Category: Union Notes 2022

Dear Parishioners,

Lent 2023

This year Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, 22^nd February.  On Ash Wednesday there will be the following Services:

• All Saints’                        9.30 a.m.          Children’s Service
• Killucan                         10.30 a.m.          Holy Communion
• Almoritia/Kilbixy              5.00 p.m.         Evening Prayer

                                                               (the Service will be held in Almoritia church)

• All Saints’                        7.30 p.m.         Holy Communion

Every year Lent provides us with the opportunity for a prayerful preparation for Holy Week and Easter.  I do hope that parishioners will support the church services during Lent, particularly on Sundays.  During Lent there will be a number of special Lenten occasions which I hope will be well supported.

St. Etchen’s Day – Sunday 12^th February

In Killucan church on Sunday 12^th February, we will celebrate St. Etchen’s Day.  This is always a lovely parochial occasion and the Senior Parish Choir will lead the singing.  After the service there will be delicious refreshments provided.  Please make a point of coming to St. Etchen’s to celebrate the patronal festival. Sincere thanks to the parishioners for providing the refreshments.

Lighten Our Darkness by Numbers

The young leaders of the Lighten Our Darkness By Numbers initiative also have a very busy and exciting year to look forward to.  Their year got off to a great start last month with an amazing presentation of the initiative during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.  Those who attended from the wider community were mightily impressed and I have received many wonderful compliments which I have passed on to the young leaders.  The 2 local papers have given the presentation wide coverage which we very much appreciate.  There was also a wonderful response to their Christmas Tree Appeal for the planting of trees in the Parish, as part of the “Communion Forest” initiative launched by the bishops at the Lambeth Conference.  Parishioners committed themselves to plant over 100 native Irish trees.  We look forward to doing that in the coming weeks. The young leaders look forward to working with many other groups in the Church of Ireland this year as we all do our best to repair the damage to God’s creation through climate change.

Bible Study

We hope to start holding Bible Study again next month. Bible Study on Saturday mornings is not convenient for many parishioners. I wonder what you would think of meeting once a month at 4.30pm on a Sunday afternoon? I would welcome your comments

Tree Planting -Saturday 25^th February at 4pm

On Saturday afternoon, 25^th February at 4.00 p.m., Dr. Dara Fitzpatrick from University College Cork, will conduct a tutorial on why trees are so important in God’s world, at Rathconnell churchyard located just off the Delvin Road.   After the tutorial we will start the planting of trees which we hope will be completed by early March.  This tutorial will be very interesting and informative and I would like to warmly invite parishioners to join the young leaders for this very special occasion.

Tree quiz & colouring competition – Lighten our Darkness project fundraiser
The Lighten our Darkness group will be attending the General Synod in Wexford on 14 May to present their climate project. To support this trip we are running a quiz sheet and colouring competition. Quiz sheets will be available in all churches at a cost of €2. Closing date for entries Friday 31March. Thank you for your support, enjoy.

Whist Drives

This Friday, 3^rd February, the All Saints’ Whist Drive will be held at 8.00 p.m.  Parishioners and friends are warmly invited to what is always a lovely occasion.

A further Whist Drive will be held in All Saints’ on Friday 3^rd March at 8.00 p.m. to which everyone is warmly invited.

The Tyrrellspass Whist Drive will be held on Friday 17^th February at 8.00 p.m. and the Moate Whist Drive will be held on Friday 24^th February at 8.00 p.m.

This year it is lovely to see such a large number of people attending the Whist Drives and everyone is most welcome.

Grandparents’ Sunday – Sunday 26^th February at 11.00 a.m.

We will hold a special Grandparents’ Service on Sunday 26^th February at 11.00 a.m. in All Saints’ Church.  You may remember that we held a similar Service before the pandemic and it was a wonderful success.   We invite all grandparents in the Parish to invite their grandchildren to come to church with them, and of course the children’s parents are also very welcome.  I warmly commend this occasion to you.  The church was full for the last Grandparents’ Sunday Service and it would be lovely to see the church full again on this occasion.  So grandparents, please invite your grandchildren to join you on the 26^th February. 

