One hundred years ago in 1909, the Church of Ireland introduced that Office of Reader. A Reader wears a cassock, surplice and blue scarf – they have undergone a pretty intensive training and are licensed to read Morning & Evening Prayer and may conduct a funeral in the absence of an ordained person being available. Services of the Word may be authorised by the Rector of the parish who has full responsibility for all matters in worship. Readers have no pastoral ministry and work only at the request and under the direction of the Rector in whose parish they conduct worship. It isn’t appropriate to ask a Reader to change any item in worship or to expect any pastoral advice or care.
The centenary of this ministry that serves our Church so well will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin on Saturday, 28th November 2009.
Sunday Service details can be found on @clonmelunion on Facebook
Sunday Service details can be found on @clonmelunion on Facebook
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Swine Flu - Message From the Bishop
1. At the moment I do not see a need to withdraw the common cup as a matter of policy. It is up to people to decline politely and quietly to drink from it, not for us to refuse to offer it. If they do choose not to drink, that should be respected- communion in one kind only has always been considered when necessary to be complete. What should be avoided is people dipping the host in the chalice rather than drinking from it - this is extremely unhygenic as their fingers will very probably make contact with the wine. On those fairly rare occasions when communion by intinction continues to be practised (eg one to one with the sick) it is the celebrant who mixes the elements with the greatest possible care to use clean hands.
3. After the Peace, however, there is a particular onus on the clergy to have clean hands (as well as a pure heart) before they handle the bread. The ancient tradition of the priest's handwashing is now proving to have a more practical use. Where - as in most cases - actual thorough handwashing in the sanctuary cannot be done, there is a great deal to be said for the use of antiseptic wipes before the thanksgiving and distrbution on the part of the Eucharistic presider and the assistants. The visible provision of supplies of such wipes in the porches etc of churches could also have much practical value - provided they are used properly! – this will be introduced immediately.
4. People who feel they have flu like symptoms should stay at home rather than struggle to church. The same applies to the clergy - a supposedly heroic but sick priest struggling on at the altar is the last thing that congregations need at the moment. if you need sick leave take it - and the diocese will just have to do its best to cover the gaps
5. We will plastic bag lined bins for the hygienic disposal of tissues and wipes.
6. Hands should be very clean particularly before babies are handled at baptism wipes will be supplied
7. It is unwise to visit people who are housebound with flu - contact by phone is the best option. When visiting places such as nursing homes where residents are at high risk, please follow the advice of professional staff and accept that there may be occasions when, despite all your pastoral instincts, it is best to stay away for a few days.
8. If down the road further advice is needed about a more dramatic reponse (eg cancelling events or if schools are to be closed) that advice will of course be given. For the moment, as in so many areas, sanctified common sense is what is called for - bearing in mind that there are many unexpected dangers out there to our frail flesh as well as this one. O God who knowest us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright.. (Abp Thomas Cranmer)
3. After the Peace, however, there is a particular onus on the clergy to have clean hands (as well as a pure heart) before they handle the bread. The ancient tradition of the priest's handwashing is now proving to have a more practical use. Where - as in most cases - actual thorough handwashing in the sanctuary cannot be done, there is a great deal to be said for the use of antiseptic wipes before the thanksgiving and distrbution on the part of the Eucharistic presider and the assistants. The visible provision of supplies of such wipes in the porches etc of churches could also have much practical value - provided they are used properly! – this will be introduced immediately.
4. People who feel they have flu like symptoms should stay at home rather than struggle to church. The same applies to the clergy - a supposedly heroic but sick priest struggling on at the altar is the last thing that congregations need at the moment. if you need sick leave take it - and the diocese will just have to do its best to cover the gaps
5. We will plastic bag lined bins for the hygienic disposal of tissues and wipes.
6. Hands should be very clean particularly before babies are handled at baptism wipes will be supplied
7. It is unwise to visit people who are housebound with flu - contact by phone is the best option. When visiting places such as nursing homes where residents are at high risk, please follow the advice of professional staff and accept that there may be occasions when, despite all your pastoral instincts, it is best to stay away for a few days.
