Parish News Archives - April 2009

Rector Writes | Readings & Services | From the Registers | Organisation Reports | Announcements | Other News

Rector Writes

Dear Friends,

Easter is such a wonderful time of the year. We celebrate that all the evil in the world cannot and does not have the last say. Life is indeed stronger than death, goodness stronger than evil. After a number of very traumatic events for our parishioners, it is so important to proclaim the message of hope. No matter how often we fall victim to pessimism, fatalism, any other ‘ism’ or just plain doubt, hope, as they say, springs eternal. It often catches us by surprise when we’re at our most gloomy.

As I sat to write this letter it wasn’t Easter; however, that was on my mind. It was a day a little before Easter this year, April Fools’ Day. I don’t actually know the origin of this particular day, but it had come into my mind when reading a book, an extremely good book, on people with dementia and their relationship with the local church. It was a quote at the beginning of one of the chapters. Speaking of the local church, Eileen Shamy says:

‘Dare I name it a fellowship of the foolish? For foolish we most certainly will appear in a society obsessed by the quantifiable, by the immediate, by productivity and profit, by individualism and loss of community, and where the bottom line really is the bottom line. In that world it is accounted madness to expend precious resources on those who in economic terms are useless. There is, however, another larger world represented by a foolish, passionately extravagant woman pouring her alabaster jar of costly, perfumed oil over the head and feet of a man named Jesus. This kind of costly, extravagant care bears within it a power to heal our own human woundedness. In our hearts we know it, but we need each other’s courage and a certain authentic and holy innocence for such foolishness.’

The book was written a couple of years ago, but it’s an extraordinarily prophetic view of what we have come to understand over the last year about our society’s over reliance on wealth and material goods. I warm to the notion of a church as a fellowship of the foolish. I have always liked the idea of Jesus himself as the holy fool. Like the clown in King Lear, fooling, but in the middle of the fooling showing a truth that no one else would dare reveal. sick, all those whom others disregarded. St. Paul writes “God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom” (1 Corinthians 1:25)

Food for thought as remember the one who appeared so foolish to the world when he died on the cross but rose again in triumph at Easter.

Yours in His Service

From the Registers

Holy Baptism:

Christian Marriage:

Funeral:
20th February in St. Brigid’s: Rosemary Allen of Dunboyne

“I am the resurrection and the life”

In Memorium:
Rosemary Allen was a member of this parish for over 60 years. She and her husband Frank were stalwarts of St. Brigid’s, both members of the choir, both involved in many of the organisations, and well known to all, young and old. A number of years ago, they retired to Dunboyne, but Rosemary kept up her connection through Mothers’ Union. At her funeral service in St. Brigid’s, Rev’d Janice Aiton spoke of Rosemary’s faith, her care for her family and her love of good conversation. Our sympathies and prayers are with her children, Elizabeth, William, and Kenneth, the grandchildren and all the family circle.

David Gibson - McKenna: At the time of writing, our parish is still coming to terms with the sudden death of David on 11th March. He was well known to our school community as one of the most active parents, overseeing the development and modernisation of the computer room, constantly full of good ideas. His warm, engaging personality meant that he talked to, showed interest in, and encouraged everyone he met. As a Boys’ Brigade leader, he will be remembered for his calm manner, his care and consideration that every boy would be involved. We will all remember him as a loving husband, proud father and greatly loved friend. If our loss is profound, the loss to Gail, Marc, Adam and Jack can scarcely be imagined, and so we keep them in our prayers.

Organisations Reports

Girls' Brigade
After a cancellation due to difficult weather conditions, the Associate competitions went ahead on the 18th February. The solo competition was the first competition of the night and Elizabeth, Jenni and Orla performed very well with Elizabeth taking 4th place. The teamwork was next and our Associate team, comprising of Elizabeth, Jenni, Orla and Karen skipped their socks off and came 3rd. Well done girls!

The Scripture Exam for our Junior/Seniors was on Wednesday 4th March. The girls studied very hard and we wish them all the best with their results.

On the subject of exams, five of our Brigaders (Christine, Sarah, Danielle, Hannah and Aoife) have just finished their Junior Cert and Leaving Cert mocks, and we wish them the best with their results.

Our Annual Display takes place on Friday 3rd April in Castleknock Community College at 7.30pm. We are busy preparing and adding the finishing touches to our programme. We look forward to your support on the night.

