The Rector Writes

Dear Friends,

Two important events in the life of our parish are coming up: first Parish Confirmation, on June 11th. We would like to wish all our young people well and God’s blessing on this important day in their lives. They have been well prepared for the last year by our confirmation group leaders, using the new Youth Emmaus course. They understand the basics of Christianity, and the nature of the Church of Ireland’s beliefs. Sixteen confirmands is largest we have ever had, and it reflects not just our growing size, but also the enthusiasm and commitment of the young people. If that is going to be maintained, then we need to find ways in which they are built into the worshipping life of the church and given a real and active part in all aspects of parish life: hence our Junior Churchwardens scheme which we are building up in Castleknock. But we could do a great deal more, as our Awayday reflections showed.

Our confirmands this year are:
Tochukwu Anachebe, Soyama Anachebe, Sophia Delavari, James Dobson, Liam Holmes, Danielle Jameson, Vanessa Kelada, Richard Kerr, Aoife Kitching, Hannah McGuckin, James Nelson, Chloe Sheils, Slaine Sheils, Shauna Smullen and Rebecca Young.

The second important events is Elaine’s ordination to the priesthood which takes place on Sunday 25th June at 3.30pm in Christchurch cathedral. This is a very important obviously for Elaine, but also for the whole church, as we need new priests to continue our ministry together. A recent report showed that there is a worrying lack of young ordinands; the average age of someone being ordained is now 47. So we need to think of ways to encourage younger people to consider a vocation to the ordained ministry. This will of course only come about when we make sure that there is space for the full involvement of people of all ages in our worship. Food for thought……

Elaine will celebrate the Eucharist for the first time on Saturday 1st July at 6.30pm in St. Brigid’s and all are welcome. We will be holding a parish barbeque in the school grounds first at 5pm. More details nearer the time!

Yours in His service

Andrew

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