 

Women’s World Day of Prayer

This very important Service will be held in Killucan on Sunday 5^th March at 11.30 am.  The Service will be conducted by women in the Parish and I hope it will be very well supported.   We are so utterly blessed with the wonderful women we have in each of the churches in the Mullingar Union.   I sincerely ask all the men in the Parish, along with the women, to come so that we can display our support for women throughout the world and the parish at this special service.

Baptisms

Recently we have welcomed into God’s family through baptism Liam, We remember Liam, his parents and godparents in our prayers at this time.

We look forward this month to the baptism of two of Canon and Mrs. MacDougall’s great-grandchildren.  Mrs. MacDougall, who is now 99 years of age, hopes to be present at the baptism.

Bereavements

We also offer our deepest sympathy to Rosanne and Alan Roderick and their sons, Nick and Simon.  Rosanne’s father, George, who was so actively involved in the Church of Ireland over a long period of years and was greatly respected and admired, passed away in early January in his late nineties.  His funeral service in Nun’s Cross in Ashford was an inspiring occasion and we pray that Rosanne, Alan and the family will be richly comforted by their wonderful memories of him.  We pray that George, now in the fuller presence of God, may rest in peace and rise in glory.

We also offer our deepest sympathy to Pamela and David Webster.  Pamela’s brother, Fred, who was a farmer in Co. Cavan, sadly passed away in January following a very long illness.  We pray that God’s love and care will be a strength to Pamela and her mother, Violet, David, their children John, Mark, Sarah and Jessica, and the wider family at this sad time for them.  Pamela has wonderful memories of her “big brother” which we hope will also be a comfort to her as Fred rests in peace and rises in glory.

I would like to remind you that if you ever need assistance of any kind, please do not hesitate to get in contact with me and I will always be pleased to hear from you.

With kind regards and with God’s blessings,

Revd. Alastair Graham

Mobile: 087-787 0985

Learning about trees and planting trees

 

Saturday 25^th February

 

4.00 p.m. at Rathconnell churchyard

 

Dr. Dara Fitzpatrick

 

Everyone Welcome

 

All Saints’ National School- School Enrolment

All Saints’ National School is accepting applications for enrolment for the school year 2023 – 2024 from Tuesday 10th January to Friday 10th February. The schools admission notice and application form are available online on our website – allsaintsnsmullingar.ie.

Please return the form by closing on Friday 10th February  We look forward to hearing from you. Hard copies of application forms are available from the school office 04493 48206

Church Services this Month – February 2023

 

Sunday 5^th February

All Saints’          10.00 a.m.          Holy Communion, Canon Lawrence

Killucan             11.30 a.m.          Holy Communion, Canon Lawrence

 

 

Sunday 12^th February

All Saints’          10.00 a.m.          Holy Communion, (said), Rector

Killucan             11.30 a.m.          St. Etchen’s Day, Rector

Almoritia             7.00 p.m.         Evening Prayer, Rector

 

 

Sunday 19^th February

All Saints’          10.00 a.m.          Holy Communion, Rector

Killucan             11.30 a.m.          Morning Prayer

Kilbixy              11.30 a.m.          Holy Communion, Rector

 

 

Sunday 26^th February

All Saints’          10.00 a.m.          Holy Communion, (said) Rector

11.00 a.m.          Grandparents’ Service followed by refreshments

We look forward to welcoming grandparents              

from each church in the Union

HOLY DAYS THIS MONTH

 

 

Wednesday 1^st February – St. Brigid’s Day

All Saints’          11.00 a.m.          Church Service

 

 

Thursday 2^nd February – The presentation of Christ in the Temple

All Saints’          11.00 a.m.          Holy Communion

 

 

Wednesday 22^nd February – Ash Wednesday

Service times in Union Notes

 

 

Friday 24^th February – St. Matthias the Apostle

All Saints’          11.00 a.m.          Holy Communion

 

 

 

MULLINGAR UNION OF PARISHES

 

MULLINGAR UNION OF PARISHES

Dear Parishioners,

Advent

Advent provides a wonderful spiritual preparation for Christmas.  During Advent we hope to provide opportunities for prayer and reflection.  Each Friday during Advent, from 1.00pm -2.00pm in All Saints,’ there will be an opportunity for prayerful reflection on the Gospel of St. Mark and also listen to Advent music.