8. If down the road further advice is needed about a more dramatic reponse (eg cancelling events or if schools are to be closed) that advice will of course be given. For the moment, as in so many areas, sanctified common sense is what is called for - bearing in mind that there are many unexpected dangers out there to our frail flesh as well as this one. O God who knowest us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright.. (Abp Thomas Cranmer)
Walled Town Day –
Both Fethard and Clonmel are among the few walled towns left in Ireland. Sunday, 23rd August is the day. There will be workshhops in our hall and events at the walls at Old St. Mary’s in the afternoon. Fethard plans something similar to their more lavish celebrations of the last few years on the day – the church will be open in the afternoon and there will be fun and games for all!
Our Debt –
In mid-June this stood at just €40,000. It is, at present reducing at about €1,000 per month. Thank-you to all those families who continue to ensure that this burden on the parish will be gone in another four years and so is allowing us to make progress in other areas of parish life. Thanks are due to those who are contributing to removing this financial burden from us all. If you pledged an annual contribution you might consider giving it now. Thank-you!
Singing Group –
Next meetings in Old St. Mary’s @ 8.00pm on Fridays 7th, 21st August and 4th September New faces & voices welcome!
Summer Visitors –
There has been an improvement in the use of the tourist Office based at Old St Mary's Church. There has also been a considerable increase in the number of visitors seeking information about their ancestors.
Disco –
The Disco for disabled young people in the Park Hotel was a huge success.George Hogg plans that this will be a monthly event. Look out for future dates and times!
Concert –
Martin Hayes & Denis Cahill. With fiddle and guitar wowed a full Church in Old St. Mary’s on Wednesday, 8th July as part of the Junction Festival.
Charles Agar Weekend –
Congratulations are due to Dean Knowles and his many helpers on the success of the Agar BI-Centennial Weekend. Cashel Cathedral looked great and the music and learning was wonderful. The festival Service, with the Archbishop of Armagh preaching, was memorable
Organ Marathon –
Our bishop has a new Project to raise funds for charity. The
beneficiaries of his latest “scheme” receive their donations from an Organ Marathon in which he will play “Come Ye Thankful People Come” in every church in the diocese between 27th August and 13th September. He expects to find some people present when he arrives at each church to sing along with him!!!
The beneficiaries of his efforts will be Bishops Appeal and USPG (to share40%), Protestant Aid (40%) and the Rev Paul Mooney’s (former Rector of New Ross) Outreach Initiative to Anglicans in Seoul, South Korea (20%).
To raise funds we will give all our Collections on Sunday, 23rd August 2009 to this project.
And the date and times to sing “Come Ye Thankful People ,Come” with our Bishop here in this parish are:
Date: Saturday, 29th August 2009
Times: Holy Trinity, Fethard – 12.30pm
Old St. Mary’s, Clonmel – 2.00pm
St Patrick’s, Inislonaght (Marlfield) – 2.45pm
Tullaghmeelan - 3.15pm
St Paul’s, Cahir- 4.15pm
Be there!!!!
beneficiaries of his latest “scheme” receive their donations from an Organ Marathon in which he will play “Come Ye Thankful People Come” in every church in the diocese between 27th August and 13th September. He expects to find some people present when he arrives at each church to sing along with him!!!
The beneficiaries of his efforts will be Bishops Appeal and USPG (to share40%), Protestant Aid (40%) and the Rev Paul Mooney’s (former Rector of New Ross) Outreach Initiative to Anglicans in Seoul, South Korea (20%).
To raise funds we will give all our Collections on Sunday, 23rd August 2009 to this project.
And the date and times to sing “Come Ye Thankful People ,Come” with our Bishop here in this parish are:
Date: Saturday, 29th August 2009
Times: Holy Trinity, Fethard – 12.30pm
Old St. Mary’s, Clonmel – 2.00pm
St Patrick’s, Inislonaght (Marlfield) – 2.45pm
Tullaghmeelan - 3.15pm
St Paul’s, Cahir- 4.15pm
Be there!!!!
Gospel Concert -
It’s short notice! – but James Kilbane will give a Gospel concert at Clogheen Church on Monday, 3rd August from 3-5pm – Donation
€15 in aid of the Church Painting fund.
€15 in aid of the Church Painting fund.
