Category: Union Notes

Dear Parishioners,

Lent 2022

Lent this year begins on Ash Wednesday 2^nd March.  In All Saints’ there will be a children’s Service at 9.30.am.and a Service of Holy Communion at 10.30a.m.

In Killucan there will be a Service of Holy Communion at 12 noon. 

In Almoritia there will be a Service of Evening Prayer at 5.00 p.m.

Last year during Lent we held an evening service by Zoom at 8.00 p.m. every Wednesday.  During Lent this year we will hold a Zoom Service each Wednesday at 8.00 p.m. and I hope each Service will involve children and families.

It was lovely to have so many people joining together for these Lenten services and I hope we will have good numbers again for Lent this year.  If you and your family would like to join us on Zoom please let me know and I will send you an invitation.  The Services last no more than 25 minutes.

Lighten Our Darkness

The special weekend on learning about Bio-Diversity will be held on Saturday 5^th and Sunday 6^th March.

On Saturday morning everyone is invited to meet at All Saints’ at 11.00 a.m.

To avoid traffic congestion you are invited to park at the Rectory and to walk through the Rectory garden to the church.  After the first short meeting in All Saints’ we will then move on to Stonehall and Leney churchyards.

At each of the churchyards Dr. Dara Fitzpatrick, a distinguished scientist from Cork University, will outline the bio-diversity in each pilot site.  At 6.00 p.m. in All Saints’ Dr. Fitzpatrick will give a presentation on ‘The challenge to bio-diversity by climate change and the difference we can make by our actions’.

On Sunday 6^th March at 11.00 a.m. we will hold our second Climate Sunday Service in the church grounds.  This Service will be posted on Facebook and I hope we will have a very good number of parishioners attending as a witness to what our church is undertaking in Mullingar.  At the Climate Sunday Service women will be participating to mark the International Women’s Day of Prayer.

We are all aware of the need to repair the damage to God’s world and, together in our Parish, we can make a difference with your support and participation.  I do hope parishioners will be able to attend the events over this weekend.

Fridays in Lent

There will be a Service of Holy Communion every Friday in All Saints’ at 11.00 a.m.  I encourage parishioners to come if at all possible.

 Lenten Bible Study

Bible Study will be held on Saturday 12^th March and Saturday 9^th April at 10.30 a.m. in All Saints’.

Lenten Project

This Lent the young people are calling the Project ‘Drop a Coin ‘ and the proceeds will go to support Syrian children in their education following the recent civil war.  Collection boxes will be placed in each church

St. Patrick’s Day

We will be celebrate St. Patrick’s day with a special Service in All Saints’ on Thursday 17^th March at 11.00 a.m. with the Blessing of the Shamrock and special music by the Choir.

Select Vestry

The Select Vestry will hold a meeting on Monday 21^st March at 7.30 p.m.

Aspire Magazine

The Aspire Diocesan magazine is available each month and carries news of the Diocese and all the different parishes.  The subscription for this year is now due and I would ask the subscribers in the parish to either send their subscription of €27 to John Hales, our Honorary Treasurer, or give it to one of the churchwardens at the church you attend.  If anyone would like to become a subscriber they should please contact Edna Craig on 087-2761568.

Holy Baptisms

I am pleased to announce that we will be having three baptisms during March.  We pray for the children to be baptised, their parents and godparents.  We also congratulate those children who have been recently baptised and pray for them, their parents and godparents.

Bereavement

We offer our deepest sympathy to Warwick O’Hara on the sad death of his wife, Anne, who had been a much loved and highly respected parishioner of Killucan parish.

Anne’s contribution in so many aspects of life in Westmeath was truly significant.  Warwick and Anne’s house in Mornington always offered a warm welcome to everyone.  Anne’s gifts as a chef were par excellence and her cooking for guests in Mornington and her work in Wilson’s Hospital School was legend.

Anne bore her illness with great courage and, in recent months when she was sadly encountering ill health, she showed amazing bravery and dignity.  She was a person of great faith and we pray that, now in the fuller presence of God, she may rest in peace and rise in glory.

We offer our deepest sympathy to Warwick, their daughter Katy and son Patrick, grandchildren Owen, Ellen and Olivia, Anne’s sister and niece Heather and Salena, and John and Sarah.   We hope they will be comforted by their wonderful memories of Anne and in knowing that she is now at rest and at peace.

We also offer our deepest sympathy to Arthur and Marion O’Toole following the sad passing of Arthur’s sister, Claire.  Claire had in recent times become very unwell and Arthur and Marion’s support, love and care provided a wonderful comfort to her.  Claire’s funeral service took place in Grange Con, Co. Wicklow.  Claire had a wonderful faith and we pray that Arthur and Marion will be greatly comforted by their memories of her and also strengthened in their sorrow by Claire’s faith which has given them such strength and comfort.  May Claire rest in peace and rise in glory.

Coming Out of the Pandemic

As the country begins to come out of the recent pandemic, we hope parishioners will now feel comfortable in returning to church where they can feel safe and at ease.  Faith is such an important aspect of life. We hope our Parish will provide a Christian nurturing that gives everyone a sense of purpose and meaning and, through our worship and activity, an opportunity to deepen our faith and witness openly in the Mullingar Union to all that is finest in human living under God’s healing, care and protection.

