Tidings summer 2018 issue

D I O C E S E O F T U A M , K I L L A L A A N D A C H O N RY

SUMMER ISSUE 2018

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The Bishop writes . . .

Mrs Karen Duignan (Rathbarron), Mr Clive Moore (Ballina), Mrs Caroline Morrow (Killanley), Mrs Maebh O’Herlihy (Dugort) and Mrs Carole Reynolds (Roundstone). Training will begin in September and we wish each of these candidates every blessing as they begin their course of study.

SUMMER ISSUE 2018

The magazine of the Church of Ireland Diocese of Tuam, Killala and Achonry www.tuam.anglican.org

COPY DEADLINE

All submissions for the Harvest Issue of Tidings, including advertisements, must be in by September 14th 2018

VIEWS EXPRESSED

Views expressed in Tidings are those of the contributors and are not necessarily the views of the Editor or the magazine committee.

DIOCESAN MAGAZINE

All advertising enquiries should be directed to: Provost Stan Evans revdstanevans@gmail.com

EDITOR

Provost Stan Evans revdstanevans@gmail.com

DEPUTY EDITOR

Revd Dr Andrew Ison rev.andrew.ison@gmail.com

DESIGN & PRINTING

Design: Amanda Moore Design Printing: KPS Colourprint Ltd Knock, Co. Mayo

As we head into the Summer, I have three pieces of news to share with readers…..

First, as many will know, we have spent a considerable amount of time and energy over recent years looking at the possibilities for the future of our Diocese. During the past two years, a Joint Working Group, with representatives from our own Diocese and others from Limerick and Killaloe, has put some shape on all of this and has now produced a resolution which has received the unanimous endorsement of the Diocesan Council.

Essentially, this involves the uniting of the united Dioceses of Tuam, Killala and Achonry with the united Dioceses of Limerick and Killaloe. Such a united Dioceses with a critical mass of people and with twenty-five parochial cures, although vast in terms of area, offers new and exciting possibilities for the people of the West. The resolution, printed elsewhere in Tidings, will now go to both Diocesan Synods and, if passed, to General Synod next May.

This September the Church of Ireland in embarking on a new form of ministry.

It is Ordained Local Ministry and candidates will be selected by dioceses for training and subsequent service in a non-stipendary role that is confined to the diocese. I am delighted that six people have recently presented themselves for selection in this Diocese and all have been successful.

They are Dr Paddy Delaney (Galway),

Finally, I share news of the appointments of three women to important posts….

Mrs Myrtle Nairn has been elected as the new Diocesan Mothers’ Union President for the next three years.

Myrtle is a parishioner in Ballisodare Parish and has been involved in MU for many years. She brings her own gifts and warm personality to this position which she will take on in January.

The Reverend Jen McWhirter is Priest in-charge of the Killala Union of Parishes and she is to replace Archdeacon Hastings as our representative Canon in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin. Canon McWhirter will be a worthy successor and will undertake preaching and other duties in St Patrick’s twice a year. She will be installed as the Prebendary of Kilmactalway.

Canon Lynda Peilow, Rector of the Edenderry Group of Parishes in Co Kildare for the past 17 years has been appointed Rector of Galway and Kilcummin. In welcoming her to this important position, we know that she comes highly recommended for her wise leadership and superb pastoral care. We look forward to welcoming Lynda, her husband Clive and their three young children to our diocesan family.

I trust all our readers; those within the Diocese, all who visit on holiday at this time and those of you who receive this publication elsewhere; will enjoy the summer and the delights of the warmer and longer days. +Patrick

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dates for your diary

JULY Sun 1st Tue 3rd

Service in Claremorris, 12noon The Rogue Valley Chorale from Oregon, Holy Trinity Westport 8pm The Virginia Choral Society, Holy Trinity Westport, 8pm

Wed 11th Sat 14th & Sun 15th Flower Art Festival at St George’s Tubbercurry Sun 15th Kilglass BBQ from 1.00pm Sun 22nd Licensing of Dr Eamon Smith as a Diocesan Reader, Castlebar 10am AUGUST Sun 5th Sun 5th Sat 11th Sun 12th Sun 12th

Service in Claremorris, 12 noon Re-opening of Holy Trinity, Errislannan, 7pm Blessing of the Animals at St. Mary’s, Roundstone 11am Dedication of Church doors, Ballisodare Bi-centenary Service in Skreen, 4pm

