Templemore on 12th June for the Diocesan Childrens’ Festival Service. The day included sports and our pupils excelled themselves.

Diocesan Childrens Festival Service

Teachers and children travelled to Templemore on 12th June for the Diocesan Childrens’ Festival Service. The day included sports and our pupils excelled themselves.

School Board of Management

Some members of the board of Management attended the training on Legal issues and Child Protection modules in early June. Other members attended the training evening presented by the Roman Catholic manager’s association, which is mandated by the Department of Education and Science to do this. By having member attend all available training, which is part of being a Board member, we receive as much information as possible in the most responsible task of ensuring that our staff and pupils work and learn in a safe and compliant environment.

School News –

Our Assistant Teacher, Mrs Brennan, is taking a year’s Leave of Absence for the School Year 2009/10. A Selection Board, which met recently, has appointed Miss Yvonne Kenny to act a Temporary Assistant for the coming academic year. We welcome Ms Kenny to our school and look forward to her contribution to our childrens’ education.

June 24th -

On that date the Rev James Mulhall was licensed by the bishop to serve as
a priest in the Church of Ireland. Many people are confused by what appear to be the niceties of who is allowed do what during worship etc. What we do in worship is governed by a combination of Scriptural, Traditional and Doctrinal prescriptions that our Church is governed by. And it is confusing for lay people; especially where tradition has been confined to a few specific areas in which all who conducted worship were ordained.

We wlecome Rev James to the ministry of the Church in our parish, we should pray for him and his family constantly. He has now forfeited all his lay status which includes him now being a member of the Select Vestry as a member of the clergy, membership of Diocesan Synod as a member of the clergy and will no longer be available to read in Church as a lay person – the normal rotas have now become for him areas where he will help me and those organising the rotas to encourage the laity to serve in the life and worship of our parish. We will all get used to these changes which are for the betterment of our parish.

Ordinations –

Ivan Dungan, Ruth West & Christine Smyth were ordained Deacon in Waterford Cathedral on Monday, 8th June. The Rev Ivan is now serving in Bunclody Parish part-time, the Rev Ruth is serving as full time curate in Waterford with special responsibility for Tramore & Dunmore and the Rev Christine is serving part-time in Lismore Group. The part-time non-stipendiary clergy do not receive a stipend, but get a contribution to their travelling expenses from the diocese.
Our diocese is one of the few which has students in the Theological Institute constantly. It is very encouraging that have people doing the Foundation Course and in the Fellowship of Vocations and others investigating whether they have a vocation to ministry at the moment. The first step is to have a chat or two with the Rector.

Baptisms, Marriages & Funerals –

Charles Agar Weekend –

Archbishop Agar was the Archbishop of Cashel who completed the present Cathedral in Cashel. This year is the 200th anniversary ofhis death. Next Sunday, 12th July, Archbishop Alan Harper, Armagh, will preached at the celebration of this aniversary in Cashel Cathedral at 7.30pm. Archbishop Agar is buried in Westminster Abbey and he is depicted on the memorial tablet holding Cashel Cathedral in his arms. His wife played the organ for the 1st time in September 1785 when the Cathedral was opened for public worship.

Welcome –

Canon Paul Draper will be instituted as Rector of lismore Group Parishes and installed as Dean of the Cathedral on 30th July 2009 @ 8.00pm.

Shrapnel Fund -

Concert –

Martin Hayes & Denis Cahill performed with fiddle and guitar in Old St. Mary’s on Wednesday, 8th July @ 8.00pm. It an exhilerating performance of traditional music presented to an appreciative and enthusiastic capacity audience.

Mariancourt –

The staff and residents would like to thank all those who supported their Coffee Morning. They also thank us for contributing to their tea on the evening of the 28th June.

Fas –

Our parish Fas scheme will finish on 31st July. Five of the present workers will be re-assigned to the Tourist & Fisheries Scheme, whose supervisor is Mr Simon Molloy. Their duties will be at Old St. Mary’s only. There are health and safety reasons why we can no longer expect participants to service multi-sites.

Mr Nagle has been re-assigned to a Fethard scheme and, when his time is up will be replaced. Fas are in the process of arranging for a participant to be assigned to St. Paul’s and Kilcommon under a Cahir Scheme.

