Issue 181 Union Notes July -Aug 2025
Dear Parishioners,
Mullingar Union of parishes are delighted to welcome our new Rector Rev. Ian Horner, his lovely wife Jenny, and their two sons Sam (12) and Leo (10) to the parish.
On Thursday 19th June we gathered in All Saints’ Church for a beautiful service of Institution conducted by Bishop Pat Story for Rev, Ian Horner as he became the new incumbent for Mullingar Union of parishes.
This was followed by a reception in The Greville Arms Hotel where parishioners had a chance to mingle and get acquainted with our wonderful new rector and his family. This was a wonderful evening and lovely to see representatives from churches of all faiths gather to welcome our new pastor. It is a wonderful testimony to Rev. Ian that so many of the parishioners from his parish in Baileborough travelled to wish him well in his new position.
On the night Rev Ian said “I am delighted to have been instituted as rector of the Mullingar Union of Parishes, and as a family we are looking forward to getting involved in the parishes and the wider community
too. I already get the sense that Mullingar is a vibrant and special place and look forward to getting to know the people of Mullingar, Kilucan, Kilbixy and Almoritia. We very much feel God’s hand in this move, and it is his call on our lives that brings us here. The world is desperately seeking a new story that will make sense of things and make things right. The stories of technology, materialism, and boundaryless liberty are failing us. It’s not a new story we need, rather a renewed faith in the old old story of Jesus and his love. This is the
story of grace, mercy, sacrifice, redemption, abundant life, eternal life. God has a role in this salvation story for anyone who is interested. My hope is that, as I get to know your story, I can do a good job of sharing God’s story with the people of Mullingar in the years to come.”
John Hales Treasurer spoke a few words of welcome and invited everyone to encourage a renewed and vibrant community of faith in the parish under the guidance of Rev. Ian. He gave thanks to the members of the Select Vestry past and present and to the members of the community who have worked so hard during the vacancy to keep the parish community spirit alive and well. He also thanked the Bishop and Archdeacon Leslie Stephenson for their role in supporting the parish since the retirement of Canon Alastair Graham.
A personal note from Rev. Ian Horner
Past, Present and Future.
‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever’ Hebrews 13:8
As my family and I have been settling into Mullingar, and as we get to know the people of Almoritia,Kilbixey, Kilucan, and Mullingar I have been struck by the rich history of these parishes.
The work that God has done here in the past can be heard in the conversations and stories and seen in lives.The legacy of the work done by previous ministers also echoes around the parishes, and we give thanks to God especially for Canon Alastair Graham’s faithful work most recently.
I have been encouraged to see that parish activities have kept ticking along during the vacancy. This is the sign of a healthy parish. Many thanks to those who have kept Sunday services, Sunday School classes (and all the activities that I don’t even know about yet!) running over the time of the vacancy.
It is upon the foundations of all that has gone on in the past in these parishes that we build a future.I have been heartened by the enthusiasm people have shown to see the churches progress further and the eagerness to embrace and live out the old story of Jesus and his love.
As we think about the different people and activities of these parishes from the past, the present and the future we remember who the real constant is. As the culture around us and our own
personal circumstances change and change again, one thing remains rock solid, and that is our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The writer of Hebrew’s tells us that Jesus never changes. It is he who has sustained the Mullingar Union in the past, and it is he who will do so in the future. The story of the Mullingar Union is his story, and so it is Christ that we happily trust and obey as we follow him into the future.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Summer Songs of Praise
There will be a Songs of Praise service in Almoritia Church on Sunday 17 th August at 7pm. All are welcome.
Community Sale for Almoritia Church Stained Window Restorations.
Saturday 5th July 11am – 2pm
Miltown /Empor/Moyvore Community Centre Rathconrath N91 VAO6
Join us for a wonderful event for a great cause !
All Saints’ Church presents “Songs of Life and Hope”
Sunday 14 September at 6pm.
with James Kilbane and John Flatley
Donation Tickets €20. Proceeds for Church and Organ repairs.
Tickets: Church Services / Eventbrite, or call 0879733233
WE PRAY FOR PEACE AND PRAY FOR HEALING IN OUR WORLD
Parish Website: www.mullingarunionofparishes.net
See our Facebook page for Further Parish Updates and activities
Parish Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/mullingarunionofparishes
All Submissions for inclusion in notes for Aspire magazine should be emailed to mullingarunionofparishes@gmail.com prior to 12th of each month
Submissions for Union Notes should be submitted by the 25th of each month.
Email: mullingarunionofparishes@gmail.com
Any updates will be added to the Union notes online version available on the parish website www.mullingarunionofparishes.net
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