SEPTEMBER Sun 2nd Service in Claremorris, 12noon Sun 9th Westport’s Chamber Music Festival ends with a concert in Holy Trinity, Westport Thurs 13th Alternative Pathways meeting, Bishop’s House, 3pm Fri 14th Institution of new Rector for Galway & Kilcummin, Galway, 8pm Mon 17th RB Week, Dublin Sat 22nd Diocesan Synod, Tuam, 10am Thurs 27th Clergy Book Club, Ballina, 11am Sun 30th 250th Anniversary Service in Ballina OCTOBER Sun 7th Sun 7th Mon 8th – Wed 10th Thurs 18th Thurs 18th

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Bi-centenary Service in Killanley Service in Claremorris, 12noon

Clergy Conference, Adare Diocesan Glebes Committee Meeting, Bishop’s house, 10.30am Diocesan Finance Committee Meeting, Bishop’s House, 12noon

Appointments

Appointments Mrs Myrtle Nairn to be Tuam, Killala and Achonry Diocesan Mothers’ Union President – from 1st January 2019 Rev Jennifer McWhirter to be representative Canon for Tuam, Killala and Achonry on the Chapter of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Canon Lynda Peilow Rector of the Edenderry(Clonsast) Group of Parishes (Diocese of Kildare) to be Rector of Galway and Kilcummin – Institution Friday 14th September at 8pm in St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Galway.

Rev Dr Andrew Ison to be Assistant Editor of Tidings.

Mitch Commane To be Honorary Treasurer of Tidings.

FAREWELL TO GARY AND CAITRIONA It was with a heavy heart but extending every blessing for their future ministry in the Diocese of Dublin that the clergy of TKA gathered to bid Gary and Caitriona Hastings Bon Voyage ahead of their move to the Parish of Killiney.

A presentation was made to Gary by Revd. Jen McWhirter and to Caitriona by Canon Doris Clements.

A lunch was held in Westport in honour of the occasion at which Dean Alistair Grimason and Bishop Patrick Rooke spoke of Gary and Caitriona’s immeasurable contribution to the parishes in which they had lived and served, the diocese and their fellow clergy through the years they had lived and ministered in TKA

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The Sacred Path

The Sacred Path Centre for Spirituality ‘For in each one of us there exists something far greater than ourselves’

The pathway, or journey to the sacred within, has existed throughout time. The search for meaning, understanding, connection and communication with God has seen Christians follow the example of Jesus who, throughout his ministry, withdrew for periods of time to pray, to ask, and to draw strength from the Father.

As each individual undertakes their sacred journey through life in the footsteps of Christ, there will be stepping stones along the way. These stepping stones can include retreats, pilgrimages, meditation groups, community worship, healing, and many other experiences. Sometimes these stepping stones can be very obvious because they are a new experience, and sometimes they can pass unnoticed in familiarity.

Scripture gives many examples of an encounter with Christ providing a stepping stone to change in an individual life.

From the earliest times, human beings have felt the call to the splendours of creation, to the Sacred Presence in all things. In early monasticism and Celtic spirituality it was held that it is in knowing creation that we can come to know God. Celtic Spirituality linked-in to creation, in a sacredness that permeated everyday life, drew on the observance of the hand of the Creator in all things. Examples of this are seen in the beautiful, yet simple, blessings of the seasons, the crops, the family events, the sacred feasts. All the blessings and prayers have Christ and the Trinity at the core of their belief. In the perceived connection between humankind and the world of nature, communities of families offered welcoming hospitality, openness of heart and hearth alike. Communities worked together to help make the environment safer, more productive, always recognising, and

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acknowledging with gratitude, the hand of the Creator.

Likewise, the monastic tradition has always offered a welcome, a spiritual environment in which to pray and to meditate, and guidance if and when desired.

The Sacred Path offers place and time to reconnect with nature in all its’ magnificence, and through this re-connection, come to a deeper awareness of the divine presence within each individual which is, in turn, a true gift to all creation. In the busy-ness of the world today with all the pressures of career, security, endless communication etc, it can be a challenge to find the time to ‘be still and know’. Yet it is in that very ‘knowing’ that we find peace, love and openness of heart.

It is in the knowledge of the importance and wisdom of the saying that “we must travel to the mountain in order to return to the village”, that the Sacred Path, Centre for Spirituality, offers the quiet space, the hospitality of welcome, the meditative atmosphere, the friendship in the practice of the Anam Cara – the Friend of the Soul, and the opportunities to both reawaken, and refresh, the spiritual within each one of us. These quiet encounters with Christ through prayer, reflection, workshops, pilgrimages, meditation – both indoors and out in the beauty of nature, and in retreats, are stepping stones of opportunity. The retreats may be silent, individual or group, facilitated, or simply accompanied through gentle spiritual direction.