Other arrangements will have to be made for Tullaghmeelan and Marlfield. The company will be wound up. Thank-you, particularly, to Gwen Morgan & Bob Savage who have not only served as Directors, but who willingly went gaurantor for the annual overdraft facility that was required for each scheme.

Bereavement

Elspeth Wynn (nee Parker) – The death occured recently in Coventry of Elspeth Wynn who grew up in Mitchelstown Road, Cahir. Her mother, Eileen, was organist in St. Paul’s for many years. Her father, Merith, was a keen fisherman. Elspeth was predecesaed by her husband and our sympathy goes to her son, Tony, and her brothers Bertie and Tommy. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.

Bereavement –

We offer our sympathy to Paddy Magner and his family on the death
of his wife, Winnifred (Winnie) who died on 3rd July in the General Hospital after a short illness. Her funeral will take place in St. Paul’s, Cahir this Sunday with internment immediately afterwards in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Enrolment in St. Mary’s National School –

It is now time to get application in for enrolment in September 2009. Forms are available from Ms Wallace @ Tel: 052 6127876. The school is St. Mary’s Parochial School, Western Road, Clonmel.

Coffee Time -

Your are invited – all of you – to drop into the Rectory on Saturday, 4th July 2009 between 10.00am – 12.30pm. The idea is to facilitate parishioners meeting each other over a cup of tea or coffee. There will be a biscuit and, if your lucky, maybe a scone and jam! There will be a jam-jar for anybody who might like to make a donation to the Hall Restoration Fund – no obligation! This invitation includes all of all ages.

Artistic Sisters –

Niamh Bain won a prize for the picture she painted for the Healthy Heart initiative organised by the High School. Her sister, Ciara, won 2nd prize in the 3rd Class section of the Diocesan Bishop’s Poster Competition. Congratulations, girls!!!

Minister of State Visit to Parish School

Dr Martin Mansergh T.D., Minister of State at for the OPW visited our school, with an top official of the Office of public Works on 22nd May for a further assessment of work needed to be done on one of the old classrooms, designated by the Department of Education for possible development for our school.
We now await the results of this further step, which we hope will be for the use of our school and parish.

The Tourist Office

The Tourist Office will move to the Main guard in Clonmel in September/October where, it is hoped, tourists will find it more accessible.

Fas Scheme–

The Select Vestry has decided to end our Fas Scheme, however we will be absorbed into other schemes in Fethard, Cahir and Clonmel.

Fundraising for St. Paul’s, Cahir –

The annual fair of cakes, bric-a-brac etc took place in the Butler/Charteris Hall, Cahir on Sunday 31st May. It was well supported and over €900 was raised. Thank-you to the parishioners and friends of St. Paul’s for their efforts. Proceeds will go to the St. Paul’s Church Restoration Fund.

Unfortunately, St Paul’s Cahir, has been the target of two episodes of vandalism lately.
The floodlights were badly damaged in the first incident and then thieves broke in through the vestry door and stole two lawnmowers and a fire extinguisher in the 2nd incident.

Parish School News

On the 24th May as usual on a 4th Sunday, the schoolchildren took a very active part in worship in Old St. Mary’s. This was also Jonas Kath ‘s last Sunday with us and he accompanied the choir in sing “Ag Criost an Siol” and played some traditional Irish music at the end of the Service. Jonas spent the last year in Clonmel as an exchange student in the high School. He is a German Lutheran and during his stay here, became passionate about Irish traditional music. He is both an accomplished violinist and fiddler!

Rev James Mulhall –

We look forward to 24th June when Rev James will be licensed by the Bishop in Lismore Cathedral and begin his new ministry among us in Clonmel Union of Parishes. He will celebrate the Eucharist in Old St. Mary’s on 28th June and this will be followed by a “Parish Lunch”.

Theatre Visit –

Fourteen parishioners enjoyed a superb production of “Godspell” by Stagecraft – a Youth theatre group in Clonmel on 17th May.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Singing Group –

Next meetings in Old St. Mary’s, Clonmel @ 8.00pm on Fridays 15th, 29th May 2009. New faces & voices welcome!

