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Previous issues of The Parish News Contents of this issue
The Parish News will be published monthly and will usually be available by the first Sunday. 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. If possible please send them in a word document and not in the context of an email. Next Parish News will be out the first week in December and will be a two month issue for December and January 2003 The Rector WritesDear Friends, Give some time to God (and yourself) this Autumn. Recently, Bishop Alan Harper of Connor spoke of the dangers of too much activity! Churches, he said, were in danger of measuring themselves by how busy they were instead of how faithful to God they were. "Too often, we replace "be still and know that I am God" with "watch, and see how busy we are" ", he said. That's not just a danger for Churches, it's a problem for all of us who try to be faithful Christians: in our busy lives, prayer and spirituality all too often come far down the list of our priorities. Recently, I discovered The Sanctuary: a recently opened retreat and course centre in the heart of the North Inner City, founded by Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy. Surrounded by the high walls of a nearby school and blocks of apartments, it's a hidden oasis of calm and quiet, with a beautiful garden, chapel and rooms for reflection and meditation. It struck me that this is an image for what we all need in our lives: an inner place of calm, a time of peace and quiet, in which we can talk to God and he can talk to us. One of the priorities that we as a parish have identified is nurture, building up our faith, our knowledge of theology and giving ourselves space to listen to God. That's what we want to offer in our Advent course "Looking and Longing" by renowned Celtic spirituality writer, David Adam of Lindisfarne, This course is very much focussed on biblical characters, and seeing what we can learn from them through meditation, silence and prayer. As our time gets more and more pressured coming up to Christmas, why not step out of the madness just for an hour or two each week, and see what God is saying to you? Further details later. Yours in Christ Andrew Longing and LookingA Course to Re-kindle the Spirit of Advent Advent is always with us; Advent celebrates the eternal coming of our God to us and to the world. But Advent is not only God's coming to us, it is our coming to God. How we can really come to God this Advent? Because if we do not grasp the meaning of Advent, then we cannot really fully enter into the reality of Christmas. Advent calls us to be alert, to wake out of sleep. So this year we are planning a series of six Wednesday evening sessions, to help us open our blinded eyes and see, to open our ears to God's call, and to open our hearts to God's love. Written by David Adam (until recently the Vicar of Holy Island, and a well known retreat leader and composer of prayers using the Celtic tradition), this exciting course helps us take time out from the busy-ness of our daily life, become familiar with the scripture passages, share our own experience of God, and pray and praise together. Drawing on different characters from the Old and New Testaments each week, the six sessions are: 12 Nov: Hiding and Seeking (Adam and Eve, and Mary at the house of Simon the Pharisee) 19 Nov: Seeking and Finding (Abram leaving Ur, and Zacchaeus meeting Jesus) 26 Nov: Finding and Seeing (Jacob's dream, and the Blind Man and Jesus) 3 Dec: Worshipping and Obeying (Isaiah's vision in the Temple, and the Annunciation and the 'Yes' of Mary) 10 Dec: Obeying and Living (Elijah on Sinai, and the Shepherds and Angels) 17 Dec: Living and Sharing (the Valley of the Dry Bones, and the Visit of the Wise Men) Each session will begin at 8pm and end at 9.15 pm with coffee. No previous experience is necessary! All welcome. AnnouncementsHarvest Thanksgiving All Souls' Day Ecumenical Blessing of the Graves Inter-Faith Blessing Community information: Castleknock and District Garden Club: ADHD support group: Volunteers wanted: The Book of Common Prayer 2004 is comingThe Book of Common Prayer 2004 (BCP) is the largest revision of the Church of Ireland's liturgy since 1662. Instead of having two books - BCP and Alternative Prayer Book (APB), there will now be one book containing both traditional and contemporary language services. The traditional language services are almost unchanged while the contemporary language forms have been revised in the light of experience of their use over twenty years and newer insights from across the Anglican Communion. Our curate, Sandra, has been part of the Committee involved in its production. Here in our group of parishes we will continue to use service sheets. We believe they are an essential tool of welcome in a community like this, where on average one new family arrives every week, many of whom don't have a C of I background, and a large number don't have English as a first language. Also it allows us to exploit the permitted seasonal and other variations to the full, without destroying the atmosphere of a service by constantly announcing page numbers. Nevertheless, many people will want to have their own copy of this historic book. It will be beautifully produced with clear well-spaced text, and a wealth of prayers that can be used privately. It would make an excellent gift, especially as a Confirmation present. Order now and save!!!