Marriage Registers –
Until 5th November 2008, the Church of Ireland held the State Registers of Marriages for those solemnised in our churches. Now that we have the new legislation, these registers must be officially closed. In the coming weeks I will take the registers and their duplicates to the local registrar who will officially close them and return the duplicate copies to me for safe keeping.
We are becoming more aware of the lack of safeguards against falsification of vital evidence in the planning of marriages.
We are becoming more aware of the lack of safeguards against falsification of vital evidence in the planning of marriages.
New Parish Treasurer –
Caroline Quaid will take over the Parish Treasyrership in the coming
weeks. We thank the Rev James Mulhall for all he has done in this post
during the recent past.
weeks. We thank the Rev James Mulhall for all he has done in this post
during the recent past.
Brochure Launch –
The Rector attended the launch of Cahir Tourisms new Brochure on the evening of the 23rd July.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Coffee Time –
This will be a “drop – in” type of morning and new faces are beginning to appear!! Your are invited – all of you – to drop into the Rectory on Saturday, 22nd August 2009 between 10.00am – 12.30pm. The idea is to facilitate parishioners meeting each other over a cup of tea or coffee. There will be a biscuit and, if your lucky, maybe a scone and jam! There will be a jam-jar for anybody who might like to make a donation to the Hall Restoration Fund – no obligation! This invitation includes all of all ages
Whist Drives –
The new season will begin in September. Contributions to raffles and suppers will be most appreciated. These take place on 2nd Friday of the month.
Licensing @ Lismore Cathedral
The Bishop has asked me to convey his thanks to the parish for the enormous support you gave to Rev James Mulhall at his licensing in Lismore Cathedral on 24th June.
I want to thank everybody also, but, also, for your enthusiasm and the encouragement you showed in helping to make Sunday, 28th June a memorable day for the Mulhall family and for the parish. It wasn’t just those of you who could be present on both occasions, but the many people who contributed although they could not be present on both occasions.
The Rev James’ licensing to serve in this parish for, at least, a year is a landmark in the life of our parish. The numbers of Anglicans living within our parish boundaries far exceed any estimates that have been made to date. Each person is entitled to the type of pastoral care that has not been possible during the last few years. The workload is too much for one person to accomplish to the type of standard that I expect to provide.
No consideration has been given to the increase in time required in the hospital chaplaincy since St. Joseph’s became a General Hospital. This is the largest unit in area in the diocese, but the numbers returned in censuses has given the impression of a very small population. Having three towns and many villages in our parish demands a greater presence than one person could possibly manage.
Having an assistant will lighten the load and help us move forward in a more positive way. But, beginning things which may be limited again in a year’s time is not something I want to embark on. I hope that by initiating new aspects in ministry will put us in a position for our present level of “manpower” to continue into the future. Rev James and I cannot do this by ourselves – we need your help and co-operation.
With Fas no longer requiring, at least, one room in the tower, we will, after the end of this month, have a further facility for activities. We also need to utilise the Butler/Charteris Hall in Cahir. And we could use our other buildings to better advantage.
I know we want to move forward, and where many put their hands to the wheel there is better and more efficient and each carries a much lighten burden than when there are only a few willing people.
I want to thank everybody also, but, also, for your enthusiasm and the encouragement you showed in helping to make Sunday, 28th June a memorable day for the Mulhall family and for the parish. It wasn’t just those of you who could be present on both occasions, but the many people who contributed although they could not be present on both occasions.
The Rev James’ licensing to serve in this parish for, at least, a year is a landmark in the life of our parish. The numbers of Anglicans living within our parish boundaries far exceed any estimates that have been made to date. Each person is entitled to the type of pastoral care that has not been possible during the last few years. The workload is too much for one person to accomplish to the type of standard that I expect to provide.
No consideration has been given to the increase in time required in the hospital chaplaincy since St. Joseph’s became a General Hospital. This is the largest unit in area in the diocese, but the numbers returned in censuses has given the impression of a very small population. Having three towns and many villages in our parish demands a greater presence than one person could possibly manage.