As I have mentioned on so many occasions, I am always available at any time if anyone in the Parish has any need.  Please never hesitate to telephone me on 087-7870985.

With God’s blessings,

Revd. Alastair Graham

087-7870985

Dear Parishioners,

I would like to wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year.  It was such a shame that a number of families were restricted by Covid and other illnesses s at  Christmas. We wish them well in their recovery. Given this situation I hope it was still possible for everyone to enjoy the Christmas spirit. It was lovely to see so many parishioners at the Christmas Services. I would again like to thank everyone in the Parish for their wonderful support, help and assistance with all the services in the churches.  As always, the church decorations were very special and created a wonderful festive atmosphere.

Christmas Fair and Raffle- Saturday 11^th December

The Fair and Raffle was a wonderful success and I would like to again thank the wonderful team of stall holders and helpers, who worked so hard to make this occasion such a success.  All your efforts were warmly appreciated by everyone.

Gift Day

I would like to thank everyone for their very generous support with the Parish Gift Day which was greatly appreciated.

Epiphany

Epiphany is a very important occasion in the life of the Church and on Epiphany, Thursday 6^th January, we will celebrate Epiphany with a Service in All Saints’ at 11.00 am.  On Epiphany we celebrate the arrival of the Wise Men and the significance of Epiphany continues to have an important relevance for the life of the world.

Epiphany Carol Service- this is a united Service for all the churches

The Epiphany Carol Service will be held at 11.00 a.m. on Sunday 9^th January in All Saints’.  At the Service we have an opportunity of singing the lovely Epiphany carols.  The young leaders will lead the liturgy.  I hope parishioners from all the churches will be able to come together as God’s family we can offer our praise to Him.

Lighten Our Darkness- Special Bio- diversity weekend -29^th/30^th January

We look forward to a special weekend on 29^th /30^th  January, led by the young leaders.  On Saturday 29^th at 11.30 a.m. there will be a fact-finding visit to the three churchyards that will be the pilot areas for our initiative on bio-diversity.  At 6.00 pm Dr. Dara Fitzpatrick of University College Cork, will present the challenge to the world regarding bio-diversity.  As a scientist, Dara has an encyclopedic knowledge of bio-diversity and his presentation promises to be both informative and inspiring.  The presentation will take place in All Saints’ public health guidelines permitting .

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

In January each year we celebrate the octave for Christian Unity from 18^th to 25^th.  This year from Tuesday 18^th through to Tuesday 25^th  there will be a special Prayer Service in All Saints’ each day at 11a.m.  On Sunday 23rd at 7.00 p.m. we will meet with Christians from all the other churches in Mullingar for a special service of praise and thanksgiving in the Cathedral at 7.00 p.m.  We share a wonderful relationship with all the other churches in Mullingar and I urge parishioners to make the Octave this year a special priority.

 

Service of Crowns

The Children’s Gift Day Service will be held in All Saints at 11am on Sunday 16^th January when we invite the children in the parish and their families to bring a small gift of  2 Euro which goes to support  Children in Need.

 

Holy Baptism

We congratulate Abigale  who was baptised in All Saints on 18^th December. We pray for her, her parents and godparents.

 

Bereavements

We were all deeply saddened at the tragic death of Roy Ashmore before Christmas.  We offer our deepest sympathy to Diane, Amy William, Emily  and Ross and the family. Roy will be very sadly missed  and throughout his life his many contributions and achievements were greatly appreciated and admired and we pray that now in the fuller presence of God he may rest in peace and rise in glory. We also pray that Diane and the family will also be comforted by God’s presence  and by the love and support of all of us who admire and respect the Ashmore Family so much.

 

We were also saddened before Christmas at the loss of Watson Mills who over his long life of 96 years had made such an impact  on the parish and local community. Watson’s achievement s were many and like Roy he will be so sadly missed by us all. We pray he will now rest in peace and rise in glory and we offer our deepest sympathy to his family and wide circle of friends.

 

We also offer our deepest sympathy to David Webster following the untimely death of his Uncle  before Christmas.  We hope that David and the family will be comforted by their warm memories of him and that his uncle may rest in peace and rise in glory.

 

Holy Days

Epiphany –                                        6^th January

Conversion of St. Paul –                   25^th January

St. Bridgit’s Day –                            1^st February

Candlemas –                                       2^nd February

 

As we begin the New Year I hope, as the year progresses, that we will be able to see an end to the restrictions that we have all had to accept since the onset of the pandemic.  As we all know, it has been a challenging time for everyone but, please God, as the year proceeds we will all begin to see a bright light on the horizon.

 

 

 

I hope you will all keep safe and well and that this year will be good to you and your families.

 

With God’s blessings,

Rev. Alastair Graham

087 7870985

 

Dear Parishioners,
Christmas 2021
December is a lovely month as we prepare for Christmas and all the enjoyment andexcitement it brings. Parish Services and activities are at the heart of the ChristianChristmas and this year, guidelines permitting, we hope to enjoy the special Servicesat Advent and Christmas.