We are also designating Fridays in Advent as a fast day, encouraging people to spend either the whole day or part of the day fasting and to make a small charitable donation.

Remembrance Sunday

The Annual Service of Remembrance on Sunday 13^th November was a very special occasion.   We were delighted that the numbers attending increased again this year.  It is encouraging to see that the Service is attended by a very wide variety of age groups and that a growing number of younger people are making a point of attending each year.

All Saints’ Christmas Whist Drive – Friday 2^nd December at 8.30 p.m.

The Christmas Whist Drive will be held in All Saints’ on Friday 2^nd December at 8.30pm.  The November Whist Drive was attended by a large number of people and we look forward to welcoming them and others to our Christmas Whist Drive.  As always there will be some very special prizes and a delicious Christmas supper.

Nativity Play – Sunday 11^th December at 11.00 a.m.

For the first time since the pandemic we are delighted that the traditional Nativity Play will be held on Sunday 11^th December. This occasion is always attended by a large number of children and their families and provides the opportunity to tell again the wonderful story of Christ’s coming at Christmas.

Christmas Concert – Saturday 10^th December at 7.30 p.m.

On Saturday 10^th December at 7.30 p.m. in All Saints’ Church, the Christmas Concert with the Midland Youth Orchestra and the Mullingar Allsorts Children’s Choir will be held.  It will be lovely to hear again the Christmas music that we were not able to hear ‘live’ during the pandemic.  The singing by the children and the playing of the instruments by the orchestra will be very inspiring.

  Christmas Carol Services – Sunday 18^th December

Killucan               Parish Carol Service                         11.30 a.m.

All Saints’           Candlelit Carol Service                      7.00 p.m.

Christingle Christmas Services

These lovely occasions before Christmas will be The Annual Christingle Services will be held in All Saints’ church on Sunday 4^th December at 11.00 a.m. and in St. Etchen’s Church, Killucan on Sunday 11^th December at 11.30 a.m..

 

The times of the Christmas Services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day can be found in the Parish Union Notes.

 

Christmas Extravaganza: Friday 16^th – Sunday 18^th December

All Saints’ Mullingar Hospital MRI Scanner Fundraiser

There will be a special Christmas Extravaganza in All Saints’ Church from 16^th-18^th December in aid of the MRI Scanner Appeal for Mullingar Regional Hospital.  There is still a shortfall in this Appeal.  The church will be decorated with the theme of Christmas Carols and the Hall will have Mrs. Bear’s Woodland Kitchen Display, especially for the young and young at heart!  There will also be a selection of Christmas trees to admire.  Are you available to help?  We will require assistance with decorating, donations of greenery/foliage, and people to meet-and-greet visitors.  If you can help in any way please let me know.  Church decorating will take place on Wednesday 14^th December starting at 10.00 a.m.  If you have any time during the day please let us know.   Emma 087-6374131

 

All Saints’ Christmas Displays – MRI Scanner Fundraiser

Christmas displays at All Saints’ church and a special display in the Hall of Mrs. Bear’s Woodland Kitchen will be open to view from

Friday 16^th December          2.00 pm – 6.00 pm

Saturday 17^th December    10.00 am – 5.00 p.m.

Sunday 18^th December        2.00 pm – 5.00 pm.

Entry fee: adults €5 (including tea and coffee),  children €2.

 

Parish Christmas Raffle

Cards are enclosed with the December Union Notes.  The draw will take place on Wednesday 14^th December at 7.30 p.m.  Lots of great prizes including a selection of hampers.  Thank you in advance for your support.

 

Holy Baptisms

This month we look forward to a number of baptisms in the Parish.  We pray for each of the children, their parents and godparents and look forward to welcoming the children through baptism into the Church.

 

Saints’ Days after Christmas

On, St. Stephen’s Day, St. John’s Day 27^th December and the Holy Innocents’ Day 28^th December, there will be a Service of Holy Communion in All Saints’ at 11.00 a.m.  These traditional services after Christmas are very special occasions and are always supported by parishioners.

 

New Year’s Day

There will be a United Parish Service in All Saints’ Church at 11.00 a.m.

