November – December 2016

November – December 2016

It's that time of year again!   The clocks go back, the mornings and evenings are dark and it gets cold. Not quite what we look forward to, but Christmas is coming!  Our Christmas Fair is on Saturday, 3^rd December and we need your contributions to the cake/puddings/preserve stall, raffles, refreshments and stalls are critical to the success of this annual fundraiser. Your presence and participation is absolutely necessary because this not just about fundraising, but community building!

The central feature of our fair this year is the wheel of fortune for which we need prizes and participation.  

If you would like to provide something musical, comical or whatever might add to the atmosphere, volunteer!    

We also hope that we will fill our churches for the Carol Services and on Christmas Day! Let's get into the spirit of the season, enjoy ourselves and have fun while doing what needs to be done for our parish!     

                                                                Barbara

Mothers Union -  Some time ago somebody came up with the idea of publishing a   simple and affordable cookbook for students. Copies are available in our churches. They are free!

Ireland’s Ancient East Orientation Signage – Mrs H Carter volunteered to have her mobile number put on display on our noticeboard at St Paul's so that visitors can have access to St Paul's.

Having been at St Paul's more often than usual this Summer, I can tell you that St Paul's is a place much visited.

Weekday Service – Service at  10.30am in Old St Marys  – All  welcome

Harvest Tea – This took place in Old St Mary's the day after the Harvest Thanksgiving. It was not very well supported; a pity as some of the ladies of the parish put quite an effort into organising it!

Old St Marys – We have been aware for some time that the trees in the churchyard have affected the light for some of our neighbours and that others had grown too tall and that in very windy weather some posed a danger to the church building and to those who use the right-of-way path between Anne Street and Mary Street. Thank-you to the generous benefactor who has enabled us to radically prune those trees that can benefit from the process and regrow into what they should be and to remove those evergreens that pose a serious threat to Old St Mary's. The contractor who is carrying out the work is fully insured for this work. Thank-you to those parishioners who have assisted us in removing the timber and will do what is necessary for the disposal of it. We are not a business and, so, do not sell products. A reasonable donation is acceptable for timber and mulch. A portion of the timber will be donated to charity as is our custom as the people of God.

We have been donated materials for planters. These are being made at the moment and our plan is to follow Monty Don's method of planting bulbs & plants in such a way as to produce a full season's colour in the churchyard.

We plan to enter the project into the Diocesan ECO competition. Wexford parish has done something similar to us and they are now the proud owners of a native holly tree; their prize in the diocesan competition!!!

School News – We are now preparing to gain our sixth Green Flag and the project is about biodiversity. The children love the learning, research and all that goes towards achieving the flag. I would like to acknowledge the interest and support parents give to teachers and children in our school's life. We do not have a Parents Association, but we do have the goodwill, support and encouragement required for a happy, integrated and lively school life.

On behalf of Bishop Michael and myself, I would like to acknowledge the participation, interest, co-operation, support and encouragement given to teachers and myself by our Board of Management.

I particularly enjoy Wednesday morning assembly when we learn and pray together.

Descendants of a Former Vicar of Old St Mary's – On Saturday, 1^st October 2016, the More family from Australia, descendants of the Rev William Stephenson (born in Donegal c1760 – died at Newchapel 2^nd  February 1841) visited Old St Marys where he was Curate and later Vicar and, also, Newchapel where he is buried. He married Rebecca Vize in Old St Mary's on Tuesday 21 February 1786. It's amazing who turns up to seek out their ancestors!

Holy Matrimony – Dermot O'Meara and Maja Julnes were joined in Holy Matrimony in St Paul's Church, Cahir on 14^th October 2016. Dermot is from Cahir and Maja from Norway. In the absence of the Rector, the Dean of Cashel officiated. We wish Maja & Dermot every happiness in their new life together!

Congratulations! - To David & Anne Marie Kingston on the birth of Orla, a little sister for Aoife.