However, due to the necessity for social distancing, it will
not be possible to hold Services in December in Kilbixy. With the agreement of thechurchwardens, we feel this is the right decision. Given the size of the church socialdistancing guidelines only allow a small number of people to be accommodated. Ihope this will not be too disappointing and the situation will be reviewed in January.

 Christingle. In Killucan the annual Christingle Service will be held on
Sunday 5 th December at 11.30 a.m. We look forward to welcoming the
young children and their families as we celebrate this traditional occasion.
 Christmas Fair and Raffle. The Christmas Fair and Raffle will be held on
Saturday 11 th December from 10.00 a.m. – 2.00 p.m. in All Saints’. It will be
held largely outdoors “guidelines permitting”. The Baking Competition will
be judged in the All Saints’ Hall. There will be some lovely Christmas items
and cakes on sale and we hope parishioners and friends will be able to attend.
I would like to thank Emma Coburn for her work in organising the Fair and
all the parishioners helping with the stalls and activities
 Christingle in All Saints’. This special occasion will be held in All Saints’
on Sunday 12 th December at 11.00 a.m. We look forward to welcoming the
children and their families, along with parishioners, for this lovely festival.
 Christmas Decorations. The churches – All Saints’, Killucan and Almoritia
– will be decorated for Christmas on Saturday 18 th December at 10.30 a.m.
We warmly welcome everyone in the respective parishes to come along and
take part in the decorating of the churches.
 Killucan Carol Service. The Carol Service will be held on Sunday 19 th
December at 11.30 a.m. This occasion is always a joy to attend and we look
forward to welcoming all parishioners, young and not-so-young.
 All Saints’ Candlelit Carol Service. This Service will be held on Sunday
19 th December at 7.00 p.m. in All Saints’. Everyone is warmly welcomed.
 St. Thomas’s Day. A service of Holy Communion will be held in All
Saints’ on Tuesday 21 st December at 11.00 a.m.

 Christmas Eve. The Christmas Eve morning service will be held at 11.00
a.m. in All Saints’ and the Midnight Holy Communion will also be held in
All Saints’ commencing at 10.30 p.m. with the singing of carols.

 Christmas Day. The Christmas Family Service will be held in All Saints’ at
10.00 a.m., the Christmas Day Service in Almoritia at 10.00 a.m. and the
Christmas Day Service in Killucan at 11.30 a.m.

 St. Stephen’s Day. At 10.00 a.m. there will be a Service of Carols of Praise
in All Saints’ followed by Holy Communion for those who wish to receive.

 St. John’s Day. On Monday 27 th December there will be a service of Holy
Communion in All Saints’ at 11.00 a.m.

 The Holy Innocents. On Tuesday 28 th December there will be a service of
Holy Communion in All Saints’ at 11.00 a.m.

 New Year’s Day. There will be a special service in All Saints’ at 11.30 a.m.
to celebrate the beginning of the New Year.

 Epiphany. On Thursday 6 th January Epiphany will be celebrated at a special
service of Holy Communion at 11.00 a.m. in All Saints’.

 Epiphany Carol Service. This wonderful occasion will be celebrated in All
Saints’ on Sunday 9 th January at 11.00 a.m.

Booking for Christmas Services
We will be very grateful if you would let the churchwardens in each church know ifyou will be attending church this Christmas for the Carol Services and for ChristmasDay.

All Saints’ – Arthur O’Toole 087 9733233,

Killucan – Richard Tansley 086 8118242,

Almoritia – Billy Small 087 2533001.

Fridays during Advent
Each Friday morning during Advent (3 rd , 10 th , 17 th and 24 th December) there will be aspecial Advent Service in All Saints’ at 11.00 a.m. I warmly commend these Services to you as they provide a lovely opportunity for our spiritual preparation at Christmas.

Holy Days after Christmas
There is a very long tradition in the Church of celebrating these three special days beginning with St. Stephen’s Day. I do commend them to you and it will be lovely tojoin with parishioners to mark each of these days.
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Christmas Fair:One of the features of the Fair will be the Cake Stall with a lovelyvariety of home baked Christmas baking. If anyone would like to present a cake Olivewould be delighted to hear from you – telephone 044-9348376.

Lighten Our Darkness
The young leaders’ presentation on Sunday 21 st November was truly inspiring and we again congratulate them on their wonderful performance. The young leaders will beholding some very special events on the weekend of 15 th and 16 th January, guidelines permitting. Details of the events will be provided in the January Union Notes.

Parish Gift Day
We would like to thank all the parishioners for their very generous support for theParish Gift Day. I would again like to thank John Hales, our Honorary Treasurer, forall his fine work in overseeing the financial affairs of the Parish.

Bereavements
We offer our deepest sympathy to John and Lorraine Hales following the death ofJohn’s uncle, Alex, whose funeral was held on Wednesday 10 th November in
Ballyhooly Church. John had a most wonderful relationship with his uncle who hadlived a very long life and John’s support and care of him was deeply valued and appreciated. We pray that Alex, now in the fuller presence of God, may rest in peaceand that John, his aunt and the family will be comforted by their lovely memories of Alex and by knowing that he is now safe in God’s love.

