Dear Parishioner(s)
Visit of the Provost of All Saints’ Cathedral, Nairobi, Kenya
This weekend the Parish is honoured to have a visit from the Provost and Dean Rev. Sammy Wainaina of All Saints’ Cathedral, Nairobi, Kenya, and Louise Gighire the Project Leader of the Urban Development Programme. In honour of their visit, there will be just one United Service on Sunday 2nd April at 11.00 a.m. in All Saints’, which I hope will be very well supported by parishioners. Isabelle Prodnzynski, of Knockrin, was sponsored by the Parish for a number of years when she worked on the Urban Development Project with Louise in Kenya. Isabelle will also be with us at the weekend.
Lenten Lunch
After the Service, a special Lenten Lunch will be organised in All Saints’, served by young people in the Parish. The proceeds from the Lunch will be given to the work in the School in the Urban Development Project.
Easter Cookery Demonstration
Robin Aust will be giving a cookery demonstration on “Easter Delights” in All Saints’ on Thursday 6th April at 8.00 p.m. Robin’s demonstrations are always greatly enjoyed. Everyone has the opportunity to taste delicious food and pick up useful cookery tips. I warmly commend this occasion to you.
Bible Study
The next Bible Study will be held in All Saints’ at 10.30 a.m. on Saturday 8th April. We are currently studying the Book of Revelation in the Bible. Everyone is most welcome to attend.
Children’s Musical Passion – Palm Sunday 9th April
The Children’s Musical Passion will be held at 12.00 noon. The Musical has been performed on Palm Sunday for a number of years and is both poignant and beautiful and is such an appropriate way to begin the devotions and prayers of Holy Week. I cannot commend it more highly to you and I hope the children will be very well supported. This year, for the first time, there will be Liturgical Dance.
Ecumenical Prayers on Palm Sunday
Everyone is invited to an Ecumenical Prayer Service with the Franciscans in the Abbey, Multyfarnham on Sunday 9th April at 4.00 p.m. We have held this Service for the last few years and it is both prayerful and thoughtful. Everyone is welcome.
Women’s World Day of Prayer
The Service held at the beginning of March to celebrate Women’s World Day of Prayer was a magnificently inspiring occasion. I would like to thank all the women in the Parish who took such care in preparing the Service, those who led the Service and to all who attended. I was so glad I was there.
Kilbixy Lenten Lunches
The parishioners of Kilbixy will hold two Lenten Lunches on Friday 31 March and Saturday 1st April from 12.00 noon – 2.00 p.m. The proceeds will be given to the Local Palliative Care Unit hope you will to support these lunches with your presence.
The Minister for Education’s Admission Proposals
You may have seen in the Press that the Minister is proposing far-reaching changes to school admissions which, if implemented, will have a devastating effect on Church of Ireland schools in general and All Saints’ School in particular. It is no exaggeration to say that the future of All Saints’ as a Parish School would be changed dramatically by the implementation of these proposals. Such is the urgency of this matter, that the Church authorities have asked us to contact all parishioners. I will send out a letter to you next week with details of these proposals and the action the Church is calling for. SIGN PETITION ONLINE HERE
Holy Week
There will be Services in each church during Holy Week and I hope parishioners will find time to attend one of the Services each day.
Good Friday
For the last number of years, at 8.00 p.m. on Good Friday in All Saints’ Church, there has been a special time set aside for Sacred Words and Sacred Music. This year, as well as our Senior Parish Choir, we also have the privilege and pleasure of welcoming the Nevada Union High School Choir from California, who are making their first visit to All Saints’. The sacred words from St. John will be read by Suzanne Broderick. This occasion provides an opportunity for a poignant reflection on the events of Good Friday and a warm invitation is extended to everyone.
Easter Day – Sunday 16th April
Easter Day is a truly wonderful day to come to church and I look forward to welcoming everyone in the Parish to join with me in the celebration of Christ’s resurrection. This year the Service times have been slightly changed to accommodate families with young children. I hope this will not inconvenience anyone.
Easter General Vestry
The Easter General Vestry will be held on Wednesday 3rd May at 8.00 p.m. in All Saints’ church.
Bereavements
We offer our deepest sympathy to Peter and Sheila Magill following the tragic and sad death of their little granddaughter of 20 months; to Michael Byrne and Stacey following the death in England of Michael’s father; and to John and Olive Pearson following the death of Olive’s sister Iris. For each of these families the recent past has been a very sad time and we would like them all to know that they are assured of our prayerful thoughts and support at this time. We hope that the loving memories they have of their loved one will bring some comfort to them as they face the days ahead.
Christians, of course, have the comfort and assurance of knowing that God’s promises are true and that those who have died in faith continue to be in God’s care where they are safe and at peace. We hope they will feel surrounded by God’s presence and love and comforted by His grace. May they each rest in peace.
Decoration of Church for Easter Day
The decoration of the churches for Easter Day will take place at 10.00 a.m. on Saturday 15th April. Everyone is very welcome to bring flowers and greenery and other items to decorate the churches for Easter.
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 Good To Talk Mullingar
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
I do hope you will take the opportunity for prayerful devotion during Holy Week and I would like to wish you and your family a very happy and enjoyable Easter.
With God’s blessings,
Rev. Alastair Graham, Rector
The Rectory, Gaol’s Hill, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath.
Telephone No. 044-934 8376
