Our new School Board of Management has met for its first meeting. The Board comprises of the two teachers, two people nominated by the Patron and two people from the “wider” community and two parents. Their role is to oversee the general

Administration of the school, to ensure that all compliance matters are in order and  to support the staff.

Our school has an ethos that is Church of Ireland. 

We are privileged in that the school building is owned by the Office of Public Works and that we do not have to meet the costs of maintenance.

The building was once a “ Model School”. These schools were put in place in the 19^th century so that education would be available to all children. Many of them were actually boarding schools as well as being “day” schools.The curriculum included the “3RS” and also prepared the students for later life.

I attended a “Model” school where the Principal Teacher held firmly to the past! Our curriculum included all the usual subjects; but also included Irish dancing, art classes with a qualified teacher, elocution, everybody learned to sew, knit and a host of other activities that we believed then to be essential for our adult life. Nobody had any idea that we would experience so much change in later life. . We had our own individual “garden” – it was tiny but good fun. In my 1^st school in Co Wexford the older girls did cookery and baking and, yes, I am old enough to have begun my efforts at writing on a slate!

Have a very Happy Christmas and do try to attend our Carol Services and on Christmas Day. And always know you are always welcome!   .

                          Barbara

Confirmation – Confirmation will take place in our parish in April 2020. At the moment, there are three candidates. If you wish to be confirmed, please make contact with me regarding preparation. The Service will be in the morning on a Sunday and may be in one of our churches that has never had a confirmation!

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 welcomes all children. It under Church of Ireland management and the ethos of the school is Anglican/Church of Ireland.                                                                                                                                    

Carol Services –

Sunday 8th  December  -St Paul's, Cahir @ 8.00pm

Thursday, 12^th December – Tullameelan @ 8.00pm

Sunday, 15^th December – The Abbey Church, Fethard @ 7.30pm  Friday, 20 ^th December – Old St Marys @ 7.30pm

Sunday, 22^nd December – Holy Trinity, Fethard @7.30pm

Diocesan Commission – Following the deliberation of the special  commission in our diocese a little while ago; the diocesan synod has now implemented the process to be followed. It will involve a visit from the members of the commission to every parish to review it's needs and going forward into the future.

This is not about closing churches; but rather a review of where we are and how we can go forward into the future better equipped and with confidence in our service to the Lord..

All aspects of parish life will be assessed. It will be comprehensive in its probing. The actual process will become apparent quite soon.

Readings – Thank-you to those take part in the reading rota in Clonmel; especially Shirley who allocates readings to very willing people! It can be scary to actually volunteer or be “volunteered”! It certainly helps people to attend worship! In the coming months I intend creating a prayer rota where people will either lead from a prayer book/script. Those participating will be encouraged to write their own prayer which will be included during their leadership.

Thank-you also to those who read in our other churches and to those who, when nobody turns up to lead worship, step up to ensure all present can fulfil their Sunday obligation!

Cleaning & Decorating our churches - Part of being a parishioner is looking after our churches, churchyards and other properties. It is customary to decorate our churches for special occasions such as Harvest Thanksgivings, Christmas and Easter. It is also parishioners’ responsibility to clean our churches or to ensure it is done. These times of coming together enable us to get to know each other and to be integrated into parish life.

The days when those long established in the parish, who “knew” how to do things, has passed. Now we welcome everybody to be part of the family of faith, to make their contribution in their own way. It can be a pot/bunch of flowers, a short time preparing for a special occasion or bringing a contribution towards the refreshments we provide at the end of special and regular worship Services. We have a cleaning rota which needs updating! So volunteers, please!!

Fees – Fees for special occasions have always been in place for the use of churches, organists, graves and certificates. We do not charge for Baptisms in this parish. There are fees for new graves, re-opening of graves and weddings. In the case of Baptism it is traditional to give a “gift-offering”. These fees go towards the upkeep of our historic buildings. Fees are set by the Select Vestry.

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 welcomes all children. It under Church of Ireland management and the ethos of the school is Anglican/Church of Ireland.                                                                                                                                    

Whist Drives – Christmas Whist Drive Friday 13^th December in the Sisters of  Charity School -opposite Old St Mary's @ 7.45pm sharp.

                                              All welcome

Concert – The Garda Band will perform in the Minella Hotel on Thursday, 5^th December – Tickets to be bought in advance.

                                         CHURCH SERVICES

Date	Holy Trinity Fethard 9.30am	St Marys Clonmel 8.30am 11.00am	St Paul's Cahir 9.30am	Tullameelan Knocklofty 11.00am
1st December	H.C.	H.C.       H.C.	M.P.	No Service
8th December	M.P	HC       M.P.	H.C.	H.C.
15th December	H.C.	H.C.       H.C.	M.P.	No Service
22nd December	M.P.	H.C. Service of the Word	M.P.	No Service
24th December Christmas Eve	7.30pm Holy Communion in St Paul’s, Cahir
25th December Christmas Day	8.30am -   H.C. in  Old St Mary’s, Clonmel 9.30am  - H.C. in Holy Trinity, Fethard 11.00 –     H.C. in Old St Mary’s
29th December	11.00am  Central Service in St Patrick’s, Innishlounagh,Marlfield

 Everyone is welcome...

Sunday Life – This hour long programme is broadcast on TippFm on Sunday mornings from 7 – 8am. It is presented by local clergy and, usually, consists of music, readings and chat.

Wednesday Worship – Takes place at 10.30am  and is a celebration of the Holy Communion with tea/coffee afterwards.

Newsletter - November 2019

I would like to thank the outgoing members of our school Board of Management who have completed their term of office. During their time on the board; they have been diligent in all matters proscribed for the proper management of our schools so that all students receive the best possible education. There have been challenges but during this term of office we received the use of the small “shed” as an office for the Principal; Ms Wallace.