Bereavements  - Constance Mary Eccles  came to live in Tipperary town from the UK, with her husband, David, while they were in their early twenties. Later in life, they moved to Cherrymount, Clonmel. She was a valued and fully participant member of both parishes. She was a teacher and taught in a number of schools in South Tipperary & Lismore. Many parishioners remember her time in the local playschool. She died peacefully, after an illness borne with patience and fortitude, on

15^th October 2016. Her funeral Service took place in old St Mary's on 22^nd October and was buried with her beloved David in Marlfield afterwards. We offer our sympathy to Trish & Tony and their families.

Charles Edward (Charlie) Thorogood died after a short illness in South Tipperary General Hospital on 23^rd October 2016. We offer our sympathy to his son, Gary. His funeral will take place on Friday, 4^th November in Old St. Mary's @ 11.00am. Cremation will tke place at the Island, Cork afterwards.

Burial of Ashes  - The ashes of Gylian Foyle were buried in Tullaghmeelan churchyard on 29^th September 2016.

Autumn Concert – The “Cahir to Sing” female choir presented an evening of wonderful music and melody in St Paul's, Cahir on the evening of 20^th October 206. Thank-you Grant & Hayley for all the effort put into this verty successful event. Proceeds went to the Cahir Daycare Centre.                                                              

Repairs & Renovations at Holy Trinity – The work at the alley end of the Town Hall has yet to be completed. It appears that the third chimney has been replaced by one that is a duplicate of the other two. I know it is inconvenient, but, hopefully, if this project proceeds towards the goal intended our parish will benefit greatly.

St Paul's Church – We no longer have a Tus participant. It has proven very difficult to find somebody who finds it ok to work alone. Work has begun on the Haha and we look forward to its completion. Some trees will be planted in the churchyard and a wildflower garden is planned for the upper reaches of the mound behind the church.

Sunday Life -This is an hour-long programme on TippFm which is broadcast from 7- 8am on Sunday mornings. It usually comprises music, reading and interviews. We keep it light as most of our listeners have just woken up!

Your Prayers – Please remember those who are unwell, at home & in hospital. At this time we need to pray, especially, for peace.

Whist Drives  - New season began in September with a small attendance – We have some new players who are very welcome. A whist drive is quite relaxing, sociable evening with a nice supper and all for €5. Contributions to the supper, prizes and raffle, please; even if you do not play!

        Friday - 11^th November 2016  @ 8.00pm sharp

        Friday -   9^th December 2016  @ 8.00pm sharp

Envelopes & Assessment – Just a reminder that in taking part in the envelope scheme, you need to fill all envelopes and to indicate whether you wish the contents of your envelopes to be divided between Sunday collections only or shared between Sunday collections & Assessment. Where shared, unless you indicate otherwise, the contents are allocated 2/3 assessment + 1/3 collection). You may use your envelope only for Assessment or Collections & make a separate donation for the other entity. Receipts will be issued as soon as possible early in 2017.

If your collective giving (and that can include donations to Assessment+ Church collections + charities) is over €250 and you pay income tax , you are entitled to fill out the form to enable your parish to benefit from Inland Revenue's scheme whereby for every €100 donated your parish receives €40. In 2015 those of you who filled out one of these forms reduced our liability for Assessment by €3,500 – if more of you did that, we would get much nearer to achieving our full Assessment. It costs nobody anything and if not used will be withdrawn!

Tus/Fas – While these unemployment schemes help us in the care of our churches, their task is not to do everything for us! We need to do our share of cleaning, renovating and general maintenance. It is yet another way of building up community spirit! We do not pay those who take part in these schemes and, I think, sometimes we expect too much!

Sageguarding Trust – Garda Vetting is now done electronically. We are about to form a new panel and we are also encouraged to Garda Vet a portion of our Select Vestry. For those who do not have a computer, there is a way of submitting the form through the parish liaison officer. In order to progress this new way of applying for vetting, we now have a service contract with Church House. There has been some confusion about transference of roles between parishes and other organisations. This is not yet available to us. So, unfortunately, if you are vetted for a particular role in one place, you need to be vetted again for working with other organisations!

Singing group – Will meet in Old St Marys on Fridays 4^th & 18^th November

and

Friday, 2^nd December 2016 @ 8.00pm

All welcome – this is an opportunity to learn new hymns and sing old ones in a relaxed atmosphere.