We were also saddened to hear of the passing of Nellie Doherty who passed away on Friday 19 th November. Nellie was a wonderful parishioner and greatly loved byeveryone who knew her. Unfortunately, in recent years she had been unable to attend church due to ill health. We offer our deepest sympathy to her son Tom, her daughter-in-law Siobhan, her grandchildren Andrea and Alex, and also her wider family, a number of whom live in the Parish. We pray that Tom, Siobhan, Andrea and Alex and all Nellie’s wider family, friends and neighbours will be comforted by their lovely memories of her and also by her very strong faith by which she knew that, after her death, she would be safe in God’s care where we pray that she will rest in peace withher husband Tommy who pre-deceased her.

We would also like to offer our deepest sympathy to Ron Lomax following the deathof his mother Olga. While she was a wonderful age, her presence and personality wasstill warmly loved by all the family. Her passing is, very naturally, a time of greatsadness. We offer our deepest sympathy to Ron, Ron’s two sons Christopher andLouis, and Ron’s siblings in the UK. We pray that Ron will be comforted by hismemories of all the time he spent with his mum and in knowing that she is now at rest after a very long and enjoyable life. the funeral will take place in England on the 10 thDecember

Christmas Greetings
Olive and I would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and thank you for all your support and kindness to us during the last year. We know the last year has not been easy for many due to the pandemic and we will be remembering you all in our prayers at Christmas. I would also like to sincerely thank everyone in the Parish for their amazing support for the Parish and for their good work to enable us to hold Church Services and activities following the lockdown at the beginning of the year.

Looking forward to next year, we hope we can all look forward to a healthier and less stressful time.  We wish you all a very happy and holy Christmas and a prosperous and healthy New Year.

With God’s blessings,

Rev. Alastair Graham -087 7870985

Dear Parishioners,

This month we look forward to some special occasions in the Parish.

Harvest Thanksgiving

The last of our Parish Harvest Thanksgiving Services will be held in Killucan this Sunday, 31^st October, at 11.30 a.m.  The special preacher will be Revd. William Seale, Rector of Kells Union.  The singing and music will be led by the Senior Parish Choir under the direction of Bill McConnell.  I do hope parishioners will support Killucan this Sunday by coming to the Service.  The church will be decorated from 10.30 a.m. on Saturday morning, 30^th October.

November – A Month to Remember

November is always a very special month in the Parish with some lovely church ceremonies.

• All Saints’ Day – Monday 1^st November. This very special Saints’ day will be celebrated in All Saints’ with a service of Holy Communion at 11.00 a.m.  I warmly invite parishioners to attend and, if we have sufficient numbers, we would be able to sing the hymn “For all the Saints”.

 

• Saturday 6^th November. There will be a special service in All Saints’ at 2.00pm to remember our much loved parishioner and choir member, Claude Rolston.  Following the service Claude’s ashes will be buried in the Garden of Remembrance.

 

• Patronal Festival. On Sunday 7^th November at 10.00 a.m., we will hold a special “All Saints’ Day” service to celebrate the life of the Parish and pray for God’s continuing guidance and support.

 

• Remembrance Sunday – 14^th November. The traditional Remembrance Service will be held in All Saints’ at 10.30 a.m.  At the service there will the cascading of poppies at the Act of Remembrance and the singing of all the familiar hymns.  The service will be attended by ex-Servicemen and women and representatives of all the emergency services.

 

• Day of Prayer for Young People – Sunday 21^st November. In our Parish we will be remembering in prayer all our young people.  It is very fitting that this day should be marked with the young leaders in Lighten Our Darkness performing their presentation on Climate Change and Spreading the News at 2.30 p.m. in All Saints’ Church.   This will be an amazing presentation and is worthy of all our support.  The Bishop and other church and civic leaders will be attending.  If you wish to come to the presentation you must let the churchwardens know.  Please telephone Arthur O’Toole on  087-9733233.

 

• Thursday 25^th November. To mark the ‘UN International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women’, the churches in Mullingar will be coming together for a united service to be held in the cathedral at 12.30 p.m.  I earnestly urge men and women and young people to attend this very important occasion to show their support, as Christians standing against domestic violence which is such a scourge, not only in our country, but throughout the world.

 

• Advent Sunday 28^th November. There will be a special service in All Saints’ for all the young people who were recently confirmed, and their families, at 10.00 a.m.  At this service each of the young people will receive their Confirmation Bible.  This service will also give parishioners the opportunity to come and show their support and congratulate them on their confirmation.  At 11.30 a.m. in Killucan there will be the Advent Carol Service and at 7.00pm in All Saints’ there will be the Advent Ecumenical Carol Service with all the church leaders and parishioners.

 

• Andrew’s Day – Tuesday 30^th November. There will be a celebration of Holy Communion in All Saints’ Church at 11.00 a.m.

 

Select Vestry

The Select Vestry will hold its’ next meeting on Monday 15^th November at 7.30 p.m.