 

Parish Gift Day We would like to thank parishioners for their very generous support for the Parish through their Gift Day offering.   If you would still like to support the Parish Gift Day your contribution will be greatly appreciated.

 

Christmas Donation to Society of St. Vincent de Paul

This Christmas, with all the other churches in the Mullingar area, we will be donating money to assist the Society in their compassionate distribution to people in need.

 

Mullingar Choral

The Christmas Concert will be held in the Cathedral at 7p.m. on Sunday 4^th December. A wonderful Christmas musical occasion.

 

Bereavement

We offer our deepest sympathy to Rosanne, Alan, Nick and Simon Broderick and Mark, Rachel and Alice Potterton, who live in the Parish, and the wider family, following the death of their uncle Harold Clarke.  Harold was very well known and prominent businessman and also a very committed member of the Church of Ireland.  He lived a long life that won admiration and respect from a very wide circle of family and friends.  We pray that, now in the fuller presence of God, he may rest in peace and that his family may be comforted by their lovely memories of him.

 

We also offer our sympathy to Kevin, Clodagh, Aoife, Oisin and Caoimhe Ryan following the death of Kevin’s mother Lily.  Lily was a much loved mother and grandmother and was greatly admired by her circle of friends and members of the wider community.  She passed away very peacefully in the wonderful care of the Camillians in Killucan.  Lily was a person of enormous faith and we pray that, now in the fuller presence of God, she may rest in peace and that all the family may draw comfort from their many lovely memories of her.

 

We were all sad to learn of the passing of Doreen Deering who was a very longstanding member of All Saints’ Parish in Mullingar.  Doreen was over 100 years of age but was lucid to the very end of her life.  She was a delight to visit and listening to her stories of living in Ireland over 100 years was both fascinating and enjoyable.  Doreen’s funeral took place in All Saints’ and she was buried with her much-loved sister Poppy in Clara, Co. Offaly.  At the time of her death Doreen was the last surviving member of her family.  We pray that she may now rest in the Lord’s presence.

 

January Inspire Notes

While we were in the US recently I received an email advising that the January Notes were required in November.  I sent the January Notes from the US but unfortunately they appear to have missed the deadline and so regretfully the Mullingar Notes will not appear in the January issue of Inspire.  However, all the Parish news will be available in the January Union Notes.

 

St. Thomas’s Day

There will be Service of Holy Communion at 11.00 a.m. in All Saints’ on Wednesday 21^st December.

With God’s blessings,

Rev. Alastair Graham

 

Church Services this Month

 

Sunday 4^th December

All Saints’            10.00 a.m.            Holy Communion (said), Rector

11.00 a.m.            Children’s Christmas Christingle Service

with refreshments, Rector

Killucan                11.30a.m.            Morning Prayer

Almoritia               7.00 p.m.            Evening Prayer, Rector

 

 

Sunday 11^th December

All Saints’           10.00 a.m.            Holy Communion, Rector

11.00 a.m.            Children’s Nativity Play

Killucan               11.30 a.m.            Children’s Christmas Christingle Service

                                                           

 

Sunday 18^th December

All Saints’           10.00 a.m.            Holy Communion (said), Rector

Killucan               11.30 a.m.            Parish Carol Service

All Saints’            7.00 p.m.            Candlelit Christmas Carol Service with

The Mullingar Town Band

 

 

Saturday 24^th December – Christmas Eve

All Saints’           10.00 a.m.            Holy Communion with Prayers for Peace, Rector

10.30 p.m.            Midnight Holy Communion in Candlelight Rector

 

 

Sunday 25^th December – Christmas Day

All Saints’           10.00 a.m.            Christmas Family Service, Rector

Almoritia             10.00 a.m.            Festival Holy Communion ,Canon Patrick Lawrence

Killucan               11.30 a.m.            Festival Eucharist, Rector

 

 

Holy Days in December

26^th December                    St. Stephen’s Day

27^th December                    St. John’s Day

28^th December                    Holy Innocents’ Day

 

There will be a Service of Holy Communion in All Saints’ on each of the Holy Days at 11.00 a.m.