The General Synod

The General Synod is the governing body of the Church of Ireland and meets once a year. A Synod lasts for three years and this year is the 1st of a new triuum. Holding the Synod over a weekend is an experiment to see if those who have been lobbying in having this are right in thinking that this timing might encourage a better attendance and more people allowing thier name to go forward for election. It is an honour to be a member and to be part of the history of the Church of Ireland. This year we are in Armagh, emergency calls requiring a rector should be made to the Rectory land line, where a number will be available. Having Synod on a Sunday is quite controversial in that there are those who believe that we should not be working on a Sunday it also makes for difficulties in providing worship in our parishes! General Synod this year runs from Friday the 8th to Sunday the 10th of May,

Coffee Time –

This will be a “drop – in” type of morning and new faces are beginning to appear!! Your are invited – all of you – to drop into the Rectory on Saturday, 4th July 2009 between 10.00am – 12.30pm. The idea is to facilitate parishioners meeting each other over a cup of tea or coffee. There will be a biscuit and, if your lucky, maybe a scone and jam! There will be a jam-jar for anybody who might like to make a donation to the Hall Restoration Fund – no obligation! This invitation includes all of all ages.

Fundraising for St. Paul’s, Cahir –

The annual fair of cakes, bric-a-brac etc will take place in the Butler/Charteris Hall, Cahir on Sunday 31st May from 2.00pm. Proceeds will go to the St. Paul’s Church Restoration Fund. It is important that all parishioners support each other’s efforts to ensure the continuation of the worship and life of our parish. If we can’t support and encourage each other as a parish how do we hope to make any impact on the wider community?

Theatre Visit –

Sunday, 17th May 2008 – “Godspell” – a musical based on St. Matthew’s gospel – The setting is a junk yard in New York, the music is very good and the possibilities for production are mind-boggling. I helped produce this show in the 1980s and look forward to seeing somebody else’ take on it. Bookings to the Rector, with €10 per ticket before Wednesday, 6th May – in the White memorial Theatre, Clonmel

Confirmation –

Richard Bailey was confirmed, with his school friends, in Cashel Cathedral on Sunday, 19th April. These young people were joined in making their commitment to the Lord by an older person who had missed his confirmation date through illness many years ago. As I am constantly saying, “It is never too late!”

Bereavement –

We sympathise with John Cumming, his sister, Nuala, and their family on the sudden and tragic death of his niece and her son-in-law.

Training for Sunday School Teachers (& prospective ones) –

Training for Sunday School Teachers (& prospective ones) – Saturday, 16th June in Kilkenny College – for info contact the Rector.

Green Charter –

Seminar on our diocesan Green charter in the Pastoral Centre, Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow on Saturday, 23rd May from 2-4pm – the Rector intends going and there will be spaces in my car!

Enrolment in St. Mary’s National School –

It is now time to get application in for enrolment in September 2009. Forms are available from Ms Wallace @ Tel: 052 6127876. The school is St. Mary’s Parochial School, Western Road, Clonmel.

School News –

The new digital projector is proving very useful. It does away with us
disrupting our Assembly on Wednesdays because teacher can now project the words of our songs/hymns unto the wall and so we move smoothly from one part to the other. Mr Tattan has been doing excellent work during his computer lessons – they are concentrating on using the Internet.
The former Dean of Lismore has given the school a gift of a keyboard. It has been assigned to the Junior room, giving Mrs Brennan better opportunity to use music in her lessons. We thank Dean Beare for his generous gift and wish him health and enjoyment in doing the things he really loves in his retirement.

Link Diocese

Our link with the Swedish Diocese of Lund ended in 2008. We have a new link diocese – Sodor and Mann (Isle of Mann). It is a Celtic Church and we share much both as Churches and culturally. Our committee will be made up of those in our diocese who head-up various aspects of our diocesan life. I shall be the co-ordinator of this new link. The committee will be spending the 27th May on the isle of Mann, meeting with their committee and making plans.
It is near enough for day-trips!!

Wednesday, 24th June 2009 –

Put this date in your diary! Because on that day at 8.00pm we will all be in Lismore Cathedral for the licensing of James Mulhall as a priest of the Church of Ireland. In the meantime, pray for James, Suzanne and little Jacob as they prepare to make big changes to their lives – pray for all training for ministry and commit yourselves to be open to the pastoral care provided for you by your Church.