 

Parish Gift Day

The Parish Gift Day will be held on Sunday 28^th November – Advent Sunday.  There will be a service held in each of the churches on that day.  Parishioners have been very supportive of the Parish this year for which we are very grateful.  As you can see from the Parish Notes, our Parish is beginning to really get back into full swing and we have so much to thank God for.  The Parish Gift Day gives every parishioner the opportunity to show their gratitude to God our Father for all His loving care.  The Honorary Treasurer will send a Gift Day envelope to each parishioner

 

Lighten Our Darkness – Sophie Ray

I am writing with the exciting news to say that our initiative is now really taking off and we hope that all of us, as young leaders in the Parish with the support of parishioners, will be able make a significant contribution in addressing the difficulties arising from climate change.  Our Climate Sunday service in September was a great success – over 200 attended.  Thank you for all your support.  This month, on Sunday 21^st November, we are putting on our presentation and it would be great if you could support us by coming along.  We have lots of other ideas and projects in the pipeline which we will keep you informed of.  So watch out for next month’s Union Notes.  From all of us thanks for your support.

 

Picia Harvey-Kelly

A memorial service will be held for Picia in Almoritia Church this Saturday 30^th October, at 12.00 noon.  Picia was a much-loved parishioner and a person of great talent.  The family would very much appreciate your support at this service.

 

Saturday Lunchtime Concert- The Essence of Beauty

Charles Marshall and Bogdan Sofei will be performing at a special concert in All Saints’ next Saturday, 30^th October, at 1.30 p.m.  Tickets are €10 and can be purchased at the door.  Don’t miss this special musical treat.

 

Children’s Baking Competition – calling all Junior Bakers

Entries are invited for a Baking Competition on Saturday 11^th December.  The categories are:           

Under 7’s: 6 buns of any kind on a plate

Over 7’s: Chocolate cake presented on a plate

Entries can be submitted on Saturday morning up to 11.30 a.m. at All Saints Church. Entry fee €1 per entry and prizes will be awarded for each class.   We look forward to seeing and tasting your bakes.

Holy Baptism

We congratulate Lorcan and Gideon on their recent baptisms.  We pray for them  and their parents and godparents as Lorcan and Gideon begin their journey of faith.

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

 

 

 

 

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

Dear Parishioners,
September
We start off this month in the Parish with a fresh sense of confidence which is being shared throughout the country, that hopefully the worst effects of the pandemic are easing and we can all look forward to reconnecting with those aspects of our lives that we find so fulfilling and enjoyable.

We hope, in the Parish, that with the easing of the restrictions, we will be able to gradually restart the activities and events that help make our Parish life so special. I hope you all feel encouraged to continue your
support for the Parish and return to the worshipping of God in church on Sundays.

Climate Sunday – 19 th September at 11.00 a.m.
In November world leaders will be gathering in Glasgow to discuss Climate Change.
Our Parish is one of 5,000 churches in Ireland and the UK holding Climate Sunday Services this month. Church leaders will highlight the Christian view on climate change and our Parish will be included as one of the parishes that is taking part in the Climate Sunday initiative. We are going to hold a special Service on 19 th September at 11.00 a.m. in the open air around the church and school.

The easing of the restrictions allow for a larger attendance at these services and I urge you to come and show your support. We hope a drone photograph will be taken which will, of course, protect individual identity, to show the number of people in the Parish who have attended the Service. It would be lovely to feel that this photograph would show a large congregation and the depth of our commitment to the issue of climate change.

Please do come. All the parishes in the Union will gather together for this one Service.

Harvest
I am pleased to be able to announce that the Harvest Services will be held again this year and details will be given in the October newsletter.

Symposium
A special symposium on “Brexit, Borders and the Common Good” will be held in All Saints’ Church on Monday 27 th September at 11.00 a.m.

The distinguished speakers will be Most Revd. John McDowell, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, and Professor Katy Hayward – Professor of Political Sociology in Queen’s University Belfast. The symposium will be chaired by Bishop Storey.

This is a very significant and important event and we are privileged that All Saints’ IS HOSTING and organising this symposium.

Due to social distancing attending the symposium is by invitation only and if you would like to attend you should speak with Arthur O’Toole, Churchwarden at All Saints.

Confirmation
The Service of Confirmation with the Bishop will be held on Sunday 24 th October at 11.00 a.m. in All Saints’. A small number of candidates have expressed their wish to be confirmed. I would urge any other families to get in touch with me immediately regarding confirmation.

Select Vestry
The next meeting of the Select Vestry will be held at 7.30 p.m. on Monday 13th September.

Rectory Garden Coffee Morning
Olive and I were delighted that so many people were able to attend the Garden Coffee Morning on Sunday 15 th August. In all, 63 parishioners of all ages enjoyed meeting together after what seemed to be a long time due to the lockdowns.

Olive takes an enormous interest in the garden and so many flowers were beautifully in bloom for the occasion. We always love to see people come to the Rectory as hospitality is at the very heart of Christian parish life.

Midweek Holy Days
On Tuesday 21 st September, St. Matthew’s Day, there will be a celebration of Holy Communion at 11.00 a.m. in All Saints’.

St. Michael and All Angels’ Day On Wednesday 29th September there will be a Service of Holy Communion at 11.00
a.m. in All Saints’, to celebrate.

Holy Baptisms
We congratulate the children who were baptised into God’s family over the summer months. We pray for them and for their parents and godparents as the children begin their journey of faith.

Diocesan Synod
The Diocesan Synod will be held by Zoom on Saturday 25 th September.

Christian Leadership Workshops during August. I had the privilege of leading the Christian Leadership Workshops with the young
leaders of the Lighten Our Darkness initiative.