 

Sunday 1^st January – New Year’s Day

All Saints’                          11.00 a.m.            Holy Communion and Carols, Rector

This is a United Service for parishioners from each of the churches

 

Dear Parishioners,
Let’s Stand Together Sunday- 2 nd October
On Sunday 2 nd October we are holding a special Parish service in All Saints’ at
11.00a.m. I warmly invite parishioners from each of the churches to come together for a special Service of Praise and Thanksgiving. During the pandemic we were denied the opportunity to meet together and we hope this Service will be a great reunion of young and old. The music will be truly uplifting and the singing of the hymns inspiring. Please, please, please make this Service a priority for your attendance.

Heartfelt Thanks
Olive and I would like to thank you all very much indeed for your expressions of love and sympathy following the death of my dear brother, Winston. Winston had a weak heart and unfortunately, when he recently contracted pneumonia, his heart was not strong enough to take the fluid from his lungs. We were  blessed as a family to be able to spend the last two days of Winston’s life on earth with him in the hospital which was a great comfort to him and to us. Winston had a very strong Christian faith which sustained him and us at this time. We pray that Winston, now in the fuller presence of God, may rest in peace and rise in glory. And we thank God for Winston’s long ministry in the church.

We would like to say thanks to all of you who have helped us in any
way after Jean’s unexpected death.
Your thoughts, prayers, messages, phone calls, cards, calling to our
house, helping preparing for the funeral, doing the flowers, digging the
grave, playing the music, ringing the bell, helping with the parking,
doing the teas or by just being there. We have got great comfort from
that in a most difficult time.
So from all of us, many, many thanks!
Arie, Peter-Jan, Jennifer and Norbert Gorissen

The Season of Harvest
This month we will be celebrating the harvest in the Parish in a very special wayindeed. On Sunday 9 th October the Harvest Festival Service will be   in
Killucan Parish at 11.30 a.m. and the special preacher will be Archdeacon Craig
McCauley, Rector of Virginia, Co. Cavan. We very much look forward to Craig’s
visit and his very fine preaching.

On Sunday evening, 9 th October, at 7.p.m. there will be a lovely Harvest Festival Service in Almoritia church.
Harvest Extravaganza- Sunday 16 th October
In All Saints’ Church there will be a Harvest Extravaganza on the weekend of 15 th and16 th October.

On Friday 14 th the church will be beautifully decorated with fresh
flowers and produce and plenty of toy farms. The church will be open all day
Saturday 15 th and Sunday 16 th and teas and coffees will be served.

On Sunday 16 th the Harvest Thanksgiving Service will be held at 11.00 a.m. in All Saints’ Church and the special preacher will be Luke Hawkins, Chaplain of Wilson’s Hospital School. Luke, like Craig, is a very fine preacher and we look forward to his visit.
At 7.00 p.m. we invite everyone to come to a Harvest Songs of Praise in All Saints’
Church which will be very special indeed.
In Kilbixy a Service of Harvest Readings, Hymns and Prayers will be held on Sunday
30 th October at 5.00 p.m.

St. Luke the Evangelist
Healing is a very important aspect of God’s love for us. We will hold a special
Service of Healing in All Saints’ on Tuesday 18 th October at 11.00 a.m. within thecontext of a Service of Holy Communion.

All Saints’ Sunday School
We hope to launch our renewed All Saints’ Sunday School on Sunday 23 rd October at 11.00 a.m. in All Saints’ Church. Faith is such an important part of  our lives and the Sunday School provides the opportunity for children’s faith and knowledge of faith to be nurtured. We sincerely hope that parents and children will attend this Sunday School Service.

St. Simon and St. Jude
On this holy day, 28 th October, a Service of Holy Communion will be held in All
Saints’ church at 11.00 a.m.

All Saints’ Day
All Saints’ Day this year falls on Tuesday 1 st November. It is always a special
occasion and we will have a special Service of Holy Communion with hymns at
11a.m.

Confirmation
The Confirmation Service will be held on Sunday 6 th November at 11.00 a.m. in All Saints’. We look forward to welcoming the Bishop and I would ask you to pray for all the candidates who are preparing for this important day in their Christian life.

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

 

Church Services this Month

Sunday 2 nd October
All Saints’ 11.00 a.m. Stand Together Sunday
A special service for everyone in the Parish.