A programme of retreats, workshops, pilgrimages will follow.

The Sacred Path – Centre for Spirituality is an initiative of the Church of Ireland, Diocese of Tuam, Killala & Achonry.

Enquiries to the Centre for Spirituality Co-Ordinator, Maebh O’Herlihy on: maebhoh@gmail.com

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Farewell

the impact of BREXIT The impact of BREXIT on business’ such as the Wills Bros Group which consists of companies registered in Ireland and the UK. Movement of people The various EU Treaties which provide for the free movement of EU nationals between the Member States will cease to apply to the UK two years from the date the Article 50 notice is given by the UK Government, or an alternative agreed date. After that time the Wills Group could be looking at, firstly, restrictions on temporary transfer of non-EU staff to the UK (and Northern Ireland) to deliver services and, secondly, restrictions on the employment of current and new non-UK staff in the UK. Employment contracts Legislation emanating from the EU has strongly influenced UK employee protection legislation over the past 20 years or so. But this may change somewhat if the UK Government decides to do away with laws which are viewed as unnecessary red tape. Brexit may result in complications in employment contracts for people working in the UK for the Wills Group.

projects and lended €665.8 million to SMEs. Losing access to these revenue streams could impact big infrastructure projects, such as High-Speed 2 (HS2), Highways England and Transport Scotland projects.

Although the previous investment could be replaced by some of the money saved from EU membership, ongoing cuts to government spending suggest it’s unlikely to be invested in infrastructure.

Cost and access to materials It’s no secret that the UK construction industry relies heavily on imports, with 62% of building components and materials sourced from the EU. In addition, costs are rising, with 2017 seeing net import costs from the EU rising to their highest levels since 2011. As a result, the Federation of Master Builders reported the second-fastest rise in input costs in February 2017 since April 2008, with some firms reporting a 20% price rise on some materials. A 10% rise in EU import costs will result in an approximate €640 million cost to construction.

Construction workforce According to statistics from The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), EU nationals account for Funding for infrastructure approximately 8% of the UK’s construction workers.

One of the biggest question marks around Brexit is Now that the UK’s membership to the single market access to project funding from the EU. As members, has been ruled out, the flow of migrant workers looks the UK had access to the European Investment Bank uncertain. Given that the UK is currently experiencing and the European Investment Fund, which in 2015 a massive construction skills shortage, a restriction on alone invested €7.8 billion in major infrastructure access EU talent is likely to have a detrimental impact.

Priorities Fund

Four projects in our Diocese recently received • Also under Innovative Ministry in a rural context, funding from the Church of Ireland Priorities Fund.

St Thomas’ Parish, Moyard was allocated €5,000 The successful applications are as follows…. towards the funding of toilet facilities, to further their welcoming ministry and mission.

• Ballina Churches Together (BCT) was awarded a • The Alternative Pathways Group in the Diocese is grant of €18,000 in the Outreach Initiatives currently producing a ‘Good News’ promotional Category.This is funding to cover the running costs DVD as phase one of the Diocesan Fresh of this social outreach project across the Ballina Expressions outreach strategy. A grant of €3,000 community. was made towards the cost of this.

• In the Innovative Ministry in a rural context section, St Mary’s Parish, Cong was awarded As a Diocese, we would like to put on record our €20,000 as funding for the construction of a appreciation to the members of the Priorities parish meeting room, for children’s ministry and Committee for these much needed funds. Each award other outreach activities. has been of significant encouragement to all those involved.

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Dear MU Members This rare spell of beautiful weather has taken us all rather by surprise! We were fortunate that it had begun for our tea party held in Bishop’s House at the end of May and at which a goodly number of MU members from throughout the Diocese were able to meet up, renew old acquaintances and generally enjoy an afternoon in the sunshine.Thank you to those who came along and supported in whatever way - it was a memorable afternoon.And what made it more so was that during the course of the afternoon, the results of the election were announced and Mrs Myrtle Nairn

will be our new Diocesan President from 1st January 2019! I am delighted at this news. Myrtle will be a great ambassador for our organisation and will bring her many gifts to this position. I feel very confident that MU in this diocese will go from strength to strength under her leadership.

Meantime - enjoy this sunshine, enjoy the summer and enjoy the prospect of another season of activities awaiting us in the Autumn!