Name ____________________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________________ Phone_________________________________________ No money needed now! Payment on delivery in March. AdventAdvent means 'coming'. Christians prepare to celebrate Jesus' birth as a baby in the weeks of December that lead up to Christmas. They also remember that he will return as king and judge. Story of the Advent Calendar: That little boy grew up to be a printer. He always remembered what his mother had done, and in 1903 he produced the first Advent Calendar. It had 24 little windows. Behind each window was a picture of something he had wished for as a child - mostly toys. Boys' Brigade News10th Dublin Company is thrilled to have a thriving Company Section. This year we welcomed eight boys who were promoted from Junior Section and one new recruit David Coulter. This brings the total for the section to 16. To date the boys have started their fitness, soccer and uni hock training. They have held one table quiz with good results. Soccer training started on the 4th October and plans are in hand for further Saturday activities. Company Section Leaders Lawrence O'Reilly and Robert Lawson would welcome enquiries from any boy aged over 11 years who might be interested in joining. Martha Waller, Secretary Mother's UnionSam and Olive Jackson came to our Branch meeting in October. Sam gave us a brief history of the Simon Community and told us about the joys and sorrows of the regular Monday night soup/sandwich runs which he and Olive so faithfully undertake. We had collected clothing that we hope will offer some little warmth and comfort to those who have to sleep on the streets and we presented the hats and scarves, which we are knitting. The "Knit-Ins" continue and these evenings offer a time of fellowship among the members. The North Area meeting is being held in Castleknock on Monday 3rd November. Valerie Greene, Hon. Secretary. Girls' BrigadeWe are back again and this year seems busier than ever. Our numbers have grown and we welcome the new girls who have joined. We are preparing for the Choral Speaking, Feis and Choir competitions - all to take place before Christmas. Our Cake Sale will be held on Saturday 8th November in the Parish Centre. Ros Garrett A Little thoughtPRAYER Bishops AppealThanks to all who supported the Bishops Appeal €1,485.95 was raised between the two parishes. New AppointmentDirector of Youth Initiative Gregory Fromholz, was born in Michigan, USA, and has been living and working in Ireland for the past twelve years. He lives in Newcastle, Co. Wicklow, with his wife Alex and their two children. He is very experienced in the Area of Youth Work across a wide setting in Ireland. He brings to this job a range of skills that will ensure that the youth of the diocese is targeted specifically for inclusion in the community of the Church of Ireland. His work in Ireland has already involved him in working in School Retreats and Contemporary Music & Worship Events. He has also been involved in Events such as Xposure and Summer Madness. His vision of the potential for involving Youth in the life of the Church is impressive. Gregory started work on 10th September 2003. He is currently meeting with the Clergy and youth leaders of the Diocese. He can be contacted at 01-4739100, e-mail: youth@dublin.anglican.org. The website is www.3rock.org. Rachel Devlin CLONSILLA PROJECTWe have just learnt that the cost of the Building extension to St. Mary's has increased a bit more than we first anticipated. As we are very anxious to start building [we have approx eighteen children in our Sunday Club-this is held in the converted container outside the church] and facilitate our Sunday Club etc. If you have not pledge any money as yet please do so as we really do need your support. The Fund Raising committee of the project are trying to find new ideas for making money-Do you have any? We would love someone to come forward and run a Bridge Extravaganza for us. Maybe some of you could run a few coffee mornings-every little bit helps. After the success our Golf Classic we will be running another one on Thursday 6th May 2004. The Two Fairs
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CLONSILLA PROJECT Gift Fair Irish Arts and Crafts selling great gifts for Christmas Sunday November 16th 12.30 am - 5.00 pm Parish Centre admission €3 If you know anyone who would like to rent a stall ( 80) We are looking for things to sell at our own Stall If you are able to bake bread and cakes, or make jams and Your help would be appreciated. For more information please contact: |
Church of Ireland CHRISTMAS FAIR Saturday, 6th December 2003 Castleknock Parish Centre Santa arrives at 11.30 a.m. Cakes * Household * Toys * Books """MONSTER RAFFLE """ |
Jonathan Fildes who is the Elf Cli0 Renaultsport Uk Cup Champion has been short listed by Autosport Magazine as a likely contender for the British Club Driver of the Year Award 2003. The award, which was previously won by Eddie Irvine in 1987 and David Coulthard in 1989, is decided by the general public in the Autosport Awards Poll. If you feel Jonathan is a worthy winner of this award, support him by sending in your vote to Autosport! Either on the Autosport web site or voting forms are in the magazine.
