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The Church of Ireland Diocese of Dublin |
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CHRISTMAS SERVICES 2001
Previous issues of The Parish News Contents of this issue
School NewsThe official opening of the School, following its renovation and extension, will now take place on Sunday 9th December following the School Carol Service at St Brigid’s at 3 pm. The official opening will be performed by the US Ambassador, His Excellency Richard Egan, whose Residence is in our parish, and the Archbishop of Dublin will bless and dedicate the building. All who have connexions with the school are welcome (no tickets needed). Castleknock Community CollegeThe Curate took part in the Inter Faith Celebration for the new first years, the class of 2001, and their parents, which was held in the school on Tuesday 23rd October. Based on the theme of community, the hall was decorated with brightly coloured posters by the children, and the service included music, song, a sacred dance, prayer and readings. Hospital NewsOn 1st November, the James Connolly Memorial Hospital held an Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service for the Presentation of Badges and Certificates to its graduating students, in the presence of the Chairman of the Northern Area Health Board, Cllr Anne Devitt. The service was led by Fr Martin Geraghty, and the Curate joined the Methodist Chaplain and Bishop Jim Moriarty in blessing the hands of each of the 21 newly graduated nurses. St Brigid’sThe new stained glass window depicting St Brigid is now in place in the south aisle of the church in Castleknock and looks very well. (Curiously, up until now there had been no representation of our patron saint in the church, although St Luke, St George and St Hubert are depicted in the Harry Clarke window at the other end of the south aisle.) Everyone who has seen the new window is impressed. Many thanks to Abbey Stained Glass for their skill which enhances our church. (The dedication of the new window will be in the new year – date yet to be arranged.) Ecumenical Blessing of the GravesOn Sunday 4th November at 3.30 pm St Mary’s and St Brigid’s held the annual ecumenical services for all those who have lost loved ones in the last year. St Brigid’s was particularly well attended, with standing room only. The services concluded outside with prayers of blessing at the graves in both Clonsilla and Castleknock Churchyards by our clergy and the parish priests of our neighbouring churches. A collection in aid of St Francis Hospice, Raheny, raised just over £900. All Souls’ Day on 2nd November was marked with a Sung Eucharist at St Mary’s; a good crowd turned out on a cold evening to remember their departed loved ones and greatly appreciated the quiet reflective service. Christian AidThe Coffee Morning run by the Rector and the Curate in aid of Christian Aid on 19th October raised £185. Many thanks to all who supported the occasion. CongratulationsCongratulations to our former Curate, the Rev’d Lynda Peilow, who was instituted as Rector of the Clonsast Union of Parishes (Edenderry) on 12th October. A good crowd was there to support Lynda and Clive, and Canon Adrian Empey preached an entertaining sermon, warning the new parishioners that if Molly didn’t get them, Clive would! Thank you to all our parishioners who made the journey down there for the occasion. NewsOur parish ordinand, Aisling Shine, who is now beginning her second year of study, has been appointed Student Reader in the Parish of Clontarf. Aisling will no doubt be a great asset there, and we wish to assure her of our prayers and good wishes as she begins this new phase of her training. New LeadersNEW LEADERS for Pathfinders plus wanted Our 16+ youth club needs some new leadership. Training will be given and the group will be resourced as required. We will be setting up a Support team to give back up to the leaders. Even if you’ve no experience, please do give it serious thought and prayer. Contact Andrew on 8200040 as soon as possible. Healing ServicesThe main Sunday services on 21st October at St Mary’s and St Brigid’s were Healing Services which were greatly appreciated by all those who came, particularly for the laying on of hands. The monthly Sunday evening Healing Eucharist has also resumed on the second Sunday of each month at 7 pm at St Brigid’s. Parish NewsThe Parish News will be published monthly and will usually be available by the first Sunday. Have you any interesting stories to tell? We would welcome any articles or interesting stories which you think will make our Parish News more interesting to read. Please hand any material for consideration for inclusion in the magazine to Martha (Castleknock) or Iain (Clonsilla). Copy Deadline Organisation reports should be sent either in written format to Martha Waller, C/O The Parish Office, or by email to MarthaWaller@Hotmail.com. These should be submitted by the 10th of the preceding month, no matter what day of the week. The Rector WritesDear Friends The appalling atrocity in the United States and the subsequent war in Afghanistan has brought home to us the dangerous nature of fundamentalism. While the world’s attention has been focussed on a particularly twisted version of Islam, which runs contrary to the most basic teachings of The Quran, it easy to forget that fundamentalism also appears in most other world religions including Christianity. In the Christian religion and especially within Protestantism, its characteristics include the strong emphasis on the inerrancy of the Bible, a strong hostility to modern theology and critical study of the Bible, and an assurance that those who do not share