Heather Hayes

Mothers’ Union
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the last meeting – the internatiuonal food night. We got the chance to sample food from Scotland, Italy and Nigeria and came home with plenty of recipe ideas. Our next meeting is the AGM on April 20th.

Susan Green

Announcements

Teaching Eucharist:
Many thanks to all our confirmation candidates who took part in the Eucharist on martch 15th, explaining the different parts of the service. Please keep them in your prayers as they prepare for June 14th.

World Day of Prayer:
A very enjoyable service took place on Friday 6th March, prepared by women from Papua New Guinea. Rev. Susan Green led the worship and representatives of a number of lovcal churches took part.

Best wishes and congratulations:
To Frances Cairns of Leopardstown Park Hospital who recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Frances is the mother of parishioner and bowler Betty Turner.

Lent Course:
At the time of writing, our Lent course, “Justice and Peace in Ireland and Abroad” is in full swing. We have had two very interesting evenings: hearing from parishioners about their work in the Developing World, and from Dr. Susan Hood and Fr. Owen Cassidy on Israel and Palestine.

Holy Week:
Holy Week begins on Monday 6th April. Our preacher this year is Rev. David Godfrey, Former Dean of Kilmore on the intriguing theme of “Is Forgiveness enough?”. Services take place every night in St. Brigid’s at 8pm.

Coming up in April and beyond:
3rd April: GB Display

19th April: Car Boot sale at St.Mary’s Clonsilla

20th April: Mothers’ Union AGM at 8 p.m.

23rd April: Pub Quiz in Myo’s, Castleknock in aid of “Teachers for Africa” organised by Jennifer Hollingsworth.

24th April: BB Display

26th April: Clonsilla Easter Vestry

17th May: Andrew’s Farewell Sunday: details closer to the event

29th May: Andrew’s institution as Rector of the Tullow Group.

Other News

Rector Takes Up New Position in Tullow

Following nine years service to this group of parishes, Rev Andrew Orr has decided to take up a position in Tullow, Co. Carlow. We wish him well in this new phase of his life.

To mark the occasion the joint Select Vestries have issued invitations to all parishioners to a presentation and farewell for him, Rev Susan Green, Rachel, Patrick and Ciara.

Rev Orr will take his final Service in St Brigid’s Church in Castleknock on Sunday 17th May 2009 at 11.00 am. A presentation will be made in the church after the service. This will be followed immediately by a reception in Castleknock Parish Centre, Main Street, Castleknock.

Contributions may be made to the Rectors’ Churchwardens. Cheques to be made payable to the “Presentation Fund.” Receipts will be issued. If you have not received an invitation, please contact Rachel Devlin, Tel: 086 2394387

Ms. Rachel Devlin Ms. Liz Fleeton
Hon. Secretary Hon Secretary
Castleknock & Mulhuddart Clonsilla Select Vestry
Select Vestry

Castleknock Annual General Easter Vestry

Results of the Annual General Easter Vestry were:

Rectors church warden (Castleknock): Sam McKeever
People’s church warden (Castleknock): John Patton
Rector’s Glebewarden (Castleknock): Gordon Kellett
People’s Glebewarden (Castleknock): David Smith
Rector’s church warden (Mulhuddart): Sadie Smullen
People’s church warden (Mulhuddart): Michael Hensey

Select Vestry:
James Anderson, Anne Cadoo, Malcolm Cadoo, Rachel Devlin, David Garrett, Valerie Greene, Gladys Hutchinson, Valerie Jameson, Alex Kitching, Hal McGuckin, Sydney Nagle, Bernard Neary.

Holy Week - The Great Week

The Events of Holy week and Easter are of course central to the Christian faith. Without the passion and death of Jesus, we would not have God’s forgiveness and redemption. Without his resurrection, we would have no hope for the future, in this life and beyond.

So we should not take this time of year for granted. The Church offers us a chance to reflect once again on this great story, by walking with Jesus from his triumphal entry on Sunday, his Last Supper, arrest and trial to his death on Good Friday. We then pause and wait on Saturday, before gathering again to celebrate his rising on Easter Sunday morning.

In our worship that week we try to use word, song, story and symbol to bring this story afresh to us.