We hope you will attend.
Sunday 9 th October
All Saints’ 10.00 a.m. Holy Communion (said),
Killucan 11.30 a.m. Harvest Thanksgiving

Preacher: Archdeacon Craig McCauley

Almoritia 7.00 p.m. Harvest Thanksgiving
Sunday 16 th October
All Saints’ 11.00 a.m. Harvest Thanksgiving

Preacher: Luke Hawkins, Chaplain
7.00 p.m. Harvest Songs of Praise

Sunday 23 rd October
All Saints’ 10.00 a.m. Holy Communion
11.00 a.m. Sunday School Service
Killucan 11.30 a.m. Morning Prayer
Sunday 30 th October
All Saints’ 10.00 a.m. Holy Communion, Rector
Killucan 11.30 a.m. Holy Communion, Rector
Kilbixy 5.00 p.m. Harvest Readings, Hymns and Prayers

(Rector)

Dear Parishioners,

“Summer Suns Are Glowing”
This lovely hymn by Walsham How presents a lovely image of a summer where there
is plenty of sunshine, light and everyone is rejoicing “in the mellow rays”. This is afar cry from some of the summer weather we are experiencing this year so far. We live in hope that the weather will improve and that the rest, relaxation and holidays we will have in Ireland will bask in some “sunshine”.

However, we have much to be thankful for when we look at the plight of many people in different parts of the world who are enduring hardship and war. We continue to offer prayers for peace and harmony that will usher in an end to this suffering. I do hope everyone will have an opportunity for a break from their daily routines and feel refreshed afterwards. We also fondly remember all the farmers in the Parish and their families for whom the summer months require so much of their time and hard work.

We look forward to the harvest which we hope, for them and for us, will be a time of thanksgiving.
Ukraine The English classes in All Saints’ for the Ukrainians residing in the Annebrook Hotel will continue over the summer. We are building a lovely friendly relationship with them and feel for them so much in the suffering they are having to endure and the heartbreak of the separation from their families. It is always lovely when they are able to join us for worship on Sunday morning in All Saints’ and we sincerely hope that their wish to return home will not be prolonged for too long.

Harvest Floral Extravaganza
We are planning to hold a Harvest Floral Extravaganza on the weekend of
Saturday 15 th and Sunday 16 th October in All Saints’ Church Mullingar. The
Harvest Service will be held on Sunday morning, 16 th October, at 11.00 a.m. The
Harvest allows for a great variety of decorating opportunities. In this regard, we hope we can gather a dynamic team to undertake the project of the Harvest Floral Extravaganza.

No flower arranging experience is necessary. All that is required are
plenty of willing and enthusiastic hands from all ages, from youth to maturity. We are holding a special meeting in All Saints’ on Saturday 16 th July at 11.00 a.m. to discuss the project. Everyone will be most welcome and we hope you will be able to come. If you are unable to attend the meeting please let us know if you would be interested in being involved in October. Just telephone Olive Graham (044 934376) and Emma
Coburn (087 6374131).
Harvest is a wonderful time of thanksgiving and joy. We hope to make Harvest this year a truly truly memorable occasion.

Holy Days this Month
Monday 4 th July St. Thomas
Friday 22 nd July St. Mary Magdalene
Monday 25 th July St. James the Apostle
On each of these holy days there will be a Service of Holy Communion in All Saints’
Church at 11.00 a.m. Everyone is most welcome
Clonmacnoise – Sunday 24 th July
This year the Open Air Service at Clonmacnoise will be held at 4.00 p.m. Everyone
in the Parish is warmly invited to attend. Having the opportunity to worship in such a
beautiful, historic and religious site is a true delight. This year the theme of the
Service will be on “Creation Care”. If you have visited Clonmacnoise before you
will know how special it is. If you have not visited may I encourage you to visit this
year for the Open Air Service and I know you will be glad you went.
Bereavements
Three families have recently been bereaved in the Parish. We offer them our deepest sympathy. Susan Miller, the wife of George Miller, sadly passed away in Dublin. We offer our deepest sympathy to those families connected with the Millers, who mostly are attached to Kilbixy church.