Having an assistant will lighten the load and help us move forward in a more positive way. But, beginning things which may be limited again in a year’s time is not something I want to embark on. I hope that by initiating new aspects in ministry will put us in a position for our present level of “manpower” to continue into the future. Rev James and I cannot do this by ourselves – we need your help and co-operation.
With Fas no longer requiring, at least, one room in the tower, we will, after the end of this month, have a further facility for activities. We also need to utilise the Butler/Charteris Hall in Cahir. And we could use our other buildings to better advantage.
I know we want to move forward, and where many put their hands to the wheel there is better and more efficient and each carries a much lighten burden than when there are only a few willing people.
Link Diocese –
The Rector, as the new co-ordinator of our new Link with the diocese of Sodor & Mann visited the Isle of Man with the bishop and other members of the new committee. We met with Bishop Robert Paterson and his new committee having been met at Douglas Airport by the diocesan outreach mini-bus. Our day included a visit to the tynwald, the oldest parliament in the world and had a tour of the island.
Each of us had time to chat with our counterpart. My role as well as being co-ordinator will be to interact with the Warden of Lay Readers, Rev John Gulland. The Sodor and Man co-ordinator is Gill Poole, bishop’s Chaplain and Mission Adviser.
Our next meeting will be here in our diocese and I hope to bring my counterparts to clonmel to visit in the very near future.
Please pray for us all as we seek to broaden all our outlooks and to truly work together towards the completion of god’s Kingdom here on earth.
Each of us had time to chat with our counterpart. My role as well as being co-ordinator will be to interact with the Warden of Lay Readers, Rev John Gulland. The Sodor and Man co-ordinator is Gill Poole, bishop’s Chaplain and Mission Adviser.
Our next meeting will be here in our diocese and I hope to bring my counterparts to clonmel to visit in the very near future.
Please pray for us all as we seek to broaden all our outlooks and to truly work together towards the completion of god’s Kingdom here on earth.
Organ Marathon
Our bishop has a new Project to raise funds for charity. The
beneficiaries of his latest “scheme” receive their donations from an Organ Marathon in which he will play “Come Ye Thankful People Come” in every church in the diocese between 27th August and 13th September. He expects to find some people present when he arrives at each church to sing along with him!!!
The beneficiaries of his efforts will be Bishops Appeal and USPG (to share40%), Protestant Aid (40%) and the Rev Paul Mooney’s (former Rector of New Ross) Outreach Initiative to Anglicans in Seoul, South Korea (20%).
To raise funds we will give all our Collections on Sunday, 23rd August 2009 to this project.
And the date and times to sing “Come Ye Thankful People ,Come” with our Bishop here in this parish are:
Date: Saturday, 29th August 2009
Times: Holy Trinity, Fethard – 12.30pm
Old St. Mary’s, Clonmel – 2.00pm
St Patrick’s, Inislonaght (Marlfield)– 2.45pm
Tullaghmeelan - 3.15pm
St Paul’s, Cahir - 4.15pm
Please try and attend at least one of these venues!
beneficiaries of his latest “scheme” receive their donations from an Organ Marathon in which he will play “Come Ye Thankful People Come” in every church in the diocese between 27th August and 13th September. He expects to find some people present when he arrives at each church to sing along with him!!!
The beneficiaries of his efforts will be Bishops Appeal and USPG (to share40%), Protestant Aid (40%) and the Rev Paul Mooney’s (former Rector of New Ross) Outreach Initiative to Anglicans in Seoul, South Korea (20%).
To raise funds we will give all our Collections on Sunday, 23rd August 2009 to this project.
And the date and times to sing “Come Ye Thankful People ,Come” with our Bishop here in this parish are:
Date: Saturday, 29th August 2009
Times: Holy Trinity, Fethard – 12.30pm
Old St. Mary’s, Clonmel – 2.00pm
St Patrick’s, Inislonaght (Marlfield)– 2.45pm
Tullaghmeelan - 3.15pm
St Paul’s, Cahir - 4.15pm
Please try and attend at least one of these venues!
School Parents Day
Parents Day was a wonderful occasion.The day began with a science display. We were treated to learning and with the anticipation of the bomb going off – it didn’t quite work but the fun was really good! Parents and teachers watched the children perform, in the open air, in drama, verse, song and music. Our children have such talent and it’s great that they have the confidence to share their talent for the enjoyment of others.