Palm Sunday
The Eucharist on Palm Sunday has two parts: first, joy as the children process with branches, re- enacting Jesus’ arrival into Jerusalem. Second, the mood turns darker as the entire passion story is read in dramatic form, bringing home the reality of Jesus’ show trial and execution.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Each night we hear our guest preacher Rev. David Godfrey, former Rector of Bray and Dean of Kilmore speak on the theme “Is forgiveness enough?”

Maundy Thursday
As we gather to remember Jesus’ last supper with his friends, we experience one of the most dramatic nights of the Christian Year. During the service, Andrew follows Jesus’ example, and washes the feet of parish members young and old. After the drama of Communion, which brings home the true meaning of that last meal, our thoughts turn to the growing darkness outside the Upper Room, as Jesus walks out to the garden to face his arrest, trial and execution. This reflected in the closing ceremony, as the lights are extinguished, all decoration is quietly removed and the altar stripped. All is dark, empty and silent for Good Friday. “Christ was obedient unto death. Go in his peace”

Good Friday
The children gather to hear the Holy Week message again through story and activities at 10.30am. We can gather in Clonsilla for the last half an hour of Jesus’ time on the cross at 2.30pm, or in the evening, as a new service of dramatic readings and the extinguishing of candles gives a new meaning to the day.

Easter Eve
This is the day of waiting: caught between sadness and joy, we are allowing God to speak to us in a pause in our busy lives.

Easter Vigil
The grief is over, the time for exultation is here! In Mulhuddart, at 6.30pm we have the ever popular children’s Easter Egg Hunt, concluding with the Easter Vigil service at 7.30pm. The church begins in darkness and we hear the story of God’s rescue of his people. Then, we light the first candle from the Easter bonfire and spread the light of Christ through the church, celebrating the triumph of hope.

Easter Day
We celebrate the greatest day in the Church’s Year, with a big festival family Eucharist. Happy Easter!

Full details of service times elsewhere in the magazine.

Daffodil Day Coffee Morning

Thank you to everyone who supported our Coffee morning on Friday 20th March . We raised a total of €1,055.00.

Shirley McGuckin and Janet Seaman

Flower Festival

St James' Church, Castledermot, Co. Kildare
Flower Festival 'All Things Bright and Beautiful'
which takes place on
Saturday 6th June 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sunday 7th 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
it is in aid of Cancer home care, Church upkeep and Tidy Towns
There will be refreshments available, side stalls, and a huge raffle.
Admission €10.

Pub Quiz

Thursday 23rd April 2009
in Myos Pub at 8.00pm
In aid of the Réalt Student Teachers for Africa Programme 2009

As part of this programme I will be spending 8 weeks in Africa living within a local community and teaching in local schools and colleges

€40.00 a table – 4 people max per table.
CASH PRIZES

To book a table contact Jennifer Hollingsworth on 086-2213984.

Thank you for supporting me.

Water should be a basic Human Right, say Campaigners

Members of the church-backed Ecumenical Water Network are urging that water be affirmed as a "basic human right" by government delegations meeting in Istanbul at the World Water Forum.

"The right to water and sanitation is firmly grounded in international human rights law," said a statement signed by EWN members Church World Service, the Church of Sweden and Norwegian Church Aid, along with other 'civil society' organizations.

The EWN groups churches and Christian organizations are campaigning for people's access to water around the world. They maintain that water is more than merely a "human need", as stated in the forum's draft ministerial declaration.

The latest United Nations World Water Development Report warns that the surging growth in global population, climate change, widespread mismanagement and increasing demand for energy have put pressure on the world's water supplies.

"After decades of inaction, the problems we face are enormous. If left unattended, they may become insurmountable," said Koïchiro Matsuura, Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in presenting the report to the Istanbul forum.

At the forum, which took place between 16 - 22 March 2009, the United States, Canada, China, and several other nations, refused to recognise the human right to water, the Christian Science Monitor reported.

On 19 March, the web-based newspaper reported experts as saying that some countries' opposition to such a step is based on a misconception that enshrining a universal right would force them to share their water resources with other nations.

The World Water Forum takes place every three years and is the largest international event dedicated to water issues. It is organized by the World Water Council, which is composed of a variety of stakeholders, including corporations and business associations.

"In the past, the forum has tended to emphasise water privatisation and large-scale water infrastructure and while the interests of business players are well represented in international discussions about water issues, it is important that civil society organizations and churches raise awareness of the needs of affected communities," EWN coordinator Maike Gorsboth told Ecumenical News International on 20 March. The Istanbul forum coincides with UN World Water Day on 22 March.

