Select Vestry Meeting –

Next meeting – Tuesday, 18th October 2011 @ 7.30pm in Old St Mary’s. Please, if you cannot attend text/phone/email your apology at least 24hrs beforehand, if possible.

Singing Group –

Fridays, 7th & 28th October - 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 – the addition of bass/alto etc would enhance our efforts! 8pm @ Old St Mary's Church of Ireland Parish Church, Clonmel

Holy Matrimony –

Congratulations to Albert Allison, Dublin, formerly of Dundrum, Co Tipperary & Niamh Dougan who were married in St Patrick’s Church, Inishlounaght (Marlfield) on Saturday, 17th September 2011. Canon Tom Breen officiated, assisted by the Rector.

Confirmation 2012–

If you are about 12 years or older and would like to be Confirmed in 2012, It is now time to talk to the rector – telephone or talk at church. Two young people have already signed up! Some more might help the Bishop to decide to come to us, rather than have us go to Lismore!!!!

Thank-you –

To Bernard Prendergast who has refurbished the Donoughmore graves at Tullaghmeelan and done other much needed jobs in the parish.

We Welcome –

The Rev Dr Stanley Monkhouse to Portlaoise Parish and the Rev Peter Tarleton to Killeshin. Our congratulations & best wishes go to the Rev Maria Jansson, Wexford, as she prepares to move to Waterford as Rector & Dean.

Course in Christian Studies

A diocesan course accredited to NUIM which can be studied as: 1. For one’s own interest 2. Training for Diocesan Readership Beginning September 2012 For further information – ask the Rector!

Butler/Charteris Weekend, Cahir –

This took place on the weekend of 3rd & 4th September 2011 and included a lecture in the castle Great Hall by the Dean of St Patrick’s, Dublin, a tour of the Swiss Cottage, unveiling of plaque to the late Col Charteris at the AFC, town walk and Evenong in St. Paul’s where Jenny Davis sang three pieces by Mendelssohn, Mozart & Handel. There was a very good attendance with descendants of the Col present.

Harvest Thanksgiving, Tullaghmeelan –

This took place on Sunday, 11th September 2011 with the Rev Elaine Murray, Bishop’s Vicar and Curate of Kilkenny preaching. Refreshments were served in the Community Hall, Newcastle – our first parish function there. Thank-you to those who decorated the church so beautifully and did great work in the churchyard.

Sodor & Man Ministry Conference –

The Rector, with two diocesan readers, attended our link diocese’s ministry conference at Lancaster University, England from 19th – 22nd September 2011. We went by ferry and road and did our little bit to strengthen the ties between our two dioceses. We were treated royally, I preached at one of our Eucharists and we learned a lot and got new ideas from the escellent speakers engaged for the conference.

IUNVA Post House –

The Rector took part in the blessing of the Irish United Nations Veteran Association’s new post-house in the Station-Masters House at the raiway station in Clonmel on Sunday, 11th September 2011. Banna Cluain Meala took part.

Quinquennial Inspection & Rural Dean’s Inspection –

Both these inspections took place on Thursday, 17t September 2011. The Diocesan Architect attended at the Rectory and found the house to be in good repair – there are a few jobs to be done, but nothing major. Rev Peter Cole-Baker, acting as Rural Dean, inspected the churches, registers and checked the silver – this took all day. Silver missing since the two thefts has been recorded and will be communicated to Church House.

Flowers & Cleaning –

Please ensure that you pass on the church keys for these activities when your month finishes!

Festival Cluain Meala –

This weekend was a hugwe success and the concert by Banna Cluain Meala with Michael O’Suilleabhain in Old St Mary's was a sell-out (or similar as it was free!!!!)

Select Vestry Meeting –

Next meeting – Tuesday, 18th October 2011 @ 7.30pm in Old St Mary’s, Clonmel. Please, if you cannot attend phone/email your apology at least 24hrs beforehand, if possible.

Whist Drives –

The new season has begun and we had 8 tables plus one in September. Donations of prizes welcome! All welcome! Friday, 14th October 2011 @ 7.45pm Friday, 11th November 2011 @ 7.45pm Friday, 9th December 2011 @ 7.45pm Friday, 13th January 2011 @ 7.45pm Friday, 10th February 2011 @ 7.45pm Friday, 9th March 2011 @ 7.45pm

Envelope Scheme –

A good number of parishoners are now involved in this scheme. It is important that each envelope is filled weekly! – they will be counted periodically and the missing envelopes will be sought. New members of the scheme are very welcome – the more that take part, the less fundraising we will need! Be aware that “special collections” will not be included in your envelope.

Weddings –

At the moment bookings for weddings in St. Patirck’s Church, Inishlounaght for 2011 are reaching their final dates for 2011. There are some bookings for 2012 already in place.

Glengall Memorial –

The work has begun after many delays due to the architect and Heritage requiring different types and quanities of concrete for the foundations. It did seem that one part was trying to increase the costs! The Diocesan Architect was asked to adjudicate on the matter. One post and a few more links have been found and will be repaired by a qualified blacksmith. This project has taken a disproportionate amount of time and energy

Holy Trinity, Fethard –

The re-decoration is complete! What a transformation!! The church looks so much friendlier and warmer. The font is now in a prominent place as it should be. It is now a fit place for worship and the repaired and supplemented heaters work!!!! All we need are people! You will be made most welcome!

Dogs in Burial Grounds –

We have an increasing problem with people walking their dogs in our churchyards for the purpose of those essential daily runs to relieve themselves. This causes offence, it is a health & safety issue, and an inappropriate use of burial grounds. If you must take your dog walkies in a graveyard, bring your scoop and little bag and take your pet’s deposits home with you for disposal. If you find somebody using a churchyard for such purposes, ask them politely to take their pets leavings home with them.

Thank-you –

To the person who organised the mulching of the tree trimmings left at St Mary’s Hall. The Fas workers did a brilliant job spreading the mulch on the flower beds.