It was so inspiring to be with them and to explore the application of Christian leadership in relation to climate change and the destruction of the natural world and environment.

An Amazing Find by an amazing family.
We congratulate Richard Denniston on his amazing find of the Hauberk chainmail which he came across while farming. The chainmail would have been worn by a child as an armoured vest over 800 years ago and the safekeeping of the Hauberk is now in the safe hands of the statutory authorities.

Richard’s generous philanthropy is truly admirable and it is lovely to think that he, Lesley and the children will always be associated with this invaluable archaeological find.

Rectory Birds
Last month Olive and I had a visit in the Rectory from a bird expert. As we sat having a cup of coffee in the garden the bird expert was able to identify the following birds in
the garden:

chiff chaff which migrates to Africa, treecreeper, blue tit, house
sparrow, goldcrest, magpie, chaffinch, blackcap, blackbird, pied wagtail, mistle
thrush.
It is such a delight to know that so many birds still visit the Rectory garden for food in an environment where they must feel completely safe and respected.

All Saints’ Choir
It will be simply wonderful to have All Saints’ Choir leading the Service on Sunday 12 th September. During the pandemic we have all missed singing in church and it is such a wonderful blessing to now be able to have music return to our worship on Sundays and at other Services.

Ordinations
We remember in prayer this month those candidates in the Diocese who will be ordained deacons and priests. May God bless each of their ministries.

All Saints’ Air Purifier
In All Saints’ we have recently installed two high-quality air purifiers which happily completely cleanse the air and free it of viruses and bacteria. I hope this will give everyone confidence in knowing that when you are worshipping you are in a very safe environment.

The other churches are, of course, also totally safe and are well-aired
and ventilated.

Leaving Certificate Exam
I would like to congratulate all the young people on their success in the Leaving Certificate and I hope each will be successful in pursuing the course of their choice.
We pray that God will bless each one of them with good health and happiness as they embark on this new sphere of their young lives.
I hope that you will continue to keep safe and well and, as I have mentioned before, 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

 

Dear Parishioners,

Holy Week and Easter

Unfortunately this year we are again not going to be able to meet in church for the ceremonies during Holy Week and Easter.  This is, of course, a great disappointment but is understandable given the current restrictions in the country.  However, we are going to hold a number of Zoom Services which I hope you will be able to join.  On Mothering Sunday a good number of parishioners gathered for the Zoom Service and everyone was both uplifted and delighted to be able to see so many familiar faces from the Parish.  The Zoom Services will be:

 

Palm Sunday – Sunday 28^th March

11.00 a.m. the Palm Sunday Service with the reading of the Passion Story

 

Holy Week

During Holy Week at 8.00 p.m. each evening from Monday 29^th March to

Good Friday, 2^nd April, there will be a Zoom Evening Prayer Service at

8.00p.m.

 

Good Friday 2^nd April

Our normal Service, “Sacred Words and Sacred Music”, will be held on

Zoom at 8.00 p.m.  The Choir has recorded sacred music which will be

played along with the reading of Christ’s Passion.

 

Easter Day 

11.00 a.m. the Easter Day Family Service with Easter music

 

 

I would like to thank everyone who will be taking part in the ZOOM Services and also our Choir Director  Bill Mc Connell and Choir members who have individually recorded their singing at home.  Ron Lomax has  brought all their voices together to blend a lovely musical synergy which we will have the privilege of listening to on Good Friday and Easter Day.

 

 

Lighten Our Darkness

A copy of the recently printed leaflet on our Parish Initiative “Lighten Our Darkness” is included with the Union Notes this month.  The initiative has been very well received and we all look forward to its’ implementation when the restrictions allow.  I would like to thank everyone for their support in producing the leaflet.

 

 

 

 

Select Vestry

There will be a meeting of the Select Vestry at 8.00 p.m. on Monday 12^th April by Zoom.  This is an important meeting and I do hope that as many members of the Select Vestry as possible will be able to attend.

 

 

General Easter Vestry – Thursday 15^th April at 8.00 p.m.

The Church authorities have requested that all Parishes in this Diocese would hold the General Easter Vestry after Easter and that all the Returns would be submitted to the Diocesan Office by 4^th May.  I do hope that a large number of parishioners will be able to attend the Zoom meeting of the General Easter Vestry as we will require a quorum to transact the business of the meeting.  It is everyone’s firm hope that this will be the last year that General Easter Vestries will have to be held by Zoom.

 

 

 

Happy Congratulations

Muriel Ray, our much-loved parishioner who lives in Hopestown just outside Mullingar, celebrated her 95^th birthday in March and was able to enjoy some birthday cake with her immediate family with whom she resides.  Muriel still sings in the Parish choir and is such wonderful company.  Her knowledge of nature and life is so magnificently rich and her sharing of it in conversation is nothing short of inspirational.  We pray that God will continue to bless Muriel with good health and happiness and we thank her family for surrounding her with such enriching love.

 

 

Bereavements

We offer our deepest sympathy to Jean and Frank Kilmartin following the death of Jean’s sister-in-law, Deirdre, who had been married to Jean’s brother Norman for many years.  Deirdre unfortunately had a health condition that was never going to restore her to fullness of life.  In her latter years she managed to enjoy her return to living in Donegal, the county of her birth, and we pray that now in the fuller presence of God she may rest in peace and rise in glory and that Norman, Jean, Frank and the family will be comforted by their faith and by their lovely memories of her.

