Issue 188 “UNION NEWS” April 2026
Dear Parishioners
The Road From Despair to Joy
‘…beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, Jesus explained to them
what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.’ Luke 24:27
Two downcast disciples set out on the seven-mile journey along the
gently climbing path to the village of Emmaus. A mysterious stranger
had come to join them on the road. They didn’t recognise him yet, but
in their darkest hour, the risen Lord Jesus himself had come to journey
with them. They thought the cross had ruined their hope by taking away
their Saviour, when in fact it had increased their hope beyond anything
they could ever have imagined by taking away their sin.
These disciples had forgotten Jesus’ words. He had told them that he
would have to suffer and die, and that on the third day he would rise
again. When we forget God’s Word, we forget about God, and his
promises become fading flickers in our memories. On the road to
Emmaus, Jesus opened the Scriptures to the two men, showing them
how everything pointed to him. As he spoke, fresh hope began to spring
up in their hearts. Their sight became clear—and they recognised Jesus.
Their journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus became a journey from deep
despair to overflowing joy. In the same way, the message of Easter leads
us from the despair of sin to the joy of forgiveness, and from uncertainty
about eternity to the hope of life with Jesus now and forever.
Muriel Ray
On 11th March 2026 much-loved parishioner Muriel Ray reached a huge
milestone when she turned 100. Muriel has been involved in the
churches of the Mullingar Union all her life, and is well known for the
part she has played in the choir and for her love of whist. The Lord has
blessed Muriel with long life, and Muriel has blessed (and continues to
bless) countless people with that life. As a union of parishes, we give
thanks for Muriel and we pray that the Lord continues to bless and keep
her, to make his face to shine upon her, and to give her peace.
General Easter Vestry
The General Easter Vestry will take place in All Saints’ Church at 7:30pm
on Wednesday 15th April. It is open to all church members, and everyone
is encouraged to attend. The vestry for the Union of Parishes is selected
from amongst the parishioners by the parishioners – make sure you are
there so that your voice is part of this important process.
May Sale
This years’ sale will be held on Saturday 16th May from 10am – 2pm. We
will have our regular stalls of cakes, teas, burgers, plants and a
raffle, with some new ideas also in planning. Please save the date and
we look forward to seeing you there.
A planning meeting will be held on Thursday 9th April in All Saints’ Hall
at 7.30pm. If you would like to help at the sale please come along. Any
queries please contact Emma 087 6374131
Grounded Youth
Grounded Youth is our youth group for 6th class-6th year.
Our April meetings are:
10 April: 7-9pm at Mullingar Presbyterian
17 April: 7-9pm @ All Saints
24 April: 7-9pm @ Presbyterian.
Ask Ian for a link to the app with all the details.
Young Adults
The next young adult’s supper will take place on Easter Eve, Saturday 4th
April at the slightly earlier time of 7:30pm in the Rectory. This is for
anyone from 18-30 – we’d love to see you there.
Coffee Mornings
Every Thursday from 10:30am-12noon, All Saints’ opens its doors for
coffee mornings. This April, all donations will go to the 1428 Active
Retirement Group in Mullingar. Enjoy a friendly chat over a cup of coffee
and some treats and make a difference in the process!
Board Games Saturday
Board Games Saturday will take place on 18th April in All Saints’ Church
from 3-4:30pm. This is for 7-year-olds and older.
Whist Drive
A big thank you to everyone who supported and attended this season’s
Whist Drives. We have been delighted to have had so many tables, to
welcome new players and we look forward to seeing you again on Friday
2nd October. A special thank you to all who ran the half time supper,
donated prizes, set up and tidied up. Many congratulations to Muriel
Ray (a frequent whist drive player) on her recent 100th birthday.
Condolences
We offer our condolences to the family of Stephen Fletcher who sadly
passed away at the beginning of March. As church family we continue
to pray for Charlie and Jennie, Enda, Elaine and Colin, as they mourn
Stephen’s loss.
Confirmation
This year’s confirmation service will take place in St Etchen’s Church,
Killucan on Sunday 7th June 2026 at 11:30am. Classes will begin after
Easter. Candidates in 1st year or above are welcome.
Bishop Pat
In March, Bishop Pat announced that she will retire at the end of July,
after 12 years overseeing the dioceses of Meath and Kildare. As a union
of parishes we are grateful for her support over the years. Please pray
for Bishop Pat and Earl as they move on to the next stage of their lives
and continue to love and serve the Lord in new ways.
Sunday Club
Sunday Club runs every week at the 10 am service in All Saints’,
Mullingar, led by our dedicated team (except on family service Sundays).
Each week we discover the joy of God’s love in new ways. Everyone is
invited!
Service Times For Holy Week & April
Sunday 29th March – Palm Sunday
All Saints’ 10am Holy Communion
Killucan 11:30am Morning Prayer
Kilbixy 11:30am Holy Communion
Monday 30th March
All Saints’ 11am – Holy
Communion
Tuesday 31st March
All Saints’ 11am – Holy
Communion
Wednesday 1st April
All Saints’ 11am – Holy
Communion
Maundy Thursday 2nd April
All Saints’ 11am – Holy Communion
Friday 3rd April – Good Friday
Almoritia 6pm – Holy Communion
All Saints’ 8pm
Sunday 5th April – Easter Sunday
All Saints’ 10am – Family
Communion
Killucan 11:30am – Holy
Communion
Sunday 12th April
All Saints’ 10am Morning Prayer
Killucan 11:30am Holy
Communion
Sunday 19th April
All Saints’ 10am Family Service
Killucan 11:30am Family Service
Almoritia 7pm Holy Communion
Sunday 26th April
All Saints’ 10am Morning Prayer
Killucan 11:30am Morning Prayer
Sunday 3rd May
All Saints’ 10am Holy Communion
Killucan 11:30am Morning Prayer
Kilbixy 11:30am Holy Communion
Parish Website : www.mullingarunionofparishes.net