Being a member of the Board brings many challenges and in the past years all have worked together to ensure a pleasant working/teaching/learning environment for all; both teachers and ancillary staff.

Our Parochial School offers the best education possible for each pupil. It has a Church of Ireland ethos; but is open and inclusive to all.

Ms Wallace and Mrs Brennan are excellent teachers. They are supported by Joan, our secretary and a number of people who come in regularly to enrich the curriculum with all manner of extra-curricular activities.

The school is a hive of activity and I wonder how so much get done within the days.

There is encouragement and support in learning.

Our patron is the Diocesan bishop; The Right Rev Michael Burrows who is such a support and  guide.

Wednesday morning begin with assembly when we  learn, discuss and worship.

A Board of Management will be elected in the coming weeks. It will consist of the Patron's nominee who is usually the Chairperson, parent representation and parish representation. Meetings usually take place immediately after school, at least, four times per years. If you are ask to consider going forward for election to the Board; please consider it seriously. We have been supported by parish, community and parents at a very high level always and the experience can be said to be good!

                          Barbara

Cleaning & Decorating our churches - Part of being a parishioner is looking after our churches, churchyards and other properties.

It is customary to decorate our churches for special occasions such as Harvest Thanksgivings, Christmas and Easter. It is also parishioners’ responsibility to clean our churches or to ensure it is done. These times of coming together enable us to get to know each other and to be integrated into parish life.

The days when those long established in the parish, who “knew” how to do things, has passed. Now we welcome everybody to be part of the family of faith, to make their contribution in their own way. It can be a pot/bunch of flowers, a short time preparing for a special occasion or bringing a contribution towards the refreshments we provide at the end of special and regular worship Services. We have a cleaning rota which needs updating! So volunteers, please!!

                                         CHURCH SERVICES

Date	Holy Trinity 9.30am	St Marys 8.30am 11.00am	St Paul's 9.30am	Tullameelan 11.00am
3rd November	H.C.	H.C.       H.C.	M.P.	No Service
10th Nov	M.P	HC       M.P.	H.C.	H.C.
17th Nov	H.C.	H.C.       H.C.	M.P.	No Service
24th Nov	M.P.	H.C. Service of the Word	M.P.	No Service
1st December	Central Service in Old St Marys @ 11.00am

Wednesday Worship – Takes place at 10.30am and is a celebration of the Holy Communion with tea/coffee afterwards.

Sunday Life – This hour long programme is broadcast on TippFm on Sunday mornings from 7 – 8am. It is presented by local clergy and, usually, consists of music, readings and chat.

Confirmation 2020 – This is the time of year when the Bishop begins to set the dates for Confirmations in our Diocese. The usual age for candidates is over 12yrs. If you have not been Baptised you may ask for Baptism and Confirmation at the same time if you are over the above age. You can be baptised at any age!

Classes/Conversations begin in Autumn in this Parish with the Baptisms/Confirmations taking place when the Bishop chooses; always on a Sunday. So, if you can speak to me before the beginning of October a date can be set at the Clergy Conference. I prefer that the candidates ask me rather than parents!

Fees – Fees for special occasions have always been in place for the use of churches, organists, graves and certificates. We do not charge for Baptisms in this parish. There are fees for new graves, re-opening of graves and weddings. In the case of Baptism it is traditional to give a “gift-offering”.

These fees go towards the upkeep of our historic buildings. Fees are set by the Select Vestry.

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 welcomes all children. It under Church of Ireland management and the ethos of the school is Anglican/Church of Ireland.                                                                                                                                     

Whist Drives – begin on Friday, 8^th November 2019 in the Sisters of  Charity School -opposite Old St Mary's @ 7.45pm sharp.

                                              All welcome

Concert – The Garda Band will perform in the Minella Hotel on Thursday, 5^th December – Tickets to be bought in advance.

Disestablishment 150 - It is 150 years since the Church of Ireland became disestablished from the Church of England. A Service to commemorate this import event will take place in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin on Saturday, 23^rd November 2019 @ 3pm – admission tickets available from caoimhe.leppard@rcbdub.org.

Carol Services 2019

8^th December  -St Paul's, Cahir @ 7.30pm

12^th December – Tullaghmeelan @ 8.00pm

15^th December – The Abbey Church, Fethard @ 7.30pm

 20 ^th December – Old St Marys Clonmel@ 7.30pm

22^nd December – Holy Trinity, Fethard @7.30pm

Diocesan Commission – Following the deliberation of the special commission in our diocese a little while ago; the diocesan synod has now implemented the process to be followed. It will involve a visit from the members of the commission to every parish to review it's needs and going forward into the future.

This is not about closing churches; but rather a review of where we are and how we can go forward into the future better equipped and with confidence in our service to the Lord..

All aspects of parish life will be assessed. It will be comprehensive in its probing. The actual process will become apparent quite soon.

Cleaning & Flower Rota – This appear to have “fallen apart”. Every church needs cleaning weekly and flowers for the altar with it. It is yet another way of participating in parish life. So, I intend designating somebody to put in place a new rota in the coming weeks.

Readings – Thank-you to those take part in the reading rota in Clonmel; especially Shirley who allocates readings to very willing people! It can be scary to actually volunteer or be “volunteered”! It certainly helps people to attend worship!

 In the coming months I intend creating a prayer rota where people will either lead from a prayerbook/script. Those participating will be encouraged to write their own prayer which will be included during their leadership.

Thank-you also to those who read in our other churches and to those who, when nobody turns up to lead worship, step up to ensure all present can fulfil their Sunday obligation!