Dear Parishioner(s)
Sundays in February
Every Sunday is an important day for Christians and we are blessed in our country to still have the freedom to attend church without being either fearful or worried. During this month there are some special Services which I hope will be very well attended.
Sunday 5th February – Patronal Festival Service- Killucan.
This Sunday at 11.30 a.m. will be the annual Patronal Festival Service at St. Etchen’s Killucan, 11.30 a.m. Every year parishes have the privilege of a special celebration on the day the church remembers the saint after which the church has been called. St. Etchen had a very influential ministry and we enjoy worshipping in a delightful church in Killucan. The preacher at our Patronal Festival this year is Canon Niall Sloane, who is Rector of Holy Trinity Church, Killiney, Dublin. I look forward to meeting all the parishioners of Killucan and hope everyone else will accept my invitation to come to Killucan on this special occasion.
Sunday 12th February – Bi- Centenary Service- Almoritia.
The Bi-Centenary Service at Almoritia will be held at 11.30 a.m. As you know, the church has been beautifully refurbished through the hard work of dedicated parishioners and the special preacher will be the Bishop of Clogher, Right Rev. John McDowell. After the Service lunch will be served in Cooney’s Hotel in Ballymahon. If you would like to join us for lunch please telephone Catherine Gibson Brabazon on 087-7461650. I hope that all the parishioners of Almoritia will attend along with parishioners from the other churches.
Sunday 19th February – Bishop’s Pastoral Visit.
Bishop Pat Storey will make a pastoral visit to the parish and has requested there to be just one united service in All Saints’ at 11a.m. We will hold a special Children’s Service but I hope parishioners from all the Churches will attend to welcome the Bishop. Following the service a Cake Sale organised by the Parents Council in aid of All Saints’ School will be held. On Monday 13th February a special coffee morning from 10.30a.m. to 12.30p.m will be held in All Saints’. The Bishop will be in attendance and looks forward to meeting parishioners.
Sunday 26th February- Prayers for young people.
The Bishop has requested that prayers be offered at all the Services for young people. I would like to invite the young people in the Parish to invite their parents and families to join them at church.
Principal of All Saints’ School
There was a wonderfully inspiring Service on Sunday 29th January in All Saints’ at the Service of Blessing for the new Principal of All Saints’ School, Mrs. Lesley Denniston. Those in the full church were treated to a beautiful sacred Service of song and word and all the children from the school behaved impeccably on this very important occasion for their Principal. Mrs. Denniston, in her address, inspired the entire congregation with her words and, in warmly welcoming her, we know that under her leadership the school will continue to be a very fine place for children to begin their education. Mrs. Denniston will continue to build on the firm foundation laid by her immediate predecessor, Mr. Pat Horan, and before him, Mrs. Olive Ray.
Whist Drives
The February Whist Drive will be held on this Friday 3rd February, at 8.30 p.m. and the March Whist Drive will be held on Friday 3rd March at 8.30 p.m. The Whist Drives will be held in All Saints’ and everyone is warmly invited to come to what is always a most enjoyable occasion.
Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Association
The Brigade has begun its’ activities after the Christmas break and it is lovely to see, every week, the children having such wonderful fun under the supervision of such dedicated leaders. May I commend the BB and GB to all the families in the Parish and, if your children are not already involved, you might like to consider enrolling them.
Christian Liturgical Dance
Siobhan Murphy, our amazing choreographer, will hold dance rehearsals in All Saints’ on Sundays 12th, 19th and 26th February at 4.00 p.m. She looks forward to welcoming all boys and girls over the age of 8 who would like to take part.
Select Vestry
The Select Vestry will meet on Tuesday 7th February at 8.00 p.m. in the Rectory.
Women’s World Day of Prayer
This year women from all the four Parishes will be organising and conducting the church Service for the Women’s World Day of Prayer on Sunday 5th March at 11.00 a.m. The children will also be taking part through liturgical dance. I do hope this Service will be very well supported and I would like to thank all the women who will be organising the Service this year.
Parish Dance
It had been intended to hold the annual Parish Dance on Friday 17th February. However, due to the many events that are taking place, and the beginning of half-term in the schools, it has been decided to postpone the Parish Dance to a later date.
School Cake Sale
The All Saints’ School Cake Sale will take place on Sunday 19th February after the Children’s Service in All Saints’.
Faith Forum
The next meeting of the Faith Forum will be held in All Saints’ on Thursday 2nd March at 8.00 p.m. I warmly invite the members of the Forum to attend and also any other parishioners who would like to come.
All Saints’ Sunday School
The All Saints’ Sunday School will recommence following Christmas and New Year on Sunday 5th February at 10.00 a.m. in All Saints’. All children and their parents are most welcome to attend.
Bereavement
Last month we offered our sincere sympathy to the Mitchell family following the untimely death of Stewart Mitchell. A week after his funeral his dear mother, Birdie, passed away very peacefully at home and her funeral was held in All Saints’ on Monday 16th January. Birdie was one of the longest serving parishioners in the Parish and her presence and personality enriched and enhanced the lives of everyone who had the pleasure of being with her, particularly her own family. In offering our deepest sympathy to Sandra, Gráinne, Gareth, Andrew, Adam and the wide family circle and friends we pray that Birdie, now in the fuller presence of God may rest in peace.
We also offer our deepest sympathy to Rosanne Broderick and Mark Potterton and their families following the death of their uncle Charlie, in Roscommon. Charlie and the other members of the Clarke family have made a distinctive contribution to both the parishes and communities in which they resided. Charlie’s brother, Max Clarke, is still warmly remembered in our own Parish. In offering them our deepest sympathy, we pray that Charlie may rest in God’s loving presence. We also offer our sympathy to Jo and Billy Small following the death of Joe’s sister Bernie Kennedy who bore her illness with great courage and dignity. Bernie was a lovely person and devoted sister, mother and aunt and we pray that she may rest in peace in God’s presence.
Canon Lawrence
I would like to thank Canon Lawrence for his care of the Parish while I was away for a week in January.
Coffee Morning every Thursday from 10.30a.m – 1.30p.m in All Saints’
We warmly invite parishioners and friends to call in for a coffee and a chat in the very friendly atmosphere of All Saints’
Arthur and Marion O’ Toole provide delightful refreshments and this month all the donations will be given to St Vincent De Paul to support the good the Society undertakes.
Tiny Tots
The Tiny Tots continue to meet on Friday mornings 10am – 12 pm in All Saints’ during term time. It is lovely to meet the babies, small children and parents. Zoe Hales organises a most interesting programme. Do call in – you will be most welcome text Zoe on 0866052292
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. I encourage you to continue to look at the website and to also advise your family and friends about it.
Social Media
https://www.facebook.com/mullingarunionofparishes.net Keep up to date
on our Parish Facebook page or follow us on Twitter @MullingarUP
With God’s blessings,
Rev. Alastair Graham, Rector
The Rectory, Gaol’s Hill, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath.
Telephone No. 044-934 8376