With love to you all Alison

Tuam Killala & Achonry Report “IN MARY SUMNERS FOOTSTEPS” Mothers’ Union as a worldwide organization continues to support families in Ireland and across the world in a variety of ways. Here in Ireland some of the funds raised goes towards the AFIA (Away From It All) Project which can give a much needed break to families who otherwise could not avail of a holiday.

“Mums in May” fundraising assists with AFIA holidays.

Members are encouraged to participate in fundraising events organised by the local Branch.

adjacent School House.

The Mums-in-May Tea Party and Bring & Buy sale was held in Bishop’s House on Saturday 26th May. It was a lovely sunny afternoon allowing many of us to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine. Congratulations to Mrs Myrtle Nairn who will take over from Alison, as Diocesan President next January.

Advance Notice • Women’s Weekend 12th/13th October 2018 (See Mothers Union, via the Galway Branch, continues to poster & booking form for details) assist women who are moving from Osterely Lodge, • Diocesan Council 10th November Bishop’s House, the Cope Women’s Refuge Centre, into their own Castlebar home.

• Prayer Vigil 29th November, Ballisodare – In association with 16 Days of Activism against The MU Diocesan Service took place in St George’s Gender Based Violence.

Church, Tubbercurry on Sunday 29th April. Our Diocesan President, Mrs Alison Rooke gave a thought Signed: Diocesan Fundraising & Communications provoking and inspirational address. Following the Co-ordinator. service Members enjoyed refreshments in the

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Mothers Union

“Stepping out in Faith” will be a weekend with friends new and old sharing times of fellowship, reflection, and laughter.

Speakers: Archdeacon Andrew Forster and Mrs. Heather Forster

The Archdeacon is currently rector of Drumglass Parish in Dungannon and Moygashel. He previously served in St. Columba’s Parish, Drumcliffe, Co.Sligo where W.B.Yeats is buried and as Chaplain at Queen’s University Belfast.

Heather is a Mother’s Union member and has been a social worker for the last 20 years in family and child care. She is currently a Guardian ad litem which involves representation of children going through court proceedings.

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Working Group

Episcopal Ministry and Structures – Inter Diocesan Working Group Resolution to unite the United Dioceses of Tuam, Killala & Achonry with the United Dioceses of Limerick & Killaloe This resolution will be put to the Diocesan Synods of both Tuam, Killala and Achonry and Limerick and Killaloe.

This Diocesan Synod: (1)

Affirms its desire that the United Dioceses of Tuam, Killala & Achonry and the United Dioceses of Limerick & Killaloe be united in accordance with the following heads of agreement:

Heads of Agreement a)

b)

c)

d)

e)

That the new united dioceses shall be known as the United Dioceses of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe.

That the present United Dioceses of Tuam, Killala and Achonry shall be transferred from the Province of Armagh to the Province of Dublin on the understanding that the two Archbishops will give their consent.

That the new united dioceses shall be headed by a single diocesan bishop based at the See House in Limerick but also with a small residence and meeting room in the northern, ‘Tuam, Killala and Achonry’ part of the new united dioceses.

That the union shall take place upon the occurrence of an episcopal vacancy in either of the two present dioceses, under the remaining bishop.

That there shall be one Diocesan Synod for the new united dioceses held at a central location, at the Bishop’s discretion but relatively close to Limerick. Initially, the synod will consist of the combined membership of the synods of the two uniting dioceses. There will be one set of Standing

f)

g) h)

i)

j)

(2)

Orders and one group of diocesan episcopal electors (of whom two thirds will be from Limerick and Killaloe and one third from Tuam, Killala and Achonry), to be elected at the first meeting of the new United Diocesan Synod.

That the present two diocesan councils and their present committee structures shall be retained until such time that the new united dioceses may decide otherwise.

That the two current financial management schemes shall be retained until such time that the new united dioceses may decide otherwise.

That the representation of the new united dioceses at General Synod shall be unchanged from the representation of the two uniting dioceses at the time they are united as provided for in the Constitution of the Church of Ireland (currently clergy 7+14=21 and lay 14+28=42). It is acknowledged that representation on Central Church Committees will be reduced.

That the Ballisodare Group of Parishes(Achonry Diocese), or any part of it, shall be given the opportunity to explore the possibility of separation from the new united dioceses.

That the Bill at General Synod required to unite the two united dioceses shall not come into effect until it has been ratified by both existing diocesan synods.