Sunday 28th June 2009 –

This will be James’ 1st Sunday as a member of the Church of Ireland clergy and his 1st as our parish NSM. Such occasions are normally celebrated with the “newcomer” celebrating the Eucharist, followed by a parish get-together. Yes, we will have been in Lismore on Wednesday evening and this is a parish event of major proportions. But the following Sunday event is also a parish event. So. The new, Rev Mulhall, will celebrate the Eucharist at 11.00am and it will follow with a buffet lunch in the school hall afterwards. And who is gong to provide the food?- you the parishioners! This is a major landmark in your parish for all sorts of reasons and deserves to be celebrated in the most joyous way. Preparations for this event will begin immediately after Easter.

Whist Drives –

The season ended on a high note with 10 tables. A big thank-you to all who helped during the season at the suppers, helping with the raffle and prizes and to Bob,Anne and Jimmy who are “front-of-house each night. We look forward to next season, which begins in September. Contributions to the supper, prizes and raffle are always welcome.

Select Vestry 2009 – 2010

Churchwardens:
Old St. Mary’s, Clonmel –
Rector – Mr R. Savage
People – Mr R Clifford

St Paul’s, Cahir –
Rector – Mrs P O’Keeffe
People – Mrs H Carter

Holy Trinity, Fethard –
Rector – Mr B Palmer
People – Mrs T Griffith

Glebewardens -
Rector – Mr K Harris
People - Mr D Levie

Mrs H Bailey
Mrs J Butler
Mr J Mulhall
Mr M Duncan
Mrs C Quaid
Mrs J Bridge
Mrs D Stokes
Mrs S Clooney
Miss Y McClintock
Mrs J Nash
Mr J Chamney
Mrs A Harte

Treasurer – Mrs C Quaid
Secretary - Mrs S Mulhall (Ex-Officio)
Auditor – Mrs J Simpson

General Easter Vestry –

The attendance was average, but when the apologies are counted the interest is seen to be increasing. Interest in what, you might ask? In parish life. We have new people on our new Select Vestry and some old hands. Those elected have taken on the responsibilty of being responsible for the three Fs for the next year – Finance, Fabric (buildings & land) and Furnishings (everything contained in our buildings). Nothing should be done in any property in the parish without the permission of the Select Vestry, and, if necessary, the diocesan Council and Representative Church Body.
When you look at the finances of last year you see that giving for the live ministry (assessment/sustentation) is our highest giving, but needs more subscribers to do what it is supposed to do. Donations towards repairs/renovations etc were extremely high. But giving towards the day-to-day running of the parish (light, heat and maintenance) is almost non-existent. In other words, we do not have a parish “life”. And this must be addressed if we are to be able to pay all our bills and, more importantly, become a place where people want to worship and share time with each other as real committed and lively Christians. Sunday collections are low and this is providing a sequence of – low funds to inadequate heat to poor attendance to low funds etc in at least one of our churches. There are other factors for low attendance at worship and they also need to be addressed and, once again, there are the sequences that perpetuate our problems – “nothing for the children in worship” to Rector prepares material to no children to etc. We need more volunteers for Youth Work. Maybe what I have said on page one might give some people ideas of what they might do to improve what I find a frustrating situation!
Select Vestry Meeting – Monday, 11th May 2009 @ 8.00pm in Old St. Mary’s,

Ordinations –

Ivan Dungan & Christine Smyth will be ordained Deacon in Waterford Cathedral on Monday, 8th June. Both will serve in the Non-Stipendiary Ministry. Our diocese is one of the few which has students in the Theological Institute constantly. It is very encouraging that have people doing the Foundation Course and in the Fellowship of Vocations and others investigating whether they have a vocation to ministry at the moment.

Welcome –

To the Rev Andrew Orr, his wife, the Rev Susan Green and their family who return to the Diocese to the Parish of Tullow Group. Andrew was formerly Rector of Castlecomer and his wife was our first Diocesan Youth Officer. The Rev Susan will continue in her work as a chaplain in Tallaght Hospital.

The Christmas Tree that became the Cross –

One of our parishioners told us about something she saw in an English parish some years ago. The parishioners had turned a Christmas Tree into a cross for Holy Week and Easter. We salvaged a tree from last Christmas, removed most of the branches, except the ones that would form the crossbars. During the week, the cross was bare with a crown of thorns on it and a purple cloth on Good Friday. On Easter morning it had become a cross of glory covered in daffodils. Thank-you John, Debbie and Sam for the chopping and decorating!