their religious viewpoint are not really “true Christians” at all. Such fundamentalism has a lot of attractions to people: it seems clear and unambiguous in what it believes, and offers strong teaching and clear guidance to its followers who are often very committed. But in its unwillingness to be in dialogue with others, it represents a dangerous tendency within Christianity. The Church of Ireland has a reputation, particularly in the South, for being Liberal, tolerant, open minded and ecumenical. But in reality, fundamentalism has always exerted an influence on Anglicanism in this island, an influence which has waxed or waned over the years. But today fundamentalism within our denomination is certainly growing. Perhaps we can shield ourselves from the reality in our own parish, but we should ignore the fact that fundamentalists, often with little or no commitment to the spirit of Anglicanism, are clamouring for more influence in The Theological College and throughout the Church. It should worry us and disturb us, because if say nothing, we may find the nature of the Church of Ireland seriously changed in years to come. The things that many of you say to me that you value – ecumenism, willingness to listen, tolerance of difference – these things may be no longer the hallmarks of our denomination. It is up to all of us who value these things to make our voice heard. As we approach Christmas, I’m not going to jump on the bandwagon of clergy who lament the commercialisation of the festival! On the whole, we should be glad that, however much it has been distorted, the Christian message that God came to live among us is still celebrated by almost the whole nation. But I want to emphasise two things to you: first, as members of the Christian Community here in this area, don’t push God out to the sidelines this Christmas: come to Church, use mealtimes as opportunity to pray together, thank God for what you have. Second, please do remember the people for whom this Christmas will be difficult: those who have lost loved ones in the last year, particularly spouses and children: those whose family life is in crisis, where this season may be marked by tension, anger, even violence, and all those for whom Christmas puts a terrible strain on stretched finances. In that respect, I’d ask you to please support the “caring and sharing at Christmas” appeal. You’ll find an envelope in your Church pew, and all the money collected goes directly into the Rector’s Discretionary Fund. Every single penny is given to help those in our own parish who find it hard to make ends meet at this time of year. In the last year we gave away just under £2000. Thank you for your support. Yours in His service Andrew Communion at home for Christmas—if you are unable to get to Church at Christmastime and you are not on our regularly Monthly Communion List—please contact one of the Clergy if you would like communion brought to you Readings for Sunday Mornings in December/January
Advent Study CourseOur Study Course on Prayer continues this month. In November we looked at Prayers of Intercession and for the healing of the sick, with the Rev’d David Catterall, Warden of the Church’s Ministry for Healing, and at Celtic Spirituality. We continue on 5th December, when Canon Billy Marshall will lead a session on Contemplative Prayer and Meditation and on 12th December, when the Rev’d Tom Gordon will conclude our course with a session on Prayers of Penitence, Confession and Reconciliation. Each session takes place in the Parish Centre and runs from 8 pm to 9.30 pm, concluding with a short act of prayer, followed by tea and coffee. All welcome. ADVENTADVENT TELLS US CHRIST IS NEAR ADVENT CUSTOMS An Advent calendar is made up of one big picture or a series of pictures. Each day one piece of the picture is uncovered until on Christmas Day the whole picture telling the story of the birth of Jesus is one view. Some churches have a large Advent Candle with markings on its side so that it can be burnt down to a certain level each day until Christmas. Parish Walking GroupThis will resume in the New Year on the second Saturday of each month. Boys' Brigade10th Dublin’s Enrolment Service took place on Sunday 11th November, 2001 in St. Brigid’s Church, Castleknock. The large attendance of boys and officers, supported by family and friends, enjoyed a wonderful Service, which was made very special for us by our Chaplain Rev’d Andrew Orr who was assisted by our Curate Sandra Pragnell. During the Service some Junior Section boys brilliantly performed a sketch entitled “People who are different to us” on the theme of belonging. All in all, it was a wonderful occasion for all of the boys and their leaders as we took our promises and were enrolled by our Chaplain Rev’d Andrew Orr. On Tuesday 27th November, 2001 Junior Section paid a visit to Blanchardstown Library to “Surf” the Internet. Saturday 1st December saw BB once again manning the Book Stall at the annual Parish Fair. We welcomed books of all kinds to stock our stall and once again we enjoyed huge success. Tuesday 11th December was the last “Fun” night of BB before Christmas. BB reopens on Tuesday 8th January, 2002 at normal meeting times. Martha Waller, Secretary. 10th Dublin Company The Boys’ Brigade Annual Supper Dance (in aid of 10th Dublin) will take place on Friday 25th January, 2002 At Castleknock Parish Centre. 