Lesley Aust’s mother passed away in South Africa after a long illness and we
sympathise with Lesley as she gathers in South Africa with her family for the funeral.
Gerry King’s brother Frank, who lived in Belfast, also passed away. We offer our
deepest sympathy to Gerry, Margaret and their family.

We pray that those who have been bereaved will draw comfort from their memories of their loved ones. We pray that Susan, Lesley’s mother, and Frank, now in the fuller presence of God, may rest in peace and rise in glory.

Anne O’Hara
Warwick, Katie and Patrick will be gathering with their family and friends for a
special Service in Killucan on Sunday 24 th July at 11.30 a.m. Following the Service there will be the scattering of Anne’s ashes in compliance with her wish. If parishioners would like to join Anne’s family for this Service they will be most welcome.

FlEADH Cheoil
Mullingar is preparing for the FLEADH Cheoil which will be held from Sunday 31 st July to Sunday 7 th August. We hope this will be a most enjoyable occasion for everyone involved and that those visiting Mullingar will thoroughly enjoy their visit and the delights and beauty of Westmeath.

May I just remind parishioners that the town will be closed to traffic from 10.00 a.m. each day until 4.00 a.m. If you have a need to visit the town by car you can do so between the hours of 4.00 a.m. – 10.00 a.m.

Summer Greetings
Olive and I hope everyone will keep safe and well over the summer and that all
parishioners will be able to find some time to rest and relax.
If I can be of any assistance to you in any way please do not hesitate to contact me –

087-7870985.
With God’s blessings,
Rev. Alastair Graham

Church Services this Month

Sunday 3 rd July
All Saints’ 10.00 a.m. Holy Communion, Rector
Killucan 11.30 a.m. Morning Prayer, Rector
Sunday 10 th July
All Saints’ 10.00 a.m. Holy Communion, Rector
Killucan 11.30 a.m. Holy Communion, Rector
Sunday 17 th July
All Saints’ 10.00 a.m. Morning Prayer
Almoritia 10.00 a.m. Holy Communion, Rector
Kilbixy 11.30 a.m. Holy Communion, Rector
Sunday 24 th July
All Saints’ 10.00 a.m. Holy Communion, Rector
Killucan 11.30 a.m. Prayer Service to remember Anne O’Hara
Clonmacnoise 4.00 p.m. Open Air Service
Sunday 31 st July – Service Times in next Union Notes
Holy Days this Month

Monday 4 th July 11.00 a.m. St. Thomas’s Day
Friday 22 nd July 11.00 a.m. St. Mary Magdalene’s Day
Monday 25 th July 11.00 a.m. St. James’s Day
All Services of Holy Communion will be held in All Saints’ Church

Dear Parishioners,

Easter

This year we will be able to celebrate Easter Day in church for the first time since 2019.  As we know, due to the pandemic, the churches were not open and so I hope we will all gather in large numbers to celebrate the resurrection of Christ.  Details of the times of Services can be seen in these Notes.

Holy Week

• Holy Week is an important time of preparation for Easter Day. On Monday 11^th, Tuesday 12^th and Wednesday 13^th April there will be a Service of Morning Prayer in All Saints’ each day at 10.30 a.m. and a Zoom Holy Week Service will be held each evening at 8.00 p.m. on those days.
• On Holy Thursday there will be a celebration of Holy Communion in Killucan at 10.30 a.m., in All Saint’s at 11.30 a.m. and in Almoritia at 5.00 p.m. There will be a Service of Evening Prayer in Kilbixy at 8.00 p.m.
• On Good Friday there will be a service of Morning Prayer at 10.30 a.m. in All Saints’, at 12.00 Holy Hour in Kilbixy, at 2.00pm Holy Hour in Killucan, 5.00p.m. Evening Prayer Almoritia and 8.00 p.m. Sacred Words and Sacred Music in All Saints’.

Decoration of churches will take place on Saturday 16^th April.

 

Prayers for Ukraine

On Good Friday evening at 8.00 p.m. in All Saints’ we will be having a special Prayer Vigil for Ukraine.  This provides an opportunity for every parishioner to come and show their support by praying for the people of Ukraine and the end of hostilities.

