Issue 36 “UNION NEWS” February 2013

Dear Parishioners,

Congratulations to our new Bishop
Archdeacon Leslie Stevenson was elected Bishop of Meath and Kildare by the Electoral College on Monday 28th January. We warmly congratulate Leslie on his appointment and I know we all give him our fullest support as he takes on his new role in the Diocese. We would also like to extend our congratulations to his wife, Ruth, and their daughter. The date of his consecration is yet to be decided.

Killucan Bi-Centenary
The Bi-Centenary celebrations at Killucan will begin on Sunday 10th February at a special service at 11.30 a.m., at which Councillor Ruth Illingworth will present a short history of St. Etchins. After the Service a Pot Luck Lunch will be held in the Parish hall. This is a very special occasion for the parishioners of Killucan and I hope the occasion will be very well supported by all the parishioners in the Mullingar Union of Parishes.

Christian Voices Together
The lecture by Prof. Robert Enright on ‘Forgiveness’ was very well supported last Sunday evening in All Saints’ and those who attended were treated to a most inspiring talk. If the churches decide to follow up on the points Prof. Enright raised, he will be very pleased to give us his continued support. The Welcome Centre has now reopened after the Christmas break. If you are free to call in any Thursday between 12.30 pm – 2.30 pm you will be most welcome.

Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday falls on Wednesday 13th February and there will be a Service held in each of the churches:
Kilbixy 10.30 a.m. Holy Communion
All Saints 12.00 noon School Service
All Saints 1.00 p.m. Holy Communion
Almoritia 5.00 p.m. Evening Prayer
Killucan 8.00 p.m. Compline

Ash Wednesday is a very important day for Christians and I do hope parishioners will make a very special effort to attend one of the services.

Lent
Lent provides the opportunity for special prayer and reflection. This year Morning Prayer will be said every Saturday morning during Lent at 10.30 a.m. in All Saints’. I invite you to use this occasion as a time for Lenten devotion and everyone will be more than welcome to attend.

Alpha
The Alpha meetings are still continuing and the next meeting will be held at 7.30 p.m. on Wednesday 6th February at 20 Ardmore Hills, Mullingar.

Select Vestry
The next meeting of the Select Vestry will be held on Monday 11th February at 8.00 p.m. in the Rectory.

Registration for Voting at Easter Vestry
I would like to invite you to sign the Registration Form which enables you to vote at the Easter General Vestry. Notices are currently on display in each of the churches and forms will be provided when requested.

Holy Baptism
We welcomed into God’s family through baptism Ella Williamson on Sunday 27th January. We remember her in our prayers as she begins her journey of faith and we continue to pray for her parents and godparents.

Bereavements
We offer our deepest sympathy to Joe and Angela Wall following the death of Joe’s father Martin. Joe’s father had led a very active life and was very well known and respected in the community. We remember Joe and Angela and Joe’s mother and family in our prayers at this sad time and pray that Martin now in the fuller presence of God may rest in peace.

We also offer our deepest sympathy to Michael, Hope and Lorna Chapman following the death of Hope’s brother and Lorna’s uncle, Niall. Niall had spent much of his life working with Clark’s Shoes and was very involved in the Rathmines & Rathgar Musical Society. His ashes were laid to rest in the family grave in Athlone and, in offering our deepest sympathy, we pray he will rest in peace.

We offer our heartfelt sympathy to Jacinta, Jack, Harry, June, Percy and Gordon Mills following the very untimely death of John. John was highly respected and much loved by all who knew him in the Parish. He was laid to rest at his beloved Kilbixy on Saturday 26th January. He bore his illness with enormous bravery and courage and he will be deeply missed by us all. We offer our love, support and sympathy to Jacinta, Jack and Harry and all the family at this sad time and pray that John will rest in peace.

With God’s blessings,
Rev. Alastair Graham, Rector
The Rectory, Gaol’s Hill, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath.
Telephone No. 044-934 8376