Holy Week & Easter –

Most of our services were well atended. The clergy of Clonmel met, with a good number of people, at Old St. Mary’s on Easter Eve to light the Paschal candles for the individual churches of the town. The Chairman of the County Council, Tom Ambrose, lit the torch from the fire and from it lit the paschal candles. . They were then carried to the various churches by the clergy and the Easter vigil followed with the church bells ringing throughput the town. The fire this year was the miniature gas beacon that was used to light the Olympic flame at the Special Olympics last year. As usual, the scouts do the honours. Our churches were beautifully decorated for Easter this year. Thank-you to the arrangers.

Monday, April 6, 2009

SERVICE TIMES - EASTER SUNDAY 12th April 2009

9.30am Holy Communion @ St Paul's, Cahir

9.30am Holy Communion @ Holy Trinity, Fethard

11.00am Holy Communion @ Old St Mary's, Clonmel

11.00am Holy Communion @ Tullaghmeelan

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Theatre Visit –

Sunday, 17th May 2008 @ Clonmel Theatre – “Godspell” – a musical based on St. Matthew’s gospel – The setting is a junk yard in New York, the music is very good and the possibilities for production are mind-boggling. I helped produce this show in the 1980s and look forward to seeing somebody else’ take on it. Bookings to the Rector, with €17 per ticket before Wednesday, 6th May.

Fundraising for St. Paul’s, Cahir –

The annual fair of cakes, bric-a-brac etc will take place in the Butler/Charteris Hall, Cahir on Sunday 31st May from 2.00pm.
Proceeds will go to the St. Paul’s Church Restoration Fund. It is important that all parishioners support each other’s efforts to ensure the continuation of the worship and life of our parish. If we can’t support and encourage each other as a parish how do we hope to make any impact on the wider community

General Easter Vestry –

The General Easter Vestry is the AGM of a parish. All parishioners over the age of 18years are eligible to attend. The business of the evening is to be presented with the parish accounts, which will have been already accepted and passed by the outgoing Select Vestry. The chairperson usually gives an Address and the Select Vestry and officers for the coming year are elected. There is no other business.
The correct way to bring a matter to the Select Vestry is to speak with the Rector or a member of hte Select Vestry so that it may be put on the agenda.
All positions are held for one year only, except that of Glebewarden. One glebewarden is a member of the Diocesan Glebes Committee. Don’t stay away for fear of getting a job, we don’t force people to take jobs, but it is important that as many parishioners as possible hears about what is happening in their parish.
The General Easter Vestry for Clonmel Union of Parishes will be held on :
Monday, 20th April 2009 in Old St Mary’s Church @ 8.00pm

Whist Drive -

Friday, 17th April @ 7.45pm in Scoil Mhuire Na nAingeal School Hall (Across street from Old St. Mary’s)
Thank-you to all who supported us and provided food, prizes and helped each night.

Singing Group –

Next meetings in Old St. Mary’s @ 8.00pm on Fridays 1st, 15th, 29th May 2009. New faces & voices welcome!

Coffee Time –

This will be a “drop – in” type of morning and new faces are beginning to appear!! Your are invited – all of you – to drop into the Rectory on Saturday, 2nd May 2009 between 10.00am – 12.30pm. The idea is to facilitate parishioners meeting each other over a cup of tea or coffee. There will be a biscuit and, if your lucky, maybe a scone and jam! There will be a jam-jar for anybody who might like to make a donation to the Hall Restoration Fund – no obligation! This invitation includes all of all ages.

Coffee Time –

Weddings at St Patrick’s, Inishlonaght (Marlfield) –

We have, at last, reached a resolution that is acceptable to both dioceses with regard to the solemnisation of marriages according to the Roman Catholic Rite in this church.

As of March 2009, all couples who wish to marry in this church must first of all consult with the Rector of Clonmel Union of Parishes (Church of Ireland) with regard to permission to marry and availability. All marriages solemnised in this church will be entered in the Marriage Record Book belonging to that church. The Rector will also require that whoever is to solemnise a marriage in this church, as with all our parish churches, is on the State Register of Solemnisers and is authorised to solemnise marriages according to either the Church of Ireland Rites and Ceremonies or the Roman Catholic Rite; as with all our churches.

It should be noted that if anybody wishes to have somebody outside the state solemnise their marriage they must apply for a temporary license for them from the State Register and from the relevant Church – this applies to all our churches.