Parents Association: Many thanks to the outgoing Parents Association: John Anders, Malcolm Brady, David Bourke, William Panama, Barbara Anderson and Patricia Kenny for all their help and support to the school. We received 1000 from them last year which was spent on visiting shows; Graffiti Classics [a musical show] and Destination Education [science show]; and a Science Kit for the school. Also a big thank you to all who took part in the walk for the computer chairs which are now in place. We welcome the new members of our P.A. William Panama, Michael Tyner, Barbara Anderson, Geraldine Bateman, Alison Connor and Regina Liepe.
Board of Management: Special thanks to the outgoing Board of Management Rev. Andrew Orr, Mr. Lawrence O'Reilly, Mr. Brian Hayes, Ms. Patricia Parker, Mr. Hal McGuckin, Mrs. Valerie Greene, Mrs. Lorna Beattie and Mrs. Olive Wilkinson for their commitment to the school over the last three years especially to the treasurer Mr. Brian Hayes whose work and time for the school is invaluable. A warm welcome to the new Board: Rev. Andrew Orr, Mrs. Olive Wilkinson, Ms Patricia Parker, Ms Patricia Kenny, Mr. Lawrence O'Reilly, Mr. Brian Hayes, Mr. Paul Allen and Mrs. Joy Smith.
Sunday 2nd
All Saints; also
3 pm Ecumenical Blessing of the Graves,
St Brigid's and St Mary's
Monday 3rd
8pm MU North Area meeting, also
8pm All Souls Service St Mary's
Saturday 8th
GB Cake Sale
Sunday 9th Trinity 21
7 pm Healing Eucharist St Brigid's
Wednesday 12th
Study Group
Sunday 16th Trinity 22
11.30 am GB enrolment service St Brigid's; also
Gift Fair; and
8pm Night Prayer St Thomas
Wednesday 19th
Study Group
Sunday 23rd Christ the King
11.30 am BB enrolment service St Brigid's
Wednesday 26th
Study Group
Sunday 30th Advent Sunday
Wednesday 3rd December
Study Group
Wednesday 10th December
Study Group
Wednesday 17th December
Study Group
Make sure that these dates are in your diary.
We take our freedom of conscience for granted yet in many parts of the world there is no such freedom. As Christians, we should be concerned that Muslims who freely choose to convert to Christianity or another faith should not have to endure a lifetime of fear as a result.
Christian Concern for Freedom of Conscience (CCFC) is organising a petition to go to the UN Commission on Human Rights, and churches are being asked to circulate this to give us an opportunity to exercise our own freedom of conscience by signing. Copies of the petition are at the back of the church, both at St Mary's and at St Brigid's, and will remain there for the next 4 weeks when they will be sent off to CCFC for forwarding to UNCHR.
Many thanks to Janet Craven for bringing this to our attention.
The Curate
If it is true that "in Christ, all the faithful, both living and departed, are bound together in a communion of prayer", then we should have no fear of remembering the dead in our prayers, as they are part of the Church.
November is often thought to be a solemn month, given its focus on remembrance. There are four separate opportunities for remembrance in this parish, yet the first is actually a great celebration of thanksgiving, that of All Saints.
Many in the Church of Ireland are wary of any suggestion of praying for the dead, yet prayer is not simply asking God for things. When we remember our loved ones in prayer, what we are actually doing is remembering them before God, individually and by name (as each is unique in God's eyes) and holding them before God in love and in thanksgiving to God for having given them to us.
So let us take all these opportunities together to hold our loved ones in prayer before God:
Sun 2nd Nov: ALL SAINTS 10 am St Mary's; 11.30 am St Brigid's
Sun 2nd Nov: ECUMENICAL BLESSING OF GRAVES 3 pm (both churches)
Mon 3rd Nov: ALL SOULS 8pm St Mary's
Sun 9th Nov: REMEMBRANCE DAY 10 am St Mary's; 11.30 am St Brigid's
One of our longest-standing parishioners, Mr Sidney McConnell, is moving. Sidney has been involved in the life of our parish for many years, serving on the Select Vestry, as a school trustee and in many other roles. One of his lasting contributions was the construction of the reredos and Credence table in the side chapel in St. Brigid's. Following the death of his wife Hannah earlier this year, Sidney has decided to move near his daughter, Sylvia, in Stepaside. However, he assures us that he will still be coming to St. Brigid's regularly and so we look forward to Sidney being part of parish life for many more years.