Diocesan Childrens’ Festival Service
Teachers and children travelled to Templemore on 12th June for the Diocesan Childrens’ Festival Service. The day included sports and our pupils excelled themselves.
Diocesan Childrens Festival Service
Teachers and children travelled to Templemore on 12th June for the Diocesan Childrens’ Festival Service. The day included sports and our pupils excelled themselves.
School Board of Management
Some members of the board of Management attended the training on Legal issues and Child Protection modules in early June. Other members attended the training evening presented by the Roman Catholic manager’s association, which is mandated by the Department of Education and Science to do this. By having member attend all available training, which is part of being a Board member, we receive as much information as possible in the most responsible task of ensuring that our staff and pupils work and learn in a safe and compliant environment.
School News –
Our Assistant Teacher, Mrs Brennan, is taking a year’s Leave of Absence for the School Year 2009/10. A Selection Board, which met recently, has appointed Miss Yvonne Kenny to act a Temporary Assistant for the coming academic year. We welcome Ms Kenny to our school and look forward to her contribution to our childrens’ education.
June 24th -
On that date the Rev James Mulhall was licensed by the bishop to serve as
a priest in the Church of Ireland. Many people are confused by what appear to be the niceties of who is allowed do what during worship etc. What we do in worship is governed by a combination of Scriptural, Traditional and Doctrinal prescriptions that our Church is governed by. And it is confusing for lay people; especially where tradition has been confined to a few specific areas in which all who conducted worship were ordained.
We wlecome Rev James to the ministry of the Church in our parish, we should pray for him and his family constantly. He has now forfeited all his lay status which includes him now being a member of the Select Vestry as a member of the clergy, membership of Diocesan Synod as a member of the clergy and will no longer be available to read in Church as a lay person – the normal rotas have now become for him areas where he will help me and those organising the rotas to encourage the laity to serve in the life and worship of our parish. We will all get used to these changes which are for the betterment of our parish.
a priest in the Church of Ireland. Many people are confused by what appear to be the niceties of who is allowed do what during worship etc. What we do in worship is governed by a combination of Scriptural, Traditional and Doctrinal prescriptions that our Church is governed by. And it is confusing for lay people; especially where tradition has been confined to a few specific areas in which all who conducted worship were ordained.
We wlecome Rev James to the ministry of the Church in our parish, we should pray for him and his family constantly. He has now forfeited all his lay status which includes him now being a member of the Select Vestry as a member of the clergy, membership of Diocesan Synod as a member of the clergy and will no longer be available to read in Church as a lay person – the normal rotas have now become for him areas where he will help me and those organising the rotas to encourage the laity to serve in the life and worship of our parish. We will all get used to these changes which are for the betterment of our parish.
Ordinations –
Ivan Dungan, Ruth West & Christine Smyth were ordained Deacon in Waterford Cathedral on Monday, 8th June. The Rev Ivan is now serving in Bunclody Parish part-time, the Rev Ruth is serving as full time curate in Waterford with special responsibility for Tramore & Dunmore and the Rev Christine is serving part-time in Lismore Group. The part-time non-stipendiary clergy do not receive a stipend, but get a contribution to their travelling expenses from the diocese.
Our diocese is one of the few which has students in the Theological Institute constantly. It is very encouraging that have people doing the Foundation Course and in the Fellowship of Vocations and others investigating whether they have a vocation to ministry at the moment. The first step is to have a chat or two with the Rector.
Our diocese is one of the few which has students in the Theological Institute constantly. It is very encouraging that have people doing the Foundation Course and in the Fellowship of Vocations and others investigating whether they have a vocation to ministry at the moment. The first step is to have a chat or two with the Rector.
Baptisms, Marriages & Funerals –
The correct procedure for arranging these is to contact the Rector. The Rev James will not be added to the state’s List of Solemnizers until he completes his 1st year of ministry – he cannot officiate at weddings until such time as he is added to the list.
