National Ploughing Championships

National Ploughing Championships – Our Diocese shared a stand with that of the Diocese of Kildare & Leighlin. A surprisingly large number of young people visited the shared stand. Clergy from both diocese greeted visitors, answered questions, chatted and shared in prayer. The Rector took her turn on the last day.

Course in Christian Studies –

This course has begun and registration for it took place in the Outreach Centre, St Kieran's College, Kilkenny on 7^th March 2013. Eleven people have now begun the course for their own interest, with a view to becoming Diocesan Readers or to gain entry into the Theological Institute towards the ordained ministry.

Bishop Michael’s Bishops Appeal Collection –

During the last five years Bishop Michael has embarked on novel ways of raising funds for those in need in other parts of the world. Well, he is off on his travels around the diocese again! This timethe project is “Educate for Life” and it seeks to build schools etc in Swaziland & Rwanda (Africa) He will visit the parish on Saturday, 13th October @ 4.30pm – The venue will be St Paul’s Church, Cahir.

Diocesan Synod –

This will take place on Wednesday, 17th October 2012 at Kildalton College, Piltown. All members should make the effort to attend. The business of the Synod is to review the business of the Diocese during the past year and to make decisions, which are then, usually, delegated to the Diocesan Council to implement.
As we will be voting on whether our Diocese bcomes one administrative unit in March 2013, the elections to Diocesan Council are taking place annually to enable a smooth and immediate move to unity should March 2013’ not be favourable. This process has been complicated and in depth for those who represent our diocesan committees, it has gone well and we should pray that we decide to work togther for the benefit of all as one body united in heart, mind & spirit.

Diocesan Magazine –

Every parish in the Diocese contributes to this publication and it is a
great way of seeing what happens in the South East. It is now time to order next year’s publication.
The cost is €30 and must be paid when ordering. Talk to the Rector.

Commissioning of new Diocesan Readers –

Nine new Diocesan Readers will be commissioned by the bishop in St Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny on Advent Sunday, 2nd December 2012 @ 7.00pm – present Diocesan Readers will be relicenced. Note that Diocesan Readers are subject to the 75 Birthday retirement requirements and like clergy, of all types, may continue to serve in an informal arrangement.

Ordinations in Diocese:

Rev Helen Oxley was ordained priest in Leighlin Cathedral on 28th June – she is a teacher and serves in the Non-Stipendiary Ministry in the Bagnelstown Union of Parishes

On Friday, 31st August the Revs James (Jim) Wallace & Rev Nicola Halford will ordained priest. They have completed their intern year as deacons and Rev Jim will become Curate of Waterford Union and Rev Nicola will serve as Curate in Wexford Union.

Bishop Michael’s Bishops Appeal Collection –

During the last five years Bishop Michael
has embarked on novel ways of raising funds for those in need in other parts of the world. Well, he is off on his travels around the diocese again! This timethe project is “Educate for Life” and it seeks to build schools etc in Burundi & Rwanda (Africa) He will visit the parish on Saturday, 13th October @ 4.30pm – The venue will be St Paul’s Church, Cahir.

Preachment Engagement –

As is customary for a member of the Chapter of a cathedral, the Rector will fulfil her duty as Treasurer of St Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny by preaching in the cathedral on Sunday 22nd July 2012 @ 11.30am

Confirmation Service

Confirmation Service in St Paul’s Church Piltown– Six young people, four of whom were prepared for confirmation in this parish, were confirmed by Bishop Michael in St Paul’s Church, Piltown on the afternoon of 17th June. Each candidate played a part in the Service. We wish Tristan, Ciara, Emilt & Ellen and Bobbie & Hilary God’s blessing and pray that they may grow in faith during the coming years.

Schools’ Festival Service –

Old St Mary’s was the venue for this annual Service this year.

Much preparation went into organising this act of worship that involves about 300 under 12s from the former diocese of Cashel, Waterford & Lismore. The theme this year was based on “Run the race that is set before you” Our Principal, Ms Wallace, is to be congratulated on putting this service together and ensuring that each of the 6 schools took part fully. The Rector played the organ; having practiced on the organ more than she has done for many years. The climax of the Service was when the children got out of the pews and we rocked, sang and danced to “I’m gonna jump up and down... “by Doug Horley – a modern hymnwriter who uses nonense words and rhythm like you’ve never experienced it before!

The excellent interactive “sermon” was presented by Lydia Mons, Bishops Appeal coordinator, helped by hte children.

Welcome -

To two new Rector’s to our diocese the Rev Patrick Burke to Castlecomer & the Rev Stevenson to Bunclody. We wish the Rev Arthur Minion well as he moves a few miles to Wexford.

St Patrick’s Day –

The Rector conducted Holy Communion as Gaeilge in Waterford Cathedral on the morning of the national saint’s feast day. The Rev Arthur Carter did likewise in Cashel Cathedral on the same morning. Later in the day, the Rector conducted a bi-lingual service in Old St Mary’s.

Confirmation

Confirmation Service in St Paul’s Church, Piltown on Sunday, 17th June 2012 @ 3.30pm – If you would like the bishop to lay hands on you in affirmation of your faith at this Service, please talk to the Rector.
The candidates from this parish received Holy Communion on Easter Day, before their confirmation, in accordance with the BCP rubric which has said since 1662 that they may as they were “desirous of being Confirmed”. It was for them , and their families, a very important occasion and was done as it should be as part of hte normal act of worship on the most important festival of the church’s year in the presence of family and fellow parishioners. Welcome to the Lord’s table to Tristan, Emily Ciara & Ellen

Confirmation 2012

Confirmation Service in St Paul’s Church, Piltown on Sunday, 17th June 2012 @ 3.30pm – If you would like the bishop to lay hands on you in affirmation of your faith at this Service, please talk to the Rector. The candidates from this parish will receive Holy Communion on Easter Day, before their confirmation, in accordance with the BCP rubric which says that they may as they are “desirous of being Confirmed”.

Confirmation –

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. Four young people have already signed up! Confirmation will take place in Piltown Church on Sunday, 17th June 2012 and classes will begin at the end of February 2012.

Information Evenings –

For many “the diocese” is a faceless entity that “takes our money” and has little relevance to us . In our
diocese we are endeavouring to unite those two entities; The Diocese of Cashel & Ossory and the Diocese of Ferns which form our Bishopric. And, after 800 years or thereabouts, we have it in our sights; very evident in the growing interaction betwen those on the east of the Blackstairs Mts & those on the west!

Our latest venture was two information evenings on the management of property. I have spent almost 20 years working in this area of diocesan life. I sat on the panel in Kilkeeny &, almost a week later, attended the evening in Bunclody, Co Wexford, my “home” country! Others did the same things and we all have got to know each other better and have learned that attendance brings support, interest, friendship and a desire to work together!!!

Confirmation –

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.

Four young people have already signed up!

Confirmation will take place in Piltown Church on Sunday, 17th June 2012 and classes will begin at the end of February 2012.

Assessment 2012 -

We are expecting an increase in Assessment due for 2012 (further details from rector) – the rise is due to the diocese’s extra expense of providing locomotory expenses for retired clergy & lay readers for vacancies & leave of absence for some clergy and poor investment income returns. This must be raised to enable you to have a Rector.
Be aware that “special collections” will not be included in your envelope.

Ordinations –

Rev Alec Purser was ordained priest in Abbeyleix & Helen Oxley was ordained deacon in Bagnalstown to serve in the parishes in which they were ordained. A furhter ordination will take place in Enniscorthy during this month.