5th Avenue and Clarke’s Catering will no doubt keep up their normal standards of excellence and so make this a night out not to be missed! Tickets available from The Parish Office Phone 8200040 Castleknock and Clonsilla Mothers’ UnionThe December meeting (on Mon 3rd Dec at 8 pm) will be a Craft Evening with a demonstration by Aideen Hayden, and Christmas Supper. There will also be a collection of clothes for the homeless. Shirley McGuckin (Hon. Secretary) Pathfinders' Youth Club UpdateAnother busy month for Pathfinder members! Our viewing of the 'Halloween' video (a safety video about Halloween) went well with a lively discussion taking place after the showing. The following week members made up 16 fabulous shoeboxes, filled with toys and gifts for the Operation Christmas Child appeal. The brightly decorated shoeboxes will be delivered to deprived children throughout Eastern Europe by the Samaritan's Purse organization. Following the mid-term break Pathfinders put their talents to practical use by starting to make items to sell at this year's Parish Fair. We will be selling hand-painted plant pots (a big hit at last year's Fair) along with some really novel decorations to add a special touch to any Christmas dining table. A rota of members will man the stand at the Fair on 1st December. On 18th of November members will take part in a bowling challenge at the Palmerstown Superdome. Intel Ireland are sponsoring the initiative and Intel Involved volunteers will take part along with some folks from Liffey Valley Services, which caters for people with learning difficulties. We are all really looking forward to these exciting events! If you want to hear more about Pathfinders Youth Club (for young people aged 11 to 14), call Evelyn Pender on 8200040 Clonsilla ProjectA wonderful total of over £3,000 was raise on 6th November at the Clonsilla Gift Fair. Thanks to all who ran stalls, contributed gifts, and supported the day itself. And special thanks to Melissa Cherry for all her hard work before and on the day to organise it. It really was a great parish occasion. (A reminder that the Eurobins at the back of each church need your old (Irish) coins and loose change, in aid of the Clonsilla Project.) CHRISTMAS ALONE (A poem by Kay Reynolds)As I sit here alone in my tower block flat, GIFT AID – NEW TAX RELIEFIMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE PARISH TREASURERS The Finance Act of 2001 introduced a scheme of tax relief for charitable donations from which the Parish can benefit significantly. It will be possible to reclaim income tax on donations to the Parish, from individuals who have donated £200 (£148 for this short tax year) or more in any tax year, provided the appropriate official forms are completed. There also has to be a satisfactory audit trail; by this we mean, we must be able to trace donations from source, through the parish books to the parish bank account. This new relief can increase the value of the parish’s income by up to 72% in respect of donors who pay tax at the 42% rate and by 25% for those paying at the 20% rate. For example, a qualifying donation of £148 made by a taxpayer at the 42% rate in this 2001 tax year (9 months ending 31 Dec 2001), could be worth an extra £107 to the Parish. All of you who donate via envelope or standing order and reach the qualifying donation of £148 by 31 December 2001, will be able to authorise the Parish to claim back tax relief. The process is slightly different for PAYE and self-assessed donors so firstly, we need to establish who is who. We will be writing to all envelope and standing order donors regarding this matter and to encourage them to take part in the scheme. Please be assured that whatever information you provide will be held in the strictest confidence. Can we ask those of you who put cash in the plate but are reaching the minimum standard qualifying donation of £200 per annum, to please reconsider using the envelope scheme or standing order. We cannot claim tax relief on money in the plate, as it is not traceable to the individual donor. If anyone has any questions or concerns, please feel comfortable with chatting to us after church or calling us at home. Please note that permitting the Parish to claim tax relief on your donations will cost you nothing. Donna Greenway " Edwin Watters THE EURO IS COMING
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Diary for December |
Sunday 2nd |
Advent Sunday |
Mon. 3rd |
8 p.m. Mothers’ Union Craft Evening |
Tues. 4th |
8 p.m. Castleknock Vestry |
Wed 5th |
8 p.m. Study Group on Prayer |
Sunday 9th |
Advent 2 |
Mon 10th |
8 p.m. Stewardship Report Meeting. |
Wed 12th |
Study Group on Prayer |
Thurs 13th |
8 p.m. Clonsilla Vestry Meeting |
Sunday 16th |
Advent 3 |
Sunday 23rd |
Advent 4 |
Mon 24th |
Christmas Eve |
Tues 25th |
Christmas Day |
Wed 26th |
St. Stephen Day—Parish Hockey Match 12 noon. |
Thurs 27th |
St. John |
Fri 28th |
Holy Innocents |
Sunday 30th |
Christmas 1. |
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Diary for January |
Sunday 6th |
The Feast of Epiphany |
Sunday 13th |
MISSION Sunday Preacher Karin Jonsson USPG |
Christian Unity |
Prayer Week there will be a pulpit swap between our clergy and the neighbouring parish priests during the weekend Sat 20th/ Sun 20th January (details to be arranged). |
Fri 25th |
A Supper Dance in aid of the 10th Dublin Company Boys’ Brigade will be held on in the Parish Centre. |
Sunday 27th |
Epiphany 4 |
SUNDAY 3rd |
Presentation of Christ in the Temple |
SUNDAY 10th |
Sunday before Lent |
Wednesday 13th |
ASH WEDNESDAY Services 10.30 a.m. Parish Centre 8.00 p.m. St. Mary’s |
Thursday 14th |
Start of our Lent Course POWER TO CHANGE an introduction to the basics of the Christian Faith |
SUNDAY 17th |
First Sunday in Lent |
SUNDAY 24th |
Second Sunday in Lent— Brownies and Guides Thinking Day |
We also expect that the confirmation service will take place during February—we are waiting word from the Archbishop
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