Green Flag –

Dr Martin Mansergh, Minister for State for the O.P.W. came to us on a gloriously sunny and warm 20th March. The O.P.W. owns our school. He brought good news! Renovations and upgrading is to be done on a “classroom”. We’re not sure what that means, but any work sanctioned by the Department of Education and Science, through the O.P.W. or otherwise is always good.

The children Mced the event most professionally and they presented fantastic reports on how they had achieved this FIRST for Clonmel. Yes, our school is the 1st school in Clonmel to receive a Green Flag.

A big Thank-you to parents for the sumptuous afternoon tea served afterwards. Dr Mansergh was most impressed by what he saw and showed particular interest in our desire for the conversion of one of the vacant rooms into a general purpose room.

I almost forgot – the gerbils attended, they paid little heed to the proceedings, their interest being only in their continual shredding of cardboard – part of our recycling!

Note to members of the Flower Rota –

At the end of your month, please pass on the church keys, either to the next person on the list or to the Rector. The compost bin will appear in the coming weeks!– do not put oasis or any plastic into it! Volunteers for the month of June, please!

Our Debt –

In mid-March this stood at just under €44,000. It is, at present reducing an about €1,100 per month. Thank-you to all those families who continue to ensure that this burden on the parish will be gone in another four years and so is allowing us to make progress in other areas of parish life.

Shrapnel Fund -

I hope you haven’t forgotten about the shrapnel fund which is part of our initiative to pay off our debt. We have aked that as many of you as possible would put your loose change into a jam jar and give the proceeds to us to help with our effort to get rid of the debt. Shirley Clooney has taken charge of the counting etc. Over €600 has now been given in this part of our project.

Recession –

Please pray for all those who have lost their jobs or are worried about their finances. Remember that there is always an ear to listen and a problem shared is really better coped with. In the last weeks, I have encountered a number of people who, after the shock of redundancy or a fall-off in demand for their services have picked themselves up and have succeeded in finding a way to use their skills and expertise through their own initiative. Your work skills can translate into a different area.

Bereavement –

We sympathise with the Rev Arthur Carter and his family on the death of his sister, Margaret (Bella), in England. May she rest in peace.

Burial –

Thomas Ryall, a native of this parish, died in Waterford on 28th February. His
Funeral Service took place in Waterford Cathedral on 2nd March and he was buried in the family plot at Newchapel on the 6th March. To his family and friends, we offer our sincere sympathy. May he rest in peace.

General Synod 2009 –

Will take place in Armagh from Friday ,8th May – Sunday 10th May. This is our Church’s governing body and usually takes place mid-week. The change is due to a considerable membership suggesting that a weekend would suit more people .
About ½ the clergy of the diocese will be in Armagh that weekend. Services in the parish will be as usual, but one or two of the Holy Communion Services may be Morning Prayer.

Envelope Scheme & Sustentation/Assessment –

Safeguarding Trust –

World Day of Prayer –

This annual Service took place in Old St. Mary’s on 6th March. Member of the congregations of hte churches in Clonmel took part. Instead of a Meditation we decided to have a time of silence. Tea /coffee were enjoyed by everybody afterwards. The collection came to €200.
Weekdays in Lent have become problematic for ecumenical events as most churches in the Waterford and Lismore RC Diocese have Mass most evenings.

Enrolment in St. Mary’s National School –

It would appear that some parishioners don’t know that we have a parochial school. It is now time to get application in for enrolment in September 2009. Forms are available from Ms Wallace @ Tel: 052 6127876. The school is St. Mary’s Parochial School, Western Road, Clonmel.

Mothering Sunday -

Thank-you to Hilary Carter for the beautiful posies all the ladies
received on Mothering Sunday in Cahir.
The schoolchildren and their parents took a very active part in the service in Old St. Mary’s. Apologies to the young lady whose reading got left out! They have become so confident in standing up in front of the congregation and, hopefully, this will lead them towards being active adults in the coming years. Do I sense that some adults see the 4th Sunday as being specifically for the children? It’s not! They need your encouragement! Coffee/tea afterwards should be a time to get to know and encourage our young parents and children.

St. Patrick’s Day –

The congregation in Cahir was very small.
The congregation in Old St. Mary’s was quite good. We were treated to a wonderful rendition of”Ag Criost an Siol” and some Irish dance music by Jonas, a student form Germany, who has enthralled us with his expertise on the violin.fiddle during his year of study here in Clonmel. Go raibh mait agat!