Gorsboth said, "As World Water Day falls on a Sunday this year, we certainly hope that people will celebrate water through prayer, worship or other activities and raise awareness of our shared responsibility to care for this precious gift and make it accessible to everybody."

More information: Ecumenical Water Network: http://water.oikoumene.org

Time To Consider Integrated Schooling in Northern Ireland, says Archbishop Harper

The C of I Archbishop of Armagh, Alan Harper, said that integrated schools and colleges could be helpful in combating sectarianism.

He made his comments on BBC Radio Ulster’s Sunday Sequence programme in conversation with Cardinal Seán Brady, the Catholic primate, Presbyterian Moderator Donald Patton, and Methodist President Alan Ferguson.

In response, Cardinal Brady said that single-identity Catholic schools were encouraged to form links with nearby schools from other traditions, but defended the continuing importance of faith-based, single-identity schooling in Northern Ireland.

Archbishop Alan Harper said: “I do think that is an issue we have to address with some imagination…parents have the right to have their children educated in the faith tradition which is their faith tradition, but we also have to find a way of enabling children to be brought up with a deeper understanding, appreciation and perhaps admiration for other faith traditions, from which they may gain a great deal."

When asked by presenter William Crawley whether schools in Northern Ireland should follow the example found in England in some joint Catholic-Anglican schools, the Archbishop said: “I think that's something we should examine. That's a personal opinion, it's not the opinion of the Church of Ireland, but I do think it's something we should examine."

Religious Leaders Call for Investigations in Gaza

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, former Irish president and UN human rights commissioner Mary Robinson and Justice Richard Goldstone are among the signatories of a global call for an investigation into the Gaza conflict.

They say they are "shocked to core" by recent events in the territory. They claim that the current UN inquiry is no substitute for a full investigation. It is not only the UN personnel that deserve truth and justice, but Palestinians and Israelis themselves.

The 16-strong group of the world's most experienced investigators and judges want a full international investigation into alleged abuses of international law during the bombardment and occupation of the Gaza Strip.

The call, supported by Amnesty International, is made in an open letter (full text below) to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as well as all members of the UN Security Council. The letter comes at a time when a UN Board of Inquiry is expected to report to Ban Ki-moon on its initial findings regarding attacks on UN facilities and personnel in the region.

The letter stresses the need for an investigation into "all serious violations of international humanitarian law committed by all parties to the conflict". It argues that the UN investigation "should not be limited only to attacks on UN facilities". The signatories - who have led investigations of crimes committed in former Yugoslavia, Kosovo, Darfur, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, East Timor, Lebanon and Peru - say that they have been "shocked to the core" by events in Gaza.

They argue that they "have seen at first hand the importance of investigating the truth and delivering justice for the victims of conflict and believe it is a precondition to move forward and achieve peace in the Middle East." The letter's signatories - who include Antonio Cassese (First President and Judge of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and Head of the UN Inquiry on Darfur) and Richard Goldstone (Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and for Rwanda and Chair of the UN Inquiry on Kosovo) - urge world leaders "to send an unfaltering signal that the targeting of civilians during conflict is unacceptable by any party on any count."

The letter calls for the establishment of a United Nations commission of inquiry into the Gaza conflict that:
* Has a mandate to carry out a prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigation of all allegations of serious violations of international humanitarian law committed by all parties to the conflict.
* Acts in accordance with the strictest international standards governing such investigations.
* Can provide recommendations as to the appropriate prosecution of those responsible for gross violations of the law by the relevant authorities.

Professor William A. Schabas, a former member of the Sierra Leone Truth and Reconciliation Commission and a signatory to the letter, said: "The international community must apply the same standard to Gaza as it does to other conflicts and investigate all abuses of human rights and the laws of war. The current UN inquiry is no substitute for a full investigation. It is not only the UN personnel that deserve truth and justice, but Palestinians and Israelis themselves."

The signatories conclude that: "relief and reconstruction are desperately needed but, for the real wounds to heal, we must also establish the truth about crimes perpetuated against civilians on both sides."

Rector Writes | Readings & Services | From the Registers | Organisation Reports | Announcements | Other News

Parishes of Castleknock and Mulhuddart with Clonsilla
Parish Office
Main Street
Castleknock
Dublin 15
Tel: 01-820 0040
Fax: 01-820 0040
E-mail: castleknock@dublin.anglican.org