Dear Parishioners,
September sees the restarting of many of the Parish activities and special events which we all enjoy. However, to begin with, it would be nice to remember two of the highlights of the summer in the Parish.
All Saints’ Senior Parish Choir
On Sunday 11th August the Choir sang Evensong in St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The singing of the Office was both inspiring and magnificent and was complimented by the clergy in the Cathedral and by members of the large congregation. We are so truly blessed with our Parish Choir who inspire our worship of almighty God. I wish to thank all the members of the Choir for their dedication and for all their preparation for the Service in St. Patrick’s Cathedral. I would also like to thank our new organist David Lambe, who played so well and put so much time into his preparation for the Service. Thanks also to our Director of Music, Bill McConnell, whose leadership and teaching has enabled the Choir to grow in confidence and ability. I am most grateful to Bill for the huge amount of work he put into the organisation and practice for the Service, which produced such a fine performance on the day.
Young People’s Lunch
A number of young people from the Parish organised a wonderful lunch on Tuesday 30th July for a number of more mature parishioners in the Parish. The purpose of the lunch was to meet the older parishioners and also to have an interesting conversation with them about their experiences of life and faith. It was a most enjoyable uplifting occasion and I certainly think a precedent has been set for similar occasions in the future.
Growing Together in Christ
The parishioners discussing the arrangements for the forthcoming Parish Conference will hold its’ next meeting on Monday 2nd September at 8.00 p.m. in All Saints’ Church.
Monthly Bible Study
The monthly bible study will be held on Saturday 21st September at 10.30am in All Saints’. I extend a warm welcome to everyone who would like to attend.
Vocation Sunday
The Church of Ireland has asked each Parish to highlight vocations to ministry on Sunday 15th September. As we know, there are a variety of ministries in the Church and at the 10.00 a.m. Service in All Saints’ we will be praying for God’s guidance for those who feel called to ministry in the church.
Select Vestry
The Select Vestry will hold a meeting in the Rectory on Monday evening 16th September at 8.00 p.m.
Grandparents, Parents and Children’s Sunday 15th September. 11a.m.
Last year we held the first special Grandparents, Parents and Children Sunday which was a wonderful success. This year the Service will be held on Sunday 15th September at 11.00 a.m. in All Saints’. I hope that grandparents and parents will invite their young people to attend church with them. This will be a United Service for all the churches and families in the Parish.
Westmeath Protestant Orphans Society
The 175th Anniversary Service will be held in Tyrrellspass Parish Church at 4.00 pm on Sunday 22nd September. The Society has had a very distinguished history and has provided much-needed support to many families. I warmly invite parishioners from our Parish to this Service. The special preacher will be Bishop Pat Storey. After the Service calendars for 2020 with photographs of all the churches open for worship in Westmeath will be on sale.
Confirmation
I would like to invite all the young people who are preparing for Confirmation on Sunday 27th October, to attend a special meeting in All Saints’ at 5.00 p.m. on Sunday 1st September.
Diocesan Synod
The Diocesan Synod will be held on Saturday 28th September.
Harvest Festival
The Kilbixy Harvest Festival will be held at 7.00 p.m. on Sunday 29th September.
Faith Raising Day
The next Faith Raising Day will be held in St. Anne’s Retreat Centre, Killenard, on Saturday 5th October. This is the third Faith Raising Day to be held and those who have attended have found the days to be very interesting. I extend a warm welcome to you to attend.
Heritage Week and Civic Service – 21st August
The second Civic Service was held during Heritage Week in All Saints’ and Mr. Pat Gallagher, Chief Executive Westmeath County Council, gave a truly inspirational talk which was greatly appreciated by those present. I would like to thank Brigid Geoghegan for conducting the Service so beautifully, and also thank those who took part. We were also treated to some lovely organ music by David Lambe and Charles Marshall. I would also like to thank all the volunteers who gave of their time to open the churches for visitors.
Boys Brigade & Girls Association will recommence on Tuesday 24th September at 7p.m . in All Saints’
Rock Solid Youth Club will start at the end of September, the date and time will be circulated.
Holy Baptisms
On August 25th, Mark and Philip, twin boys of Christopher and Mona Lisa Manzira, were baptised in the Parish. We pray for them, their parents and godparents, as they begin their journey in faith.
Holy Matrimony
On Thursday 1st August Emma Lynam and Robert Vaz were married in All Saints’ Church. We pray that God will bless both Emma and Robert with a long life together and much happiness and good health.
Bereavements
We were greatly saddened at the untimely death of Bob Hill, a longstanding parishioner of All Saints’. Bob was much loved and admired by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. We offer our deepest sympathy to his wife Ann, his adult children Anna, Robert and Aidan, his grandchildren, great granddaughter, brothers and sister and the members of the wider family. We pray that Bob, now in the fuller presence of God, may rest in peace and rise in glory.
We also offer our deepest sympathy to Edna Craig following the peaceful death of her brother Billy in England. Billy enjoyed a very long and fulfilling life and died after a short illness. We offer our deepest sympathy to Edna, Diane, Wendy and Malcolm and all their family members. We pray that Billy, now in the fuller presence of God, may rest in peace and rise in glory.
Irish Donkey Society
On Sunday 8th September at 12.30p.m.there will be a special Donkey Ride and Drive at Mount Dalton, Rathconrath followed by a picnic by kind permission of Michael Gibson Brabazon. Everyone will be most welcome.
Parish Website Address – www.mullingarunionofparishes.net.
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.
Rev. Alastair Graham