 

We also offer our deepest sympathy to Richard and Lesley Denniston following the death of Richard’s uncle David Satchwell in Roscommon.  Richard’s uncle was very highly regarded and admired in the whole community and his death came as both a shock and a sadness to his family and many friends.  We pray that Richard’s uncle is now safe in the Lord’s presence and that God’s love and care will sustain all the family at this sad time.

 

In last month’s magazine we mentioned the passing of Claude Rolston who had passed away peacefully at home on Sunday 14^th February.  Claude and Anna were deeply loved in the Parish and Claude will be very sadly missed by us all and by the members of the Choir.  Unfortunately, due to a slight oversight, his daughter Florence’s name was incorrectly mentioned in the Notes, as was the reference to Claude’s sisters.  Claude had six sisters, Viola, Doreen, Iris, Emily, Lil and Ina, and three brothers, Cyril, Eric and Maurice.   Lil, Ina, Eric and Maurice pre-deceased Claude.  We again offer our deepest sympathy now to Claude’s sisters and brother and, of course, his wonderful wife Anna whose care of Claude was magnificent, and to his children Wendy, Sandra, Newton, David and Florence and all the other members of the family.  In remembering Claude with such affection we pray that he now is in the fuller presence of God and at peace.

 

We offer our sympathy to Canon John Clarke following the death of his mother who passed away peacefully after having lived a very long life.

 

We again sympathise with Kathy von Beaumont and her family following the death of Kathy’s mother.  We apologise for the small typing error in last month’s Union Notes.  The loss for Kathy and the family was, naturally, very upsetting and further created much heartbreak because, due to Covid, Kathy was unable to travel to attend her mother’s funeral.

 

 

Easter Greetings

Olive and I would like to wish you a very Happy Easter.  While, due to the restrictions, everyone’s  meeting with family and friends at Easter this year will be significantly curtailed, we do hope you will manage to have an enjoyable and restful time.  It is wonderfully inspiring to know that there is still a lovely momentum in the Parish and that we are all looking forward to the time when we can come again to each of the churches to worship God and to glorify His holy name.  We pray that God will richly bless your life with His love and grace and that each of us will feel truly inspired as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope that that brings to each of us and to the world in which we have the pleasure and privilege to live.

 

Revd. Alastair Graham

Rector

As I have mentioned before, I am always available to anyone in the Parish who might wish to contact me about any matter.  My mobile no. is 087-7870985.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Devotional Biblical Reading for Good Friday – Hebrews 10, verses 19-25

¹⁹ Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,

²⁰ by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body,

²¹ and since we have a great priest over the house of God,

²² let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

²³ Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

²⁴ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,

²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

 

 

 

 

 

A Devotional Biblical Reading for Easter Day – John 20, verses 1- 9

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.

² So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”

³ So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb.

⁴ Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.

⁵ He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in.

⁶ Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there,

⁷ as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen.

⁸ Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed.

⁹ (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)

 

Dear Parishioners,

Safe and Well

In these very challenging times I hope you manage to keep safe and well.  As we know, “the darkest hour comes before the dawn” and so, despite the difficulties we face, we must keep hope in our hearts, knowing a time will come when we will all be able to meet and share our lives again.

Month of Prayer

I hope March will be a special time for prayer in the Parish.  You will find in the Union Notes the opportunities and times we can all share prayer together.

• on the Sunday Moments online
• the Wednesday Lenten Zoom Services
• Sunday “Home Service”. The Order of Service for the March Home Service is in these Union Notes
• Mothering Sunday on Zoom-Sunday 14^th March

Details of the dates and times of the March Services

Online every Sunday – Sunday Moments                                

Sunday 7^th March               Women’s World Day of Prayer

Sunday 14^th March             Mothering Sunday- ZOOM

Sunday 21^st March             Special Preacher will be Luke Hawkins,

Chaplain Wilson’s Hospital

Sunday 28^th March             Palm Sunday

 

Wednesday Lenten Services- on ZOOM

Wednesday 10^th March`    7.00 p.m. (please note time this week)

Wednesday 17^th March      8.00 p.m. St. Patrick’s Day

Wednesday 24^th March      8.00 p.m.

 

Sunday Home Service – every Sunday in your home

 

Women’s World Day of Prayer

The Women’s World Day of Prayer Service will be led by women in the Parish.  Women’s World Day started in America in 1887 as a response to the needs of women following the American Civil War.  It became the Women’s World Day of Prayer in 1920.  The first Services in Ireland were held in Dublin, Dun Laoghaire and Greystones.

Mothering Sunday- Zoom Service- Sunday 14^th March at 11a.m.

This year there will be a special Service by Zoom on Sunday 14^th March which I hope you will all join.  Lets all come together to celebrate Mothering Sunday.

 

Luke Hawkins

We are delighted that Luke will speak on Sunday Moments on Sunday 21^st March.  Luke is doing a wonderful job as Chaplain at Wilson’s Hospital School and we are all benefiting from having Luke and Esther living in the Parish, along with their amazing hens!

