Dear Parishioners,
Bereavements
Jean Gorissen
Everyone in the Parish has been so deeply upset by the untimely death of Jean afternoon, 27 th August, in Beaumont Hospital. Jean had been so fit and well until the last few days before her passing. We offer our heartfelt sympathy to Arie, Peter Jan, Jennifer and Norbert and we surround them all with our love and prayers.
All of us who had the privilege of knowing Jean are mourning her loss greatly. We pray that now in the fuller presence of God she may rest in peace and rise in glory. She was so faithful to God in her worship and faith and Christian presence in Killucan and throughout the Parish was so very special indeed. Jean’s funeral service will be held in Killucan on Friday 2 nd September at 12 noon. Jean was so truly a good person and her love and kindness touched all our hearts.
Roland Blennerhassett
We also offer our deepest sympathy to Miriam Gray, nee Blennerhassett, whose brother Roland died very suddenly recently. The funeral service was held in St.Mary’s Church, Howth. Roland’s sudden death came as a terrible shock to all the family and we offer Miriam and her family our deepest sympathy at this very sad time. We pray that Roland may rest in peace and rise in glory.
Climate Sunday – Sunday 4 th September 11.00 a.m. All Saints’ Church
The summer has reminded us all of the crisis facing the world through climate change. The heat waves in Europe, the many wildfires and now the floods in Pakistan, together with the drought elsewhere, are chastening. I urge everyone in the Parish to attend our Climate Sunday service. so that we can witness to the importance of the care of God’s creation and commit ourselves to do whatever we can to repair the damage.
The service will be led by the young leaders and the Choir will lead the singing.
Coffee in the Rectory
Following the Climate Sunday service everyone is invited to come to the Rectory for coffee and light refreshments. Olive and I hope you will all accept our invitation.
Lighten Our Darkness
We continue to make good progress in the project. The young leaders will meet this weekend to discuss a number of developments over the coming months. On Saturday evening at 7.00 p.m. everyone is invited to join the young leaders at the car park in Tormey’s pub. We will make our way to Leney church where Dr. Dara Fitzpatrick, the scientist from UCC, will conduct a tutorial on the chorus of birds and a bat survey.
The last tutorial on the importance of moths as pollinators, was
simply fascinating. If you are able to attend I can assure you that you will enjoy a most interesting evening.
End Domestic Abuse
The Mother’s Union in Ireland has selected our Parish as a pilot for a special course on “Equipping the Church to take action and end domestic abuse”. The pilot will be taking place on Monday evenings in September and October. If you would like to participate in this very important initiative please do not hesitate to contact me as soon as possible so that I can include your name. I will be participating in the pilot.
Christian Alpha Course
The Parish has been invited to participate in an Alpha Course which explores ourunderstanding of Christianity and faith. The course will take place in the GrevilleArms Hotel and begins on Thursday evening, 8 th September. I will be attending thecourse and warmly welcome anyone in the Parish who would like to accompany me.
I can assure you that you will find the Alpha course both interesting and informative. Please contact me if you would like to attend.
Renewing our Parish – Sunday 2 nd October
Following the pandemic and against the backdrop of so many challenging happenings in the world today, the role of the Christian parish church in our community is so very important. The parish church provides both hope and faith for young people and adults and we hope that we can become a true beacon in the months and years ahead.
On Sunday 2 nd October we are going to hold a very special Service under the theme of“Let’s stand together” and I sincerely hope everyone will give their support to this event. Further details will be provided in the October Union
Harvest Decorative Extravaganza
The next Planning Meeting will be held on Saturday 17 th September at 11.00 a.m. in All Saints’ Church. Our plan is to have the church open on Saturday 15 th October for the whole day and for the afternoon of Sunday 16 th October.
There will be teas served in the Hall, along with a home produce stall. We have some ideas in progress for decorations and displays using home-grown and foraged flowers and produce only, supported by props from our gardens and toy farm collections!
No flower arranging experience is necessary – just willing hands. We would also like to pull together a team to run the teas. If you cannot make this meeting but would like to be involved,
please let me know. Many thanks, Emma Coburn 087-6374131
Holy Days during September
Holy Cross Day – Wednesday 14 th September
St. Matthew’s Day – Wednesday 21 st September
St. Michael and All Angels – Thursday 29 th September
On each of these days there will be a Service of Holy Communion in All Saints’
Church at 11.00 a.m.
Visit to Liverpool Diocese
I have been invited to participate in the celebrations in St. Peter’s Parish, Formby, in the Diocese of Liverpool, at the end of September and to preach at the two 175 th Anniversary Services. It will be a great privilege to join the Rector and parishioners of Formby for their very special celebration.
While I am away Canon Lawrence will very kindly take the services and will be available for all pastoral emergencies. His telephone no. is 044-922 2109. I will be away from Tuesday 20 th – Thursday 29 thSeptember.
All Saints’ School
We wish the Principal, staff and students of All Saints’ national school all the very best for the new school year and we look forward to supporting many of their activities and special occasions.
Confirmation
The Confirmation Service will be held in All Saints’ on Sunday 7 th November at 11.00a.m. Confirmation classes will begin on Saturday 10 th September. I will be writing to all those who have requested to be confirmed and if anyone else in the Parish would like to be included please contact me.
Select Vestry
The Select Vestry will meet on Monday 19 th September at 7.30p.m. in All Saints’ Church.
We look forward to a very exciting and inspiring time in the Parish this autumn and we pray that God will bless all our endeavours which are done in His name.
With God’s blessings,
Rev. Alastair Graham