Place 4U -  Charity Coffee Mornings on  Friday mornings 

Greeting Cards – Greeting cards with pictures of all our 5 churches are available in each church at €2 each. The inside is blank to facilitate personal greeting

Confirmation – The bishop has set a date for Clonmel on 25^th June 2017. Classes will begin after Christmas. Please, let me know if you have a young person who wishes to be confirmed or if you, yourself wish to be onfirmed.

Safeguarding Trust – Garda Vetting is now done electronically. We are about to form a new panel and we are also encouraged to Garda Vet a portion of our Select Vestry. For those who do not have a computer, there is a way of submitting the form through the parish liaison officer. In order to progress this new way of applying for vetting, we now have a service contract with Church House. There has been some confusion about transference of roles between parishes and other organisations. This is not yet available to us. So, unfortunately, if you are vetted for a particular role in one place, you need to be vetted again for working with other organisations!

Harvest Thanksgivings 2016

As I write this three of our four Harvest Thanksgivings have taken place. Number have been up on other years and the collections; which will be shared between Christian Aid and Bishops Appeal are also up.  Ms Alix Tiernan from Christian Aid preached in Tullameelan & Fethard. We learned a lot about sand dams in Kenya and how indigenous people in Colombia, South America regained their land from multinational mining companies. Refreshments were served by parishioners in the Community Hall, Grange after the 1^st celebration and in the church in Fethard.

Mr Billy Kingston preached in St Paul's, Cahir and spoke about social justice. Two members of the clergy of the Coptic Orthodox, Cahir were present and participated in our worship. The Cahir Choral Society also participated. Dr David Butler accompanied the singing at all three Services. We all enjoyed the hospitality provided by the  parishioners.  A big “Thank-you” to everybody who participated in our celebrations.

Friday, 30 September – Old St Mary's, Clonmel @7.30pm

Tus/Fas – While these unemployment schemes help us in the care of our churches,            

                 their task is not to do everything for us! We need to do our share of cleaning, renovating and general maintenance. It is yet another way of building up community spirit! We do not pay those who take part in these schemes and, I think, sometimes we expect too much!

Old St Marys – The coving over the east window in Old St Marys has been 

                           shedding what appeared to be loose paint for some time. In fact, the moulding is disintegrating and in a state of collapse. It will be replaced in the coming  weeks and that part of the church will be redecorated; hopefully in time for Christmas!

Christmas Fair – Our annual Fair will take place in Old St Marys on Saturday, 3^rd 

                              December 2016. Santa & the magician are booked. The format has been changed and the main attraction will be a wheel of  fortune.Donations of prizes (must be new) are needed. There will be a cake stall, craft stall, refreshments, Debbie's stall and the usual Christmas/Winter fare in the porch with the usual crib. We need help before & during, cakes/buns/tarts etc and more craft/personal interest stalls. Will not be having bric-a-brac or bottle stalls . It's time we all worked together, mucked in and moved forward. Our next planning meeting will take place in the Rectory on Tuesday, 25^th October at 8.00pm – come along and get involved!

Weekday Service – Service at  10.30am in Old St Marys  – All  welcome

                                 No Service on  5^th & 12^th October

Repairs & Renovations at Holy Trinity – The work at the alley end of the Town 

                                                                      Hall will continue for some little time. The plan continues to be reviewed, as the work progresses,  in order to achieve the best possible outcome. Times have changed and initial plans can change quite dramatically as the effects of renovation/restoration become apparent.

St Paul's Church – The mystery of the flooding has been solved!– there is a drip – tray overhead; which is supposed to take away water that comes in from the roof somewhere – nobody appears to know where; but if the pipe was wider and any blockage cleared in the drip – tray all should be dry – it's just a question of getting up there and doing the needful; safely!

Greeting Cards – Greeting cards with pictures of all our 5 churches are available in  

                              each church at €2 each. The inside is blank to facilitate personal greeting

Sunday Life -This is an hour-long programme on TippFm which is broadcast from 

                       7- 8am on Sunday mornings. It usually comprises music, reading and interviews. We keep it light as most of our listeners have just woken up!

Your Prayers – Please remember those who are unwell, at home & in hospital. At 

                           this time we need to pray, especially, for peace.