 

Wednesday Lenten Service- on ZOOM

It’s lovely to have a number of families attending this Service every week and taking part.  We have some lovely piano music and special readings and prayers.  I hope you might like to join us.

 

ZOOM – Zoom is so easy.

It is so easy for me to send you an invitation for the Zoom Services.  All I need is your email address and you need to download the Zoom App.  It would be lovely to have more people from the Parish joining us on Zoom to sing, pray and meet together.

 

Aspire

The Aspire magazine is now in a new format and will be posted to you each month during the restrictions.  The annual subscription is €25.  Please send your subscription to Mr. John Hales, Honorary Treasurer, Ballyvade, Ballinalack, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath.

If you would like to receive a copy of Aspire please telephone Edna Craig on 087-2761568.

 

Bereavements

Parishioners were very sad to learn of the passing of Claude Rolston who passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday 14^th February.  Claude and Anna had been married for almost 58 years.   They were truly devoted to each other and shared a wonderful love.  An act of supreme love at the end meant an enormous amount to both Claude, Anna and the family as Anna arranged for Claude to return home for the last weekend before his passing.  The comfort and peace he will have felt knowing that each of his children, Wendy, Sandra, Newton, David, and Florence, with Anna, were sitting at his bedside when he peacefully passed away.  We offer our deepest sympathy to Anna and her family, Claude’s two sisters and to Anna’s sister Louise.  Claude was a much admired and appreciated member of the choir in All Saints’ and his presence in All Saints’, Sunday by Sunday, was greatly appreciated by parishioners as were the lovely conversations and time he gave to people unselfishly after each Sunday Service.  As a person of deep faith, we pray that Claude will now rest in peace and rise in glory.

We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Revd. Canon David Hutton Bury who passed away following a long illness which he bore with such courage and dignity.  David was a true gentleman and his ministry in the Diocese was greatly appreciated by everyone. We pray that he will now rest in peace and rise in glory.

We offer our deepest sympathy to Edie McCullagh, who is a sister of the late Ivan Bourke, whose husband George has also passed away following a long illness which he bore so bravely.  We also extend our sympathy to all of Ivan Bourke’s family at this sad time.

We also offer  our deepest sympathy to John and Andrea Mulvaney following the sudden and sad death of John’s father, Paddy. We pray that Paddy now in the fuller presence of God may rest in peace and that John and Andrea and family will be comforted by their memories of him.

 

We sympathise with Kathy von Beaumont whose mother sadly passed away in Hungary where she resided. The loss for Kathy not naturally very upsetting and further heart-breaking because due to Covid she was unable to travel to attend the funeral

 

We offer our sympathy to Canon John Clarke following the death of his mother who passed away peacefully after having lived a very long life. John is Rector of Navan Union.

 

Item of Interest

 

George Forbes very kindly sent me this text which I would like to share with you and I thank George for his thoughtfulness in sending it to me:

 

Charlie Chaplain lived to 88 years of age.  He left us four statements.

 

The first point is –              “nothing is forever in this world, not even our problems.

The second point –             “I love walking in the rain because no one sees my tears”

The third point –                 “the most lost day in my life is the day we don’t laugh”

The fourth point –                “the six best doctors in the world are

1. the sun
2. rest
3. exercise
4. diet
5. self respect
6. friends

Stick to them at all stages of your life and enjoy a healthy life.

If you see the moon you see the beauty of God.

If you see the sun, you will see the power of God.

If you see a mirror you will see God’s creation

 

So, believe it – we are all tourists.  God is our travel agent who has already identified our routes, bookings, and destinations……. Trust Him and enjoy life.

March – A Month of Prayer

 Do join us in the Parish on Sunday Moments online,

Zoom Services every Wednesday and Sunday 14^th March

It would be lovely to have your company – all you have to do is send me your email and download the Zoom app

Sunday Home Service for March

Order of Service

1. Gather together standing or sitting in a circle
2. Eyes closed, take 10 breaths in quiet preparation
3. The Jesus Prayer – Matthew 6

Jesus said “This then is how you should pray.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven

Give us today our daily bread

And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors

And lead us not into temptation

But delivery us from evil. Amen.”

4. P – a few moments of quiet prayer

R – remember those in need-the sick , lonely , hungry, war victims

A – aware of the needs of the world

Y – you, your priorities and interests

E – encourage, is there someone you can encourage in the life of faith

R – ready to hear God’s prompts and voice for your life

5. The Lord’s Prayer – said together
6. Our Prayers

Lord of all, forgive us that we make time like this all too rarely; forgive us that we fill our lives with noise and activity; forgive us that we ask you to speak but fail to hear your voice because we fail to listen; forgive us that we deny ourselves the peace of your presence.  Open now our hearts to you and fill us with the peace that only you can give, through Jesus Christ Our Lord.

7. Lenten Collect

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing that you have made and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent; create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness receive from you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness, through Jesus Christ Our Lord.  Amen.

8. Lenten Blessing

Christ, give us the grace to grow in holiness, deny ourselves and to take up His cross and follow Him.  Amen

9. Close the Service with a moment of quiet prayer.

 

With God’s blessings

Rev Alastair Graham- 0877870985

I am always available if you need to contact me