Requests the Inter Diocesan Working Group to bring forward a Bill to the next session of General Synod to unite the United Dioceses of Tuam, Killala & Achonry with the United Dioceses of Limerick & Killaloe in accordance with the above heads of agreement.

tka representative appointed

Bishop Patrick Rooke has appointed Revd. Jennifer McWhirter to be TKA’s Representative Canon on the Chapter of The National Cathedral and Collegiate Church of Saint Patrick, Dublin. Canon McWhirter will assume the Prebend of Kilmactalway, effective immediately. Date and time of Installation to be arranged.

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Tidings

Tidings - how does it work and how is it paid for?

The magazine edition you are reading is brought about by an amazing, and sometimes fraught, journey over a three or four week period. Look inside the cover of any Tidings magazine and you will find a copy deadline, a date by which all contributing authors should have all their relevant work, photographs etc. into the editor so that he can put together the content of the magazine, get it proof read and off to the graphic designer before it eventually is sent off to the printers, collected and distributed so that you have the copy in your hand right now.

the advertisers contribute €4500 which means that on average we are about €2500 short each year. As a result of these figures we are asking each household to consider contributing a minimum of €10 over the year to alleviate this short fall. €10 over the course of a year for four magazines, which we know people love to receive, is not an exhorbitant amount and within this magazine you will find an envelope for your contribution.

Please do give and enable us to continue to deliver this delightful and informative magazine of our diocesan life!

Now, naturally there is a cost associated with the production of 4 copies of Tidings each year. The cost of Tidings over a 12 month period is around the Andrew Ison €10,000. The Diocese gives a grant of around €3000,

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Ballina Churches Together

The Big Blue Bus is now out in the community. Estate, on this occasion we will be running a “puppet Thankfully all the tax issues were sorted and the making” afternoon with the children. hurdles with the insurance overcome. We have been out in the bus approx 7 times – parked in Ballina in Penny’s car park on Sunday evenings. We have had a few local men dropping in for cups of tea and chats plus a few youths who have expressed an interest and have asked many questions about the project. The more times we get out into the community the more interest people will show. I have gained a few more volunteers as a result.

Heritage Day is on the 11th of July. I plan to use the Bus during this day, doing face painting and a poetry competition.

I am planning to use the Bus for a few days each week and this depends on my getting more volunteers. I plan to use the Bus in two of the estates in Ballina.We will start this on Saturdays going to the estates as well as Sunday evenings in the town centre. I will continue to plan activities within the local community and in the community centres. On 23rd June I have asked a local artist to present an evening of ‘decoupage’. I have invited adults from three housing estates in the area to attend. On 23rd June I am using the Bus in Mill View 12

A big event is planned for us from August from 22nd to 25th. where Ballina Churches Together will have a stand at the RDS for the for the “World Meeting of the Families” when the Pope will visit Ireland. There is a lot to do in preparation for this as signs and cardboard cut outs of the bus need to be made. We will have various committee members and volunteers manning the stand during this time. We welcome any volunteers who would like to be involved in this. If you are interested in helping, please let me know.

I am planning workshops in Ballina for September. One of these will be a One Day Seminar /Workshop on ‘Human Trafficking in Ireland and Europe’, this will be held on the 8th of September the venue has yet to be confirmed. We are also organising a “Drugs

Ballina Churches Together

Workshop” for parents in September with some visiting speakers.

In the last number of weeks, I have been assisting some folks by referring them on to various agencies to help them with their problems. My recent time has been taken up in form filling and contacting support workers in the HSE plus social workers.This has been very valuable because the agencies now recognise Ballina Churches Together as a community project. I have been building good networking connections.

I am very happy and delighted to announce and welcome a new work colleague. This will be Marian Edwards who will be employed by Church Army and Ballina Churches Together. from the 16th of June. Now a word of introduction: Marian Edwards, born in Cork, where she spent most of her life, before moving to Sligo in 1997. Since 2006 Marian has been involved in various ministries at Sligo Methodist Church. She then began working in 2016

as Diocesan Youth and Children's Coordinator, for the Church of Ireland in the Diocese of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh. She is passionate about all aspects of ministry and outreach. Marian is at present, engaged in a training programme with Church Army. She enjoys walking, the great outdoors, art and creativity. She has two grown up children, Sinead and Dylan.

TKA Youth

Eggsplosion On Easter Saturday a large group of children met in Collooney Parish Hall for their Easter event. It went extremely well, with the children enjoying crafts and music, games and dancing and a talk by Stevie about Easter. Well done to all who worked so hard to make this event happen and go so well.

