Issue 58 “UNION NEWS” December 2014

Dear Parishioner(s)

November – a Month to Remember
The events in the Parish during November gave us the opportunity to see Parish life at its very best – truly inspiring church Services, the privilege of listening to wonderful preachers, listening to the sacred music sung so beautifully by the Choirs, the great fellowship and friendship that was enjoyed by all the parishioners who worked together on the organisation of the different events. Everyone who participated and attended will have cherished memories of all the special occasions – the Bi-Centenary Service, the Remembrance Day Service, the Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Association Enrolment Service, the Flower Festival, the Advent Candlelit Carol Service.

I would like to sincerely thank everyone for their contribution and hard work which, in no small way contributed to the success of each of these occasions.

Mullingar Flower Festival
The Festival was an enormous success and I have lost count of the number of people who have approached me in the town, and contacted me by telephone or mail, to say how much they were inspired by and enjoyed their visit to this magnificent event. Everything about the Festival had a touch of excellence and the numbers attending exceeded all our expectations. The amount of money we have collected for the Hospice far exceeds the €10,000 we had promised and, again, I would like to thank everyone who helped in whatever way to make this such a memorable occasion. The spirit of co-operation, coupled with the considerable number of parishioners who gave so freely of their time and talents, was very impressive. I know you would also want to join with me in thanking Ethel Mitchel, the flower co-ordinator from Moate, for her wonderful organisation and hard work and in thanking Theresa Nixon for her wonderful generosity in donating 5,000 flowers.

Looking Forward to Christmas
The Christmas Whist Drive which will be held on Friday 5th December, at 8.30 p.m. in All Saints’ Parish Hall. This is always a most enjoyable occasion.

All Saints’ Youth – a special evening of fun and enjoyment on Sunday 7th December at 5.00 p.m. will be held in All Saints’.

Carol Singing – the opportunity to listen to the Parish Choir on Saturday 13th December at 12.30 p.m. in Red Earth. Do come and join in the singing of the Carols.

Christmas Carol Concert with the Midland Orchestra and our two Parish Choirs on Saturday 13th December at 7.30 p.m. in All Saints’ Church.

Bi-Centenary Candlelit Carol Service with the Mullingar Town Band at 7.00 p.m. on Sunday 21st December followed by mulled wine and mince pies in the Greville Arms Hotel.

Christmas Services. There will be special Christmas Services held again this year and they form an essential part of the enjoyment of Christmas. I do hope you will be able to join us at the Services.

New Year’s Day
Each year there is a special Service in All Saints’ at 11.00 a.m. followed by refreshments in the Rectory. This is a lovely way to begin the New Year and I warmly commend this occasion to you.

Advent – a Time of Prayerful Preparation
From Monday 8th December, for three days, I will be away for a time of quiet prayer and Bible reading in preparation for Christmas. During this time I will be remembering everyone in the Parish in my prayers before God. In the event of an emergency, I can be contacted on my mobile 087-7870985. I also hope that you too will be able to find some time for prayer and Bible reading during the busy preparations for Christmas.

Epiphany – the Service of Crowns – Sunday 11th January
Last year we held a special Service for children, where they brought to church a small gift of €2 as their present and the proceeds were given to help people in need. This year there will be another special Service and I would ask parents to encourage their children to set aside a small amount of money, no more than €2, to be given at this Service to help support young people in a school in Kenya. Children receive so much and it is so important that they, in turn, recognise the importance of giving as well as receiving. Details of the Service will be in the January Union Notes.

Bereavement
Recently in the Parish a number of families have been bereaved. We offer our sincere sympathy to the family of Cecil Ronaldson, who passed away at the beginning of November. Cecil had spent his life living in Westmeath and was a highly accomplished amateur jockey. Cecil will be sadly missed by his family and many friends and we pray that now, in the presence of God, he may rest in peace.

We also extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family of Poppy Walshe, who also passed away in early November. We remember her husband Billy and her children Avril and George, along with her grandchildren, and her sister Nan and all the members of the family circle. In recent years Poppy had not enjoyed good health, but earlier in her life she won the admiration of so many people through her teaching and her kind generosity to different voluntary organisations. Her presence will be sadly missed and we pray that, now in the fuller presence of God, she may rest in peace. Her ashes will be buried in the All Saints’ Garden of Remembrance in the New Year.

We also extend our deepest sympathy to Diane and Glyn Johnston, following the death of Diane’s sister Martha. Martha’s funeral took place in Woodlawn Church where she was buried beside her grandmother.

Our sympathy also goes to Valerie and Proinsias O’Fearghail, following the death of Valerie’s father, Bertie Shaw. Bertie was a legend for his presence, work and commitment as caretaker and groundsman in Mount Temple School in Dublin. His funeral took place in Clontarf, followed by cremation.

We also extend our deepest sympathy to John and Lorraine Hales. John’s aunt Pat Forbes died recently following an illness she bore with great courage and dignity. We pray that she, along with Martha and Bertie, now in the fuller presence of God, may rest in peace.

Carol Services
Sunday 14th December
Almoritia 7.00 pm. Candlelit Carol Service

Sunday 21st December
Kilbixy 11.30 a.m. Parish Carol Service
Killucan 5.30 pm.. Children’s Carol Service
All Saints’ 7.00 p.m. Bi-Centenary Candlelit Carol Service

Parish Web Address
You may like to keep in touch with the Parish through the website and your family and friends may also like to have the web address. The address is www.mullingarunionofparishes.net.

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