Lenten Services & Bible Study –

This has become an ecumenical activity! Numbers were small, but those who took part appear ot have enjoyed the sessions.

International Earth Hour –

I do hope you all turned off all unnecessary appliances for, at least, an hour of the evening of 22nd March.

Clerical Society –

The Cashel, Waterford and Lismore Clerical Society met for the Eucharist in Old St. Mary’s on 5th March. The Dean of Cashel celebrated. The rector of Kells, Co. Kilkenny spoke about his experiences in working in the Church of Australia – so different in its organisation at parish level; especially in the Outback.

School Board of Management Training –

The Chairperson, Principal and Treasurer attended this most informative and helpful session in the Talbot Hotel, Carlow on 11th March. Our Diocesan Trainers, the bishop and canon Harvey, present this material in the most accessible and clear way. Like everywhere else our school Treasurers have quite a task in keeping abreast of changing legislation and practise in all financial matters. We thank Vivienne Levie for her diligent work.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

General Easter Vestry-

The General Easter Vestry for Clonmel Union of Parishes will be held on :
Monday, 20th April 2009 in Old St Mary’s Church @ 8.00pm

Coffee Time –

Our latest “drop- in” coffee morning had the largest attendance so far. It was great to see new faces enjoy a cuppa and chat during the morning. We also raised a few euros for our hall restoration fund.

World Day of Prayer –

This year’s Service took place in Old St. Mary’s Church on Friday, 6th March @ 8.00pm. This year’s Service was designed by the women of Papaua New Guinea; a country only discovered in the 1930s. Members of the congregations from the six churches took part with representatives leading prayers & readings. Everybody enjoyed a cup of tea or coffee afterwards.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

HOLY WEEK

Tuesday,7th April – Evening Prayer – St. Paul’s, Cahir @ 8.00pm

Wednesday,8th April- Compline – Holy Trinity, Fethard @ 8.00pm

MaundayThursday,9th April – H.C. - Old St. Mary’s @ 8.00pm

Good Friday,10th April:
Holy Trinity,Fethard @ 9.00am
St. Paul’s,Cahir @ 10.30am
Old St. Mary’s, Clonmel @ 12 noon

Easter Eve, 11th April:
Old St. Mary’s- Lighting of Paschal Candles& amp; Easter Vigil @7.30pm

The churches should be decorated on Saturday. This is not the preserve of a few.
All are welcome, but particularly we need donations of flowers and foliage.

Select Vestry –

Will meet again on Monday, 23rd March 2009 in Old St. Mary’s at 8.00pm. A full attendance is requested.

Lenten Observance-

There will be Evening Prayer, followed by Bible Study in Old St. Mary’s, Clonmel on Thursdays, 5th, 12th March & 2nd April @ 7.30pm – if you wish you can attend one without the other – I intend using the “Tourist Office” for these eveings – warm and suitable size.

Bereavement –

We sympathise with our Principal Teacher, Ms Wallace on the death of her sister-in-law, Theresea, after a long illness.

Anthony (Tony) Alazia was born in the Falkland Islands and found his way to Clonmel to work in Bulmers 16 years ago. His Funeral Service took place in Old St. Mary’s on Ash Wednesday, 25th February and interment took place in St. Patrick’s Cemetery. Our sympathy goes to his partner, Eileen, and his sons Matthew and Ralf and his daughter, Sophie.

Our condolences go to Barbara Essame on the death of her daughter-in-law, Breda in Cork. Barbara has had three bereavements within her immediate family in the lazy few months. Please, pray for her, her family and all who have been bereaved.
May they rest in peace.

World Day of Prayer –

This was formerly the Womens World Day of Prayer.
This year’s Service will take place in Old St. Mary’s Church on Friday, 6th March @ 8.00pm. All are welcome.
This year’s Service has been designed by the women of Papaua New Guinea; a country only discovered in the 1930s. Do come and share with us in worship and in a simple social cup of tea/coffee afterwards.

Mothering Sunday –

This falls on the 22nd March this year.
This is always a special day and our parish usually has posies for Mums and the children take part in the service in Clonmel. This year, I would like to see children in other parts of the parish taking part in worship; not just there – but reading and singing.
Here in Clonmel, it is easier to organise as we have a school, but there are lots of children in the parish who do not attend our school or worship. I would appreciate it if parishioners would make contact so that I can plan for the inclusion of children in worship in a more organised way.