Dunmoran Strand More than 80 people came to Dunmoran Strand on Easter Sunday morning as we celebrated the resurrection in our usual fashion. It was a bitterly cold but bright and sunny morning and the sunrise was spectacular as we listened to scripture and the Bishop’s sermon before sharing bread and wine. Then it was back to Skreen schoolhouse for breakfast. My thanks to everyone who took part - reading, playing music, singing - and to all who not only provided the breakfast, but those who worked so hard to set up the schoolhouse, serving the breakfasts and washing up afterwards. It was thoroughly enjoyable morning.

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Confirmation day We had 11 young people and about 8 adults meet at the base of Croagh Patrick on Saturday 22nd April for the confirmation day. The weather was kind to us, and we walked to all different levels. Some were unable to climb at all, some made it to the statue, others the fence (which is the official start of the ascent!) and others to the ridge. After the climb we enjoyed a talk

by Steve Grasham, the southern rep from CIYD and refreshments. Thanks to all who took part, came and supported the day and to those who provided us with sandwiches and buns.

Diocesan fun day We had 20 people of all ages who came on the trip to Inishbofin Island on 5th May. The weather was lovely, if windy, and the crossing was a little rough. We enjoyed a walk, some good food and craic. Steve had brought a kite and some balls and bats and we played games in front of the Doonbeg Hotel, where we had

TKA Youth

already enjoyed a lovely lunch. Alas the kite cord broke and it took up residence on a power line, however we made sure someone knew about it! I think all who attended enjoyed themselves.

Suggestions for next year’s trip on the back of a postcard please!

Diocesan cycle This year we’re back on our bikes for the diocesan sponsored cycle in aid of the Maji kwa Maasai water project. We cycled along the Moy greenway from Ballina to Killala through Belleek Woods and on along the Moy estuary. We all returned after 20km in the saddle to a well earned rest.

CONFIRMATION CANDIDATES RETREAT The annual TKA Confirmation Candidates Retreat took place on 21st April. It was held in the shaddow of Croagh Patrick at the little village of Murrisk just outside Westport.

The hardy amongst us climbed the Holy Mountain to the first saddle and then gathered in the upper room of the visitor centre for lunch and a time of prayer and reflection.

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book review - Elie Wiesel – Night In our clergy book club it recently came round to my choice. It is difficult to pick a book that will appeal to everyone but I chose this book as I had read it before and found it very moving. It is the true story of Elie Wiesel’s journey as a Romanian Jew through the Holocaust and time at Auschwitz and Buchenwald as a teenager. It is a harrowing account of them being rounded up, herded into trains and sent on this terrifying journey. Elie gives a very intimate description of the horrors he and his family endured including the death of his parents and eight year old sister.

Telling the story as a survivor no doubt brought some therapy to Elie but it does provide an insight into the darkest side of human nature. It is also a testimony to his wife who translated the book from the original in French with such skill losing nothing of the emotion along the way.

gripping and should be one of those books studied in English literature not least for reminding the next generation of the depravity in humankind.

Elie Wiesel won the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1986.

Andrew Ison

It is not a long book at some 120 pages but totally

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ACHONRY GROUP St Crumnathy’s Cathedral, Achonry St George’s, Tubbercurry Rathbarron Pastoral Care: Canon Doris Clements M: 086 2497806

Retirement of Canon Derick Swaan It was with great regret and sadness to our group of parishes that Canon Swann announced his retirement at the end of April. Since his appointment as priest in – charge, he has given this parish 100% of his time, care and commitment and always had a cheerful way and friendly manner. He slotted into the parish with ease and was always available to help, encourage and support both the young and old. He almost never missed a Sunday worship service and spent time visiting the homes, hospitals and nursing homes visiting all his parishioners. He had a love of travelling and spent his midweek breaks exploring cities around the world. As Irene also had a love of flowers and loved her garden, their latest break was to Amsterdam to explore the pavilions of tulips etc.

We wish Canon Derick and Irene best wishes on his retirement and hope that he finally gets a welldeserved rest.

Fundraising Parishioners have been busy with the usual fundraising.

St. George’s had a successful cake sale in May so thanks to all who helped in any way. Rathbarron hosted their annual lunch in June and once again the crowds came, enjoyed great food, fun and fellowship.

A lot of work is involved in preparation and on the day but all is very worthwhile.We look forward to the BBQ at St. George’s in August. (Date to be arranged) Mothers’ Union The MU hosted the Annual Diocesan MU Service in St. George’s this year. The Diocesan President, Alison Rooke, gave a very inspiring address.We thank her for her input, support and friendship, as President, for the last 6 years. We welcome Myrtle Nairn who was recently elected as our new Diocesan President.

