Dear Parishioners,
This month we look forward to some special occasions in the Parish.
Harvests
• All Saints’ Mullingar Harvest will be held on Sunday 17th October 2021 at 11.00 am. The special preacher will be Revd. Bob Kingston, Chaplain of Mageough Home in Dublin.
• Almoritia Harvest will be held on Sunday 17th October at 7.00 pm.
• Killucan Harvest Service will be held on Sunday 31st October at 11.30 am. The special preacher will be Revd. William Seale, Rector of Kells Union.
This year I am changing some of the Services to ensure that parishioners can attend the Harvest Services.
Harvest Flowers
• All Saints’ – On Saturday 16th October at 10.30 a.m. those parishioners who would like to help with the harvest decoration will be warmly invited to come to All Saints’. Donations of fruit, vegetables, flowers and greenery will be appreciated. We would love parishioners to join us to help in any way needed, even making a nice cup of coffee! Doreen Lynch
• Almoritia – The decorations will also take place on Saturday 16th October at 10.00 a.m. and all parishioners will be most welcome to help decorate the church.
• Killucan – The decorations will take place at 10.00 a.m on Saturday 30th October. and again all parishioners are invited to help with the decorating.
Confirmation
The Confirmation Service will be held in All Saints’ on Sunday 24th October at 11.00am. I would like you to remember in prayer those who are being confirmed – Lily Bennet, Rachel Forbes, John and Grace Zumerchik, Emilia Meskenaite, Osasere Uyi, Luke McDonnell, Archie O’Malley, James Hanley, Graham Duggan, Sarah Webster, Rourk and Braiden Shaw, Ryan-O’ Dwyer Small. This will be a very special occasion for the young people and their families and I hope parishioners will come to the Service to give the young people your fullest support.
Picia Harvey-Kelly
A Memorial Service will be held for Picia, followed by the Burial of Ashes, in Almoritia church on Saturday 30th October at 12.00 noon. Picia and William were very long-standing members of the Parish. Following William’s death, Picia moved to live near Mount Shannon. I know there will be many parishioners who knew Picia well when she was living in the Parish and who will want to attend this Service.
Concert- All Saints’ Church Saturday 30th October
A lunchtime concert entitled :The Essence of Beauty’ with the music of Mendelssohn and Rheinberget played by Charles Marshall organist and Bogdan Sofei violinist will be held at 1.30p.m. on Saturday 30th October in All Saints’ Church Mullingar followed by refreshments. Admission 10 Euro including refreshments.
Symposium – “Brexit, Borders and the Common Good”
The Symposium held on Monday 27th September went exceptionally well and the addresses given by the Archbishop of Armagh and Professor Hayward were simply outstanding. We were privileged that Bishop Storey chaired the proceedings. All walks of life in Mullingar and Westmeath were represented at the Symposium and it will certainly long be remembered as a special and significant occasion.
Lighten Our Darkness
The young leaders have started their rehearsals for the next presentation in November. With the easing of restrictions, the young leaders are in a position to implement their Action Programme on Climate Change which will be very significant. We are truly blessed to have their leadership and enthusiasm in the Parish.
Climate Sunday
Climate Sunday on Sunday 19th September was an outstanding success, and was attended by over 200 people. I would like to thank everyone who was involved and the drone video, which was put up on Facebook and the Parish website, has drawn a considerable amount of interest.
Bereavement
We offer our deepest sympathy to the Bell family following the sudden but peaceful passing of George Bell on Sunday 13th September. The Bell family have played a very active part in the life of Mullingar and Westmeath and George was held in such admiration and affection by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. He pioneered so many sporting initiatives, most notably in running and cycling and he, himself, was cycling up to just a few short years ago. George’s funeral took place in All Saints’, followed by cremation. We offer our deepest sympathy to his beloved wife Sheila, and his children Anna, Ger and George, his grandchildren Conor, David, Leah and Emma, his brothers Frank and Billy, and his sisters Louise, Florrie, Pat and Vangie and all the members of the wider family. May George rest in peace and rise in glory.
We also offer our deepest sympathy to Joe and Angela Wall following the death of Joe’s mother. Joe’s mum was a truly wonderful person with a delightful gentle nature and we pray that now in the presence of God, she may rest in peace and that Joe, Angela and the family will be comforted by God and by their memories of her.
Holy Days this Month
St. Luke’s Day – Monday 18th October
All Saints’ 11.00 a.m. Holy Communion
St. Simon and St. Jude – Thursday 28th October
All Saints’ 11.00 a.m. Holy Communion
Encouraging
I think everyone in the Parish is happy to see Parish life beginning to return to activity after the long period of the recent lockdowns. Hopefully the easing of the restrictions will continue and, as we return to normality, I know we will all be responsible in our behaviour and do everything possible to continue to be both safe and well.
Again may I give you the assurance that every effort has been made by the Select Vestry to ensure that the churches are well sanitised and kept airy. In addition, in All Saints’, we have two very effective purifiers which are keeping the air free of viruses and bacteria. In short, when you attend any of the churches in the Parish I hope you will feel safe and comfortable. Olive and I extend our warmest best wishes to everyone in the Parish and we look forward to meeting you on the return to church services and Parish activities. I am always available if you ever need to contact me at any time. The best telephone no. to contact me on is 087-7870985.
With God’s blessings,
Rev. Alastair Graham