Advent Sunday this year falls on Sunday 30th November, so it is timely to look at what Advent is. The four weeks of Advent should be an "earnest looking forward", a watching and a waiting for the coming of the King in his kingdom now. Yet as our shops will already be full of Christmas decorations and playing Christmas carols, it is all too easy for Advent to get overlooked.
In church several things can help us focus on Advent, in order to give us time to prepare spiritually for the great feast of Christmas four weeks later.
The Advent Wreath: in St Mary's and St Brigid's there will be an Advent wreath in the chancel, (and some of us may have one at home as well). Each Sunday one of the four outer candles is lit in turn, and traditionally each has its own significance:
Advent 1 - the Patriarchs (among them Abraham, our father in faith, and David, Jesus' ancestor in whose city Jesus was born).
Advent 2 - the Prophets (reflecting the way the birth of the Messiah was foretold in the Hebrew scriptures)
Advent 3 - John the Baptist (who proclaimed the coming of the Messiah, and pointed people to him)
Advent 4 - The Blessed Virgin Mary (whose simple 'yes' to God made the incarnation of God's Son possible).
The fifth and central candle of the Advent wreath is lit on Christmas Day to epresent the birth of Christ.
No flowers in Church: as in Lent, during Advent there are traditionally no flowers to decorate the church. The austerity marks this as a time of penitence and preparation, and provides such a stark contrast with the glorious Christmas flowers that it highlights the glory of the Christmas celebrations to come.
Advent Hymns: there are many beautiful hymns for Advent which of course don't get sung at other times of the year, so do look carefully at the words of the hymns on the service sheet each week in Advent.
Advent Study Course: a different way of helping us keep Advent, celebrating the eternal coming of our God into our world. Six sessions in the Parish Centre on a Wednesday evening (12, 19 and 26 November, and 3, 10 and 17 December) entitled "Looking and Longing - rekindling the spirit of Advent". All welcome - no previous qualifications necessary.
Especially for the children, and for older people too!!
POSADA: This was very popular last year so this Advent we are again following a Mexican custom called Posada, which is a Spanish word meaning 'inn'. In Mexico, people dress up as Mary and Joseph and go from house to house in the locality, telling people about Jesus and asking for a room. Adapting this here, we will be inviting different households around each parish to invite the crib figures of Mary and Joseph into their homes for one night during Advent, and then take them to the next house the following day. This is a great way to bring home to us the real meaning of Christmas, as we prepare our homes and our hearts to receive our Lord at Christmas. Look out for the Posada list in church in the middle of November, for you to sign up when you would like to have the crib figures in your home. It is a great way to prepare our homes as well as our hearts for the real meaning of Christmas, and enables us to pray with each other in our homes. The children loved this last year, and parishioners who took part enjoyed meeting and getting to know each other, and some families valued being able to pray together as a family in the house. It is a great way for the whole family to prepare for Christmas.
A Prayer for Advent
Lord of all time, bless this season,
Come among us in all we do.
Help us prepare for Your coming,
Not merely to scuttle to and fro
In a frenzy of shopping and cooking,
Parties and glitter,
Worthless waste
Of precious time given by you. Amen.
Holy Baptism:
On 21st September 2003 at St Brigid's Church: Harvey Bourke (son of David and Jean Bourke of Laverna Dale); and Sophie Jane Langford (daughter of Andrew and Liz Langford of Burnell Park Green).
On 19th October 2003 at St Brigid's Church: Seán Patrick Conroy (son of Stuart and Annette Conroy of Warrenstown); and Charles Chidi Abako (son of Emeka Ikechukwu and Isoken Edith Abako of Verdemont).
May they shine as a light in the world to the glory of God the Father.
Holy Matrimony:
On 25th October 2003 at St Mary's Church - Trevor Alan Jones and Melanie Clare Simpson (of Anna Liffey Mill House).
Congratulations also to Jenny Turner (daughter of Frank and Betty Turner, Park Avenue) and Dave Flynn who were married in New York on 10th October 2003 (and who will be making their home in Enniskerry).
Grant O Lord that their homes may be a place of love, security and peace.