In January, Canon Doris Clements gave us an excellent talk, along with numerous photographs, on her trip to Kenya. It was good to see and learn so much about the projects which we helped to fund in the Diocese of Kajiado.

In February, Jonathan Brindle gave an encouraging talk on gardening and we learnt much. Unfortunately, the Womens’ World Day of Prayer Service, due to be in held in St. George’s Church, had to be cancelled on the day, due to adverse weather conditions.

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Parish News Digest

Girls’ Friendly Society Our GFS have just finished a busy and successful year.

We had a few 1st placed prize winners at diocesan level and an all - Ireland winner in the craft competition in the 5-7 age category (our youngest category).We had our end of year outing on 26th May. This year we went to Donegal Adventure Centre where the girls took part in team building games testing their ability to work together. T his was an outdoor event and thankfully the weather was kind to us, we even had to shelter from the sun at times (see photo). We finished up the day having our tea in Supermac's on our way home!

Mrs. Betty Price has finished her term as our Diocesan President and we welcome Mrs. Karen Duignan as our new President and look forward to working with her.

We welcome and thank Rev Peter Norman, Karen Duignan and Canon Doris Clements who are now looking after Achonry Group.

The Sligo Cancer Support Centre The Centre was founded by Sligo native Maureen Durcan 23 years ago. After her cancer diagnosis she found no support systems in place, realising the need, she first organized a support group which was a great success. This only highlighted the need. Premises at 44 Wine St Sligo were acquired and the Support Centre was up and running. With no public funding, Maureen’s vision for a safe haven for cancer patients and their families seemed like a dream, but with her determination and the support of the community it is still offering the services she dreamed about.

In October 2015 a Centre was opened at 53 Ard Aishling Tubbercurry and this was a very welcome service to the south Sligo area. Now it has clients coming from Roscommon, Leitrim, and Mayo. The services offered are Counselling & Psychotherapy, Bereavement Counselling, Bio energy healing, Reflexology, Mindfulness. Courses on Nutrition, Wellness, Self Care, Yoga, Art Therapy, Also a Support group meets on the 1st Wednesday of every month. All these services are offered free of charge, so raising funds to maintain the services is ongoing. This is why we are very grateful for the opportunity to hold a Flower Art Festival at St George’s Tubbercurry on the weekend of the 14th and 15th of July. We are also planning an art exhibition of flower and garden themed art, a plant stall and refreshments on both days.

Sligo Cancer Support Centre is a place of peace and hope where people with cancer and their families can access support, counselling , holistic therapies and healing workshops in a caring and tranquil environment. Doris Clements - 086-2497806

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AUGHAVAL GROUP Holy Trinity, Westport Christ Church, Castlebar Turlough St Thomas’, Dugort Rector: Canon Val Rogers Tel: 098 25127

Thank God for Achill, summer, poetry & painting Edward King launched a Curragh Press book on June 4th in Keel by John F Deane, poet, and John Behan, sculptor and painter. It’s called,Achill, the Island. Within it, lines such as these: On these soft days you may discern whisperings from the bogland cuttings, unfelt breezes gossiping over the wide spread of the heathers; inevitably the skylark will be a speck of dust above you, a non-stop lyrical gabbling to the light of day.This, still in the twentyfirst century, may open the soul to the earth’s being, soul like a featherweight of trembling bog-cotton held written in the soil

Our weekly 11.30am Summer Services in St Thomas’s Dugort are now begun. Granted sunshine and warmth, there’s nowhere you could rather be.

A moment of grace Willem played hymn 450 a few weeks ago in St Thomas’s,‘Upon thy table, Lord, we place’. May I borrow Heaney’s phrase: its big soft buffetings came at me sideways, caught my heart off guard and blew it open.

Thanks, Willem.

The Folk and Bluegrass Festival Gospel Music Service It is not everyday that groups like The Long Hill Ramblers, the Buffalo Gals or Gold Heart get to play and pray in a Church of Ireland church on a Sunday morning. Such treats are arranged annually for Holy Trinity by the remarkable Uri Cohen as part of the Folk and Bluegrass Festival. Our visitors’ songs are faithfull and prayerful so that, apart from a short reading, a few words of commentary and the simplest spoken prayers, we only have to top and tail their input with welcome and a blessing.