 

 Lighten Our Darkness – Zoom Lecture on Biodiversity

Dr. Dara Fitzpatrick will present his lecture on Biodiversity on Tuesday 5^th April at 7.30 p.m. on Zoom for those who were unable to hear his lecture in All Saints’.  Those who heard the lecture may indeed like to hear it again.  If you would please send me your email address and I will happily send you a Zoom invitation.

 

 Bio-diversity Church Yard Project – Saturday 2^nd April 2022.

 If you would like to help with this project on Saturday in Leney Churchyard please meet at Tormey’s Carpark, Bunbrosna at 11am. The work will conclude at 1pm. Everyone will be most welcome – we need plenty of willing hands!!

 Bishop’s Pastoral Visit

The Bishop will be making a pastoral visit to the Parish on Sunday 10^th April.  She will preach at Almoritia at 11.00 a.m. and will then attend the Lighten Our Darkness presentation at 2.30 p.m. in All Saints’.  I warmly invite parishioners to both occasions.  The Bishop always enjoys meeting parishioners when she comes to the Parish.

General Easter Vestry

The General Easter Vestry meeting will be held in All Saints’ church on Sunday 8^th May at 11.00 a.m.  This is a very important meeting and I sincerely hope it will be well supported by parishioners.

Confirmation

I will be very grateful if those who wish to be confirmed this year by the Bishop could please let me know as soon as they can.

 

Mayfair – Saturday 14^th May from 10.00 a.m. – 2.00 p.m.

The planning for this year’s Mayfair is well underway.  We will have all the popular stalls – cakes, plants, tombola, books, teas, burgers, raffle.  The majority of the stalls will be located outside at All Saints’ church.

 

• Mayfair Competitions for Children
• Thank you again to all the December bakers. We plan to hold another Children’s Baking Competition at the Mayfair.  Full details of the items to bake will be in the May issue of the Union Notes.
• We are introducing a new competition for the Mayfair – Garden on a Plate. Using a dinner plate as your base, create a mini garden of your own design.  Hopefully with advance notice this will give you a chance to think about what you might like to do.

Following the pandemic we look forward to seeing everyone again at the Mayfair this year.  As always it will be a most enjoyable occasion.

 

Holy Baptisms

We recently baptised into God’s family in All Saints’ church Grayson, Milo, Callum and Arlo.  We will continue to pray for them and for their parents and godparents as they begin their journey in faith.

Bereavement

We offer our deepest sympathy to Penelope Mahon following the death of her dear husband Tim.  We extend our sympathy to their children, Rupert, Antonio and Myles, her grandchildren and Tim’s wider family.  Tim was a much-loved parishioner and member of the choir in All Saints’, and also sang with the Diocesan Choir.  Tim had the most beautiful human spirit and his concern and love for people was truly inspired by the grace of the Holy Spirit.  Tim had won the admiration and affection of a very wide circle of people over many years.  He also had a wonderful faith and we pray that Tim, now in the fuller presence of God, may rest in peace and rise in glory.

Congratulations – 100^th Birthday

We warmly congratulate Doreen Deering who celebrated her 100^th birthday on Sunday 20^th March.  Doreen is a resident in Rose Lodge Nursing Home in Killucan.  It was such a special occasion as Doreen is a most endearing and engaging person.  On her birthday she was able to reflect with a wonderful clarity on her 100 years of life.  Doreen’s father had been in insurance and she was born in Clara, Co. Offaly where he worked.  His job required the family to move around different parts of Ireland, finally settling in Mullingar in Harbour Street.  Doreen was educated at a school in Dublin.  In congratulating Doreen we pray that God will continue to bless her and that she will look forward to many more years of life.  Her avid watching of television keeps her fully appraised of all the developments happening in the world and in sport.

Canon Lawrence

Olive and I hope to be able to visit our family in the United States after Easter.  Of course we have not been able to visit recently due to the pandemic.  While we are away Canon Lawrence has very graciously agreed to take the Services and to be available for any pastoral emergencies.  Canon Lawrence’s telephone no. is 0860562944 or 044-9222109.

 

Olive and I would like to wish you all a very happy Easter.  We look forward to meeting you at the Services and hope you will have a lovely time with your family and friends.

 

With God’s blessings,

Revd. Alastair Graham

087-7870985