Whist Drives  - New season began on Friday, 9^th September 2016 with a small 

                           attendance – contributions to the supper, prizes and raffle, please!

                           Friday - 14^th October     2016 @ 8.00pm sharp

                           Friday - 11^th November 2016  @ 8.00pm sharp

                           Friday -   9^th December 2016  @ 8.00pm sharp

Singing group – Will meet in Old St Marys on Friday, 21^st October & 4^th 

                            November 2016. All welcome – this is an opportunity to learn new hymns and sing old ones. Some wonder why a choir sits in front of the organ in church and not behind the congregation – the organist actually sits in a situation where the noise of the organ makes it difficult to hear those some distance away and it is important that he/she can hear those leading the singing and stay with them.

Holy Matrimony – Sheila Hunter & Josh Lamb were joined in Holy wedlock in St 

                                 Mary's Church, Clonmel on 24^th September 2016 in the presence of family & friends. The Hunter family love their music and enjoy playing a variety of instruments and sing. So, we sang a lot during the Service and, later, the father of the bride sang  his speech! We wish Josh & Sheila a life of love, happiness and peace and look forward to them moving into their new home in Knockgraffon and continuing in their commitment to our parish.

Bereavements  - Gylian Foyle died peacefully in Melview Nursing home on 14^th 

                            September. She was a loyal and faithful member of the congregation at Old St Mary's.  She was for, many years, an active and pioneering person in setting up Sue Ryder shops and was also involved in Citizens Advice, and Farmers' Markets. We offer our sincere sympathy to her husband, Eddie, sons Andrew & Stephen and daughter, Julie, and their families. He funeral Service took place in Old St Mary's on Friday, 16^th September. Cremation took place at The Island, Cork.

Blessing -  In early September, I was invited to bless a headstone to the memory of 

                  members Cash family who died in Carrick-on-Suir, in a house fire, at Christmas 1916. Robert (Sonny) Cash was a photographer who took photographs of all the churches, important buildings, properties, villages & countryside in the town and hinterland of the town. Three members of the family (Soony, his mother Harriet & brother Thomas) died in the house fire and nobody put up a headstone at their grave in the grounds of St Nicholas Church (Church of Ireland). There are almost a hundred scans of  Sonny's photograph on display in the church which is now a heritage centre. Also of interest is the Church Plate that was once used in the church. It is a beautiful haven hidden from the Main Street at the end of a short alleyway near the western exit towards Clonmel. It is very well worth a visit!

Congratulations

Autumn Concert – St Paul's, Cahir in Aid of the Day Care Centre by The new 

                                 Cahir Choir on 20^th October @ 8.00pm

Ireland’s Ancient East Orientation Signage – Mrs H Carter volunteered to  

                                                                             have her mobile number put on display on our noticeboard at St Paul's so that visitors can have access to St Paul's.

Having been at St Paul's more often than usual this Summer, I can tell you that St Paul's is a place much visited.

Place 4U -  Charity Coffee Mornings on Fridays

HaHa at Cahir – The County Council has received permission to spend the funding, 

                             so the works on the haha will commence shortly.

Mothers Union -  In recent years, I have renewed my membership of  Mothers Union in the diocese.  I became a member in the months after I arrived in Cashel as the new teacher quite a long time ago. It, among other things, helped me get to know people in the parish and led to my being enrolling member for a time.

I am aware of the view of many to this Church organisation, but, recently I agreed to take on the role of the Co-ordinator of the Faith & Social Policy activity in our Diocese. I have attended an All–Ireland meeting recently and, I have to say, it was very different to that type of meeting twenty years ago!

Mother Union membership has, for some time, been open to men as well as women. You do not have to be married or a mother to be a member. Members commit themselves to supporting Christian marriage, to praying for families, at home and abroad, and to being a support to all who are in relationships.

I am a Diocesan member rather than a member of a Branch. I have felt for some time that, in our parish, have no facility for getting together to share our faith and to be an active support  to families in a practical way.

It is not necessary to formally form a Branch initially, at least or, perhaps, ever. But I think we do need some way in which we can work together to meet need when it becomes apparent; in a sensitive and  appropriate way.

If you are interested – talk to me!