Baptism for Eibhlin and Fionn Sam and Jamie Brazys’ little Eibhlin, and Cormac MacBrádaigh’s and Nikki Ui Bhrádaigh’s little Fionn, were baptised recently in Westport. Hooray, and welcome! Both were timed to let adoring American grandparents attend.

Parish News Digest

parishioner will marry soon: Suzanne Ferris will marry her Tony Dalton in July;Alannah Browne will marry her Patrick O’Reilly in September; and on the same September day, Jason Bennett will marry his Alana Doyle. Again hooray! God bless them all richly.

Confirmations on 27th May

From left, Callum Bourke, Eleanor O’Toole, Laura Bourke, Doug O’Toole, Conor McInerney, Ciara Fair, Ivan Fair, Rory McInerney]

All went very well indeed.All got through safely. Bishop Patrick was in great form. Maebh O’Herlihy’s classes delighted our three Turlough and five Westport confirmees and their families. Our lovely bunch were snapped with Bishop Patrick, Maebh and myself at a happy and distracted moment.

Weddings Two Holy Trinity parishioners and a Christ Church

Commissioning We are proud and happy that Bishop Patrick will commission our Eamon Smith as a Diocesan Reader on July 22nd at the 10am Service in Eamon’s parish church, Christ Church, Castlebar. With God’s help, Eamon will delight, stretch and strengthen the people wherever he speaks to them and leads their prayer. Archdeacon Stephen McWhirter from Ballina will preach at the commissioning.

What a generous turn!

A cheque for 720 euros - half the proceeds of a raffle during a recent performance by St Patrick’s Drama Group - was given recently by drama teacher Mary Carr for Holy Trinity’s restoration fund. The rest is for similar works at St Mary’s Westport.

Music in Holy Trinity In April the Belgrave Singers sang a remarkable Mozart Missa Brevis during Westport’s Holy Communion.

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Parish News Digest

July 3rd: The Rogue Valley Chorale from Oregon will perform at 8pm for local charities with the help of our local Lions Club.

July 11th: The Virginia Choral Society will perform for Holy Trinity’s Restoration Fund, again at 8pm.

Sept 9th:Westport’s Chamber Music Festival ends with a 2.30pm concert in Holy Trinity.

from the Rectory to the Lough Key Forest Park.

Saturday May 26th was a glorious day and accompanied by Ballisodare parishioner, Rosaleen Sherlock. Given that we could see that it was a warm day we set off from the Rectory at 7.50am and braved the N4 arriving at Lough Key Forest Park at 9.45am, half an hour ahead of schedule, having safely negotiated the somewhat hilly 40km. After a coffee and a pastry we set off for the return journey and despite a desire to get off the N4 at Castlebaldwin and come home through Ballymote, resurfacing work meant we also had to brave the N4 all the way home.

We arrived back at the Rectory at 12.30pm. A good trip on a nice day, a challenge outside our comfort zone and hopefully we raised some money in the process for our churches.

Witches’ Knickers That’s the Scandinavian term for tattered plastic caught on bushes and fencing wire. It’s so sad that now even God’s sea - and even Leviathan, that great creature he made to play there - are being destroyed by careless use and disposal of plastics. Full marks, then, to our Eco Congregation movement for throwing its weight into the general community’s recent Sick of Plastic Day. Too soon for Harvest dates?

- but here they are anyway: All in September – 8th in Turlough; 9th, Castlebar; 21st, Westport; 23rd, Dugort.

Speakers not sorted yet, of course. Watch this space!

BALLISODARE GROUP Holy Trinity, Ballisodare St Paul’s, Collooney Emlaghfad, Ballymote Rector: Revd Dr Andrew Ison Tel: 071 9133217 Mob: 089 2221483 rev.andrew.ison@gmail.com www.ballisodare.achonry.anglican.org

Mother’s Union - Ballisodare Branch Canon Doris Clements presented a very informative session on the Diocesan Trip to Kajiado. For people who have nothing in material terms the people of that diocese seem to be full of the joy of living is the message that came across to us. In particular their times of worship seemed to be spectacular events.

Thanks to Canon Doris for the amount of endeavour she puts into her work.

On a lovely summer evening we embarked on a ‘Mums in May’ fundraising walk from Holy Trinity Church to the housing estate on the right behind ‘SuperValu’, on to the new greenway and through Union Wood.

Friends in the parishes supported us. Folk had a choice Rector’s Sponsored Cycle Ride of path and length of journey. As it was on the route, Following on from last year’s successful sponsored we were invited into Mildred and Douglas Gilmore’s cycle ride around Lough Gill (ca. 51km) the Rector, new home and treated