Dear Parishioner(s)
African Celebration of Faith – Saturday 3rd June at 3pm in All Saints’.
Our Parish has benefited from the talents and support of parishioners from Africa. This Saturday, at 3.00 p.m., there will be a special Celebration of Faith from the African experience, in All Saints’. We greatly look forward to this occasion. Over the years Africans have faithfully come to Services conducted in the “Irish way”. I hope we will all give them our support at a Service conducted in the “African way”. The Africans are valued parishioners and we thank them for all they have done and continue to do.
Prayers for Young People
On the first Sunday in June each year we offer special prayers for the young people in the Parish sitting State exams, and those taking other examinations. I warmly invite the young people and their families to church this Sunday for a short time of prayerful preparation which I know they will find beneficial. We extend our best wishes to everyone taking exams.
Parish Concert in aid of Mullingar Hospital
A special fundraising Concert will be held on Saturday 17th June at 8.00 p.m. in All Saints’ to raise much-needed money for the new MRI Scanner in the hospital. This is an opportunity for all parishioners to show their support to the hospital which provides such an important service to the whole community and all the parishioners. Already a number of local groups have held successful fundraisers and I hope parishioners will give their full support to this event by selling tickets and coming to the Concert. The Concert will feature the Dublin Airport Singers who enthralled and inspired us with the singing last year. We very much look forward to hearing them again.
Songs of Praise – Sunday 18th June at 11.30am in All Saints’
The Dublin Airport Singers and the Senior Parish Choir will lead the singing at a special Songs of Praise on Sunday 18th June at 11.30 a.m. in All Saints’. This is an occasion not to be missed and the opportunity to hear hymn singing at its’ inspirational best.
End of Year School Service
The End of Year School Service will be held on Sunday 25th June at 11.00 am. This is a very important occasion for both School and Parish. Our Principal, Mrs. Lesley Denniston, will give the Address. We congratulate the children and Principal, teachers, staff and parents on an amazing School Concert held on 11th May.
Easter General Vestry
There was a very good attendance and a lovely atmosphere at the Easter Vestry. The Select Vestry for the coming year were appointed and elected. The next meeting of the Select Vestry will be held on Tuesday 20th June at 8.00 p.m. in the Rectory. Due to limited space in this issue of the Union Notes, the names of the members of the Select Vestry will be printed in the July issue.
Service of Remembrance for Former Parishioners
This prayerful and important Service will be held on Sunday 9th July at 11.00 a.m. in All Saints’.
BB and Girls’ Association
The final session before the summer break was held on Tuesday 30th May. It was very enjoyable and well supported. We offer our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the Company Captain, David Webster, and Leaders Fergus Mulhern and Sonia Lucas. This year saw the largest number in the Company since it started in September 2009. The children are blessed by the commitment, dedication and hard work of the Captain and Leaders. The imaginative programme every Tuesday is always enjoyable. Josh Farrell and Ciara Mulhern are leaving the Company. They have completed their full attendance since joining the Company and achieved huge success in all the badges. We wish Josh and Ciara everything good for their futures.
Parish Sale
The Parish Sale, which was held on 13th May, was a great success, raising €6,500 – an increase on last year. Sincere thanks is due to Emma Coburn, organiser, and all the stallholders and helpers. It was a great team effort with a lovely friendly atmosphere which made it a truly enjoyable occasion.
Minister Bruton’s Proposals on School Admissions
I have attended two recent forums at which the Minister spoke. It is very important to continue our support for the opposition to these proposals which, if implemented, would have far-reaching consequences for the future of All Saints’ School and faith-based schools throughout the country. Please continue to remember this situation in your prayers.
Parish Bible Study
The next Bible Study will be held on Saturday 17th June at 10.30 a.m. in All Saints’. Everyone is most welcome.
Special Lecture “From Faith to Hope’
Last Sunday evening a large congregation were treated to a very stimulating and inspiring lecture by Professor Gordon Graham. It was streamed on line and watched by a further 158 people. Our opportunities to hear Christian speakers of this calibre are not that common and for those who attended they felt very privileged to have heard such a fine defence of Christianity.
Holy Baptism
We welcomed in to God’s family through baptism, James Richardson. We pray for James, his parents and godparents as he begins his journey of faith.
Bereavements
We offer our deepest sympathy to three families in the Parish on their recent bereavements.
Colin White’s father passed away peacefully and we remember Colin’s mother and all the family at this sad time. While Colin’s father was of advanced years, his presence and love was still greatly valued and he will be sadly missed.
We also offer our deepest sympathy to Arthur and Irene Neale, and all the members of the family, following the death of Arthur’s aunt. Arthur’s mother had been a long-standing parishioner and her sister, who had not been well for some time, slipped away peacefully and we remember the family at this sad time.
We also extend our sympathy to Helen and John Gibson-Brabazon and all their family following the death of Helen’s father. Helen’s father, who had been unwell in recent times passed away peacefully and his funeral will be on Friday morning, 2nd June in Dublin. He, too, was much loved and admired by the family and will be sadly missed.
We pray that those who have passed away will rest in peace in the fuller presence of God and that their families will be sustained through their faith in Christ and the cherished memories of their loved ones.
St. Peter’s Day
On St. Peter’s Day, Thursday 29th June, there will be a celebration of Holy Communion at 12.00 noon in All Saints’. This is an important day to remember in the church year and I encourage parishioners to attend this Service.
Union Notes
In the light of the recent increase in postal charges the Select Vestry would like to offer options for parishioners on receiving the ‘Union Notes’ each month. A form is included with this issue and you are asked to select your option. The ‘Notes’ provide
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