Charles Agar Weekend –
Archbishop Agar was the Archbishop of Cashel who completed the present Cathedral in Cashel. This year is the 200th anniversary ofhis death. Next Sunday, 12th July, Archbishop Alan Harper, Armagh, will preached at the celebration of this aniversary in Cashel Cathedral at 7.30pm. Archbishop Agar is buried in Westminster Abbey and he is depicted on the memorial tablet holding Cashel Cathedral in his arms. His wife played the organ for the 1st time in September 1785 when the Cathedral was opened for public worship.
Welcome –
Canon Paul Draper will be instituted as Rector of lismore Group Parishes and installed as Dean of the Cathedral on 30th July 2009 @ 8.00pm.
Shrapnel Fund -
I hope you haven’t forgotten about the shrapnel fund which is part of our initiative to pay off our debt. We have asked that as many of you as possible would put your loose change into a jam jar and give the proceeds to us to help with our effort to get rid of the debt. Shirley Clooney has taken charge of the counting etc. Over €800has now been returned through this project.
Concert –
Martin Hayes & Denis Cahill performed with fiddle and guitar in Old St. Mary’s on Wednesday, 8th July @ 8.00pm. It an exhilerating performance of traditional music presented to an appreciative and enthusiastic capacity audience.
Mariancourt –
The staff and residents would like to thank all those who supported their Coffee Morning. They also thank us for contributing to their tea on the evening of the 28th June.
Fas –
Our parish Fas scheme will finish on 31st July. Five of the present workers will be re-assigned to the Tourist & Fisheries Scheme, whose supervisor is Mr Simon Molloy. Their duties will be at Old St. Mary’s only. There are health and safety reasons why we can no longer expect participants to service multi-sites.
Mr Nagle has been re-assigned to a Fethard scheme and, when his time is up will be replaced. Fas are in the process of arranging for a participant to be assigned to St. Paul’s and Kilcommon under a Cahir Scheme.
Other arrangements will have to be made for Tullaghmeelan and Marlfield. The company will be wound up. Thank-you, particularly, to Gwen Morgan & Bob Savage who have not only served as Directors, but who willingly went gaurantor for the annual overdraft facility that was required for each scheme.
Mr Nagle has been re-assigned to a Fethard scheme and, when his time is up will be replaced. Fas are in the process of arranging for a participant to be assigned to St. Paul’s and Kilcommon under a Cahir Scheme.
Other arrangements will have to be made for Tullaghmeelan and Marlfield. The company will be wound up. Thank-you, particularly, to Gwen Morgan & Bob Savage who have not only served as Directors, but who willingly went gaurantor for the annual overdraft facility that was required for each scheme.
Bereavement
Elspeth Wynn (nee Parker) – The death occured recently in Coventry of Elspeth Wynn who grew up in Mitchelstown Road, Cahir. Her mother, Eileen, was organist in St. Paul’s for many years. Her father, Merith, was a keen fisherman. Elspeth was predecesaed by her husband and our sympathy goes to her son, Tony, and her brothers Bertie and Tommy. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
Bereavement –
We offer our sympathy to Paddy Magner and his family on the death
of his wife, Winnifred (Winnie) who died on 3rd July in the General Hospital after a short illness. Her funeral will take place in St. Paul’s, Cahir this Sunday with internment immediately afterwards in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
of his wife, Winnifred (Winnie) who died on 3rd July in the General Hospital after a short illness. Her funeral will take place in St. Paul’s, Cahir this Sunday with internment immediately afterwards in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Enrolment in St. Mary’s National School –
It is now time to get application in for enrolment in September 2009. Forms are available from Ms Wallace @ Tel: 052 6127876. The school is St. Mary’s Parochial School, Western Road, Clonmel.
Coffee Time -
Your are invited – all of you – to drop into the Rectory on Saturday, 4th July 2009 between 10.00am – 12.30pm. The idea is to facilitate parishioners meeting each other over a cup of tea or coffee. There will be a biscuit and, if your lucky, maybe a scone and jam! There will be a jam-jar for anybody who might like to make a donation to the Hall Restoration Fund – no obligation! This invitation includes all of all ages.
Artistic Sisters –
Niamh Bain won a prize for the picture she painted for the Healthy Heart initiative organised by the High School. Her sister, Ciara, won 2nd prize in the 3rd Class section of the Diocesan Bishop’s Poster Competition. Congratulations, girls!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
