Last
month I indicated that we were approaching a situation where Lay Reader support
would become rather difficult due to the lack of new candidates.
Unfortunately,
we now find ourselves in that position; but not because of retirements. In part
due to there being no Rector/Priest in Charge in Piltown, the availability of
readers has diminished. That situation should reduce after the new
Priest-in-Charge arrives at the end of August.
The
Dean of Cashel is unwell and will be off duty for some time. This means that
the Readers in Cashel Union will be fully occupied during that time. It is also
Summertime and many will be away and unavailable.
The
time has come for us to become “self – sufficient” It is not fair to expect
anybody to get up out of their pew and read a Service “off the cuff” . So, I am
offering Churchwardens and those who are willing to be of assistance a short
“course” in why we use the format we have for worship and some guidance in how
to read it with the congregation! We need to train more Diocesan Readers as
well. Here in our parish we had two
Readers in the past. We have had nobody offering for some years. Those who
would like to learn a little bit more about what we do and why we do it are
also welcome; even if you do not want to lead worship!
So
the first two dates –
Friday, 12th July @ 8.00pm in the Rectory and
Friday,
26th July @ 8.00pm.
There
will be more in the Autumn/Winter.
The
annual Summer visitations to our Churches have begun. Volunteers to help with
this would be a great help. An hour or two on one morning/afternoon of the week
would help wonderfully.
Barbara
CHURCH SERVICES
Date
July
|
Cahir
9.30am
|
Fethard
9.30am
|
Clonmel
8.30am
11.00am
|
Tullameelan
2nd Sunday
11.00am
|
7th
July
Trinity3
|
M.P.
|
H.C.
|
H.C
H.C.
|
Worship
in other church
|
14th
July
Trinity
4
|
H.C.
|
M.P.
|
H.C.
M.P.
|
H.C.
|
21st
July
Trinity
5
|
M.P.
|
H.C.
|
H.C.
H.C.
|
Worship
in other church
|
28th
July
Trinity
6
|
H.C.
|
M.P.
|
H.C.
Service
of
the Word
|
Worship
in other church
|
4th
August
Trinity
7
|
M.P.
|
H.C.
|
H.C.
H.C.
|
Worship
in other church
|
Pentecost
Eve – I
was delighted that 14 parishioners attended this event. Thank-you to Justin
& Bigi for enabling it to happen. They volunteered to do it when they
realised that I could not be there. I hope those who were present “enjoyed” the
experience. We should give an enormous “Thank -you” to our Diocesan Communications’
Officer who is full of ideas; some of her best achievements so far have been her
encouragement in getting us to do new things. The Pentecost videoing thanks to
her, went so well when a group of clergy and lay members of the diocese spent a
Sunday afternoon in Wexford dressing up and doing our version of the Coming of
the Holy Spirit. We had fun doing it. And then the effort and skill with which
she got it edited and helped us produce the Service in each parish in our
Diocese.
I
have the “stick” and, if you were unable to be there, we could replicate that
Saturday evening in the near future.
Wednesdays – Holy Communion @10.30am in Old St Marys. Refreshments
afterwards.
Rev
Canon George Knowd – Canon George was my immediate predecessor who
arrived in Clonmel to a dilapidated Old St Mary’s, and Holy Trinity, Fethard
which was not much better state. Both of these churches were in dire need of a
serious “makeover”. The parishioners of Holy Trinity received a legacy which
enabled the necessary repairs. In Old St Marys, Canon George led a team who
transformed the church interior. It was a project that he led with energy and
is a memorial to his enthusiasm and forthrightness. Sympathy goes to Gwen and
his family. His funeral took place in Cashel Cathedral followed by burial in Aghaboe Churchyard. May he rest in
peace.
Schools
Festival Service
– This took place in the Cathedral in Waterford on Friday, 14th June
2019 @ 11.00am. The cathedral was filled with children, teachers and parents.
The children from the six schools in our area sang, read, recited and in
reality conducted the Service with the Rev Smyth keeping the momentum flowing.
Our teachers and pupils played their part in a most professional way.
The Parochial School – This is our parish
school and is situated in the old Model
School on Western Road. We have two fulltime classroom teachers, a fulltime
teacher whose duties are to help pupils in those subjects they find a little
difficult and a secretary. The Board of Management is made up of the
Chairperson who is the Rector, parishioners and parents. The school telephone
number is available on the Parish Website
EIO
Surveys
– Holy Trinity, Fethard and Old St Mary's have now been surveyed by our
insurance company. The other churches in the parish will be surveyed in the
coming months.
Koln
Philharmonia – Will
perform in Old St Marys on Wednesday, 7th
August @8.00pm.
Sunday Life – This
hour long programme is broadcast on TipFm on Sunday mornings from 7 – 8am. It
is presented by local clergy and, usually, consists of music, readings and
chat.
Special Diocesan
Synod – As
these notes are being written, preparations are being made for our special
Synod tomorrow. We have not sat down and reviewed how we manage, maintain and
review the life of our diocese for a very long time. So, tomorrow, 29th
June 2019, the diocesan synod will meet in Kilkenny College to review all
aspects of diocesan and parish life. It will be followed by some of us with the
annual meeting of the “Friends” of St Canice’s Cathedral and the Cathedral
Chapter will lead evensong later in the evening.
Parish BBQ –! This will take place
this Sunday at the Rectory from about 1pm onwards. This is a fundraiser and the
menu will include steaks. Charge €15, children free (up to 16yrs). All welcome
Safeguarding Trust – The Diocesan
Team/Panel have almost completed their training; which has been detailed and
quite detailed! The 1st training days for members of parish panels
and all who take part in child orientated activities will be required to attend
training in the coming months. Parish policies are being written and it can be
taken for granted that Safeguarding Trust is now an integral part of parish
life. This is not to be taken as yet another onerous duty but needs to be
accepted, seen and implemented as our collective effort to ensure that all
minors and vulnerable adults and particularly “safeguarded” from abuse of any
kind. To begin with, everybody needs to know who the panel members are! To do
that you need to view the parish panel notice on your church notice board.
Singing Group – Will
meet to choose hymns for the coming weeks and to sing them and learn new hymns
on Friday, 5th July 2019. One very good reason for joining us is; if
you want your favourite hymn/s sung occasionally; being a member of this team
helps!!
Harvest
Thanksgivings 2019 -
Sunday,
1st September 2019 in Cahir @ 7.30pm
Sunday,
8th September 2019 – Tullaghmeelan @3.30pm
Sunday,
15th September 2019 – Fethard @ 7.30pm
Friday,
20th September 2019 – Clonmel @ 7.30pm