Enrolment in St. Mary’s National School –

Appointment –

The Rev Paul Draper, Rector of Ballydehob, Co. Cork has been appointed Rector of Lismore Group of Parishes and Dean of Lismore. He and his wife, Catherine and their daughters will take up residence in Lismore in July.

Youth Officer -

I met with the Youth Officer during February to explore ways in which we might further youth work in this parish. The outcome of conversation is that we begin with those who will move on into 2nd level education in September. Teenagers are all but invisible in this parish and numbers in the parish appear to be quite small.

Copyright –

Parishioners may not realise that to reproduce hymns on service sheets requires copyright permission. The parish has copyright licences for this and for the reproduction of sheet music. While the Rector usually produces these sheets, parishioners who wish to produce their own for special occasions should consult with the Rector in order that all reproductions in our parish are copyright compliant. The penalties for breach of copyright are enormous and reproduced material used in parish properties must be compliant as we will be the ones to be prosecuted. Yet another area where legislation brings itself to bear on the life of a parish and it also places a further burden on our financial resources (cost of the licences).
The rector makes a report on what has been reproduced annually to CCLI.

General Easter Vestry –

The General Easter Vestry is the AGM of a parish. All parishioners over the age of 18years are eligible to attend. The business of the evening is to be presented with the parish accounts, which will have been already accepted and passed by the outgoing Select Vestry. The chairperson usually gives an Address and the Select Vestry and officers for the coming year are elected. There is no other business.
The correct way to bring a matter to the Select Vestry is to speak with the Rector or a member of the Select Vestry so that it may be put on the agenda.
All positions are held for one year only, except that of Glebewarden. One glebewarden is a member of the Diocesan glebes committee. Don’t stay away for fear of getting a job, we don’t force people to take jobs, but it is important that as many parishioners as possible hears about what is happening in their parish.

The General Easter Vestry for Clonmel Union of Parishes will be held on :
Monday, 20th April 2009 in Old St Mary’s Church @ 8.00pm

Singing Group -

Next meetings: Friday 20th & 27th March 2009 @ 8.00pm in Old St. Mary’s. New faces and voices always welcome.

Theatre Visit -

It was arranged at very short notice and a small group of parishioners will attend Carrick-on-Suir’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof” on 1st March – watch out for St. Mary’s, Clonmel production in the coming weeks, Ring the Rector when you see the notices and we’ll arrange another outing – All welcome!

St. Mary’s Parochial Hall –

We have begun our preparations for to make applications for planning permission and for applying for grants for the refurbishment of St. Mary’s Parochial Hall. This will take time as it appears we may be entitled to apply for a wide range of funding. But we will still need to raise funds of our own!

Old St Mary’s –

The Diocesan Architect has visited Old St. Mary’s to look at the areas where there is an ingress of water. Much of the work can be done by Fas or by volunteers . Over the coming months the trapdoor in the porch ceiling will be open to allow air to circulate in the roof space so that it can dry out. There will be some “mess” as we rectify the problems causing the damp and ingress of water.
The architect has had the carpet in the porch removed as it was causing the grave slabs to sweat. These slabs are designed to be walked on and for the inscriptions to fade with time, but we will be erecting a rope barrier to prevent them being walked on.
The plastic cover on the slab inside the church will be removed to stop condensation, which is damaging this medieval artifact. This will now be surrounded by a rope barrier.
The rising damp at the doorway at the east end of the church will also receive treatment in accordance with the architect’s recommendation.
The “pidgeon mess” in the bell tower will be cleared-out and the louvres securely fixed and mesh to stop the pidgeons getting in put in place. This work will cost us a bit as the “mess” will need to be cleared by professionals.
I spoke of “volunteering” earlier, this might be an opportunity for those willing to give a little of their time.

Whist Drives

Drives take place in the hall of the school across the road from the Old St. Mary’s Church, Clonmel, on the 2nd Friday of each month from September – April.
We are re-thinking the way in which we “wash-up”! But contributions to the supper would be welcome!
We would also like to see more parishioners playing with us.
It is a parish activity and the proceeds go to parish funds. There are usually two people involved each night.
The next night is:
Friday, 13th March 2009
Volunteers talk to Bob Savage or the Rector

Sunday Service details can be found on @clonmelunion on Facebook

NEWS:

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Monday, December 21, 2009

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Saturday, July 11, 2009