Christian Funeral and Burial:
On 7th October 2003 at St Brigid's Church, Castleknock - Robert Charles Newcombe "Bob" Johnson (of Georgian Village).
In Memoriam:
Bob Johnson (17th January 1940 - 4th October 2003). St Brigid's church was full on 7th October for Bob's funeral, conducted by the Rector, and assisted by Canon Cecil Bryan and the Curate. Paying tribute to years of commitment to the church, the Rector referred to Bob's service as Churchwarden on 2 occasions and on the Select Vestry, as well as work on church finance and fabric: the churchwardens' wands in St Brigid's (donated by Bob) were later carried as Bob was taken to his final resting place in the churchyard. Born in Surrey in 1940, Bob came to Ireland at 18 whilst in the RAF and posted to Ballykelly where he met (and in 1963 married) Katie from nearby Limavady - their Ruby Wedding was only 2 weeks before Bob's sudden death. After a spell working in England, Bob came to Dublin with Burrowes Computer Company: the Johnsons made their home here with their two daughters, Fiona and Ciara, and in 1976 Bob took the brave decision to set up his own company Industrial Control, which eventually went from strength to strength. Work was important to Bob, an energetic man; but after retirement in May 2002, he enjoyed having more time for family, friends, and especially for his grandchildren Jack and Kate. In addition to his church commitments, Bob devoted much energy to the Masonic Order, seeing in it a noble ideal of commitment, friendship and charitable works, which he valued so highly. A warm-hearted and generous man, Bob will be missed by many in the parish and the wider community. We keep in our prayers Katie, Fiona and Ciara, son-in-law Geoff, grandchildren, his sister Jenny and the wider family circle.
May he rest in peace.
Sunday 2 November (All Saints)
Wisdom 3: 1-9 or Isaiah 25: 6-9
Psalm 24
Revelation 21: 1-6a
John 11: 32-44
Sunday 9 November (3rd Sunday before Advent, Proper 27)
Ruth 3: 1-5; 4: 13-17
Psalm 127
Hebrews 9: 24-28
Mark 12: 38-44
Sunday 16 November (2nd Sunday before Advent, Proper 28)
1 Samuel 1: 4-20
Psalm 16
Hebrews 10: 11-14, (15-18), 19-25
Mark 13: 1-8
Sunday 23 November (Christ the King, Proper 29)
2 Samuel 23: 1-7
Psalm 132: 1-12, (-18)
Revelation 1: 4b-8
John 18: 33-37
Sunday 30 November (Advent Sunday; Year C begins)
Jeremiah 33: 14-16
Psalm 25: 1-10
1 Thessalonians 3: 9-13
Luke 21: 25-36
Every Wednesday: Holy Communion at 10.30 a.m. in Parish Centre
Sunday 2nd November - All Saints
8.30 a.m. Eucharist [BCP] St. Brigid's Castleknock
10.00 a.m. Eucharist St. Mary's Clonsilla
11.30 a.m. Eucharist St. Brigid's Castleknock
3.00 p.m. Blessing of Graves St. Mary's Clonsilla
3.00 p.m. Blessing of Graves St. Brigid's Castleknock
Monday 3rd November - All Souls
8.00 p.m. Eucharist St. Mary's Clonsilla
Sunday 9th November - 3rd Before Advent - REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
8.30 a.m. Eucharist St. Brigid's Castleknock
10.00 a.m. Mattins St. Mary's Clonsilla
11.30 a.m. Mattins St. Brigid's Castleknock
7.00 p.m. Healing Service St. Brigid's Castleknock
Sunday 16th November - 2nd Before Advent
8.30 a.m. Eucharist St. Brigid's Castleknock
10.00 a.m. Eucharist St. Mary's Clonsilla
11.30 a.m. GB Enrolment St. Brigid's Castleknock
8.00 p.m. Night Prayer St. Thomas' Mulhuddart
Sunday 23rd November - Christ the King Proper 29
8.30 a.m. Eucharist St. Brigid's Castleknock
10.00 a.m. Service of the Word St. Mary's Clonsilla
11.30 a.m. BB Enrolment St. Brigid's Castleknock
Sunday 30th November - Advent Sunday
8.30 a.m. Eucharist St. Brigid's Castleknock
10.00 a.m. Eucharist St. Mary's Clonsilla
11.30 a.m. Family Service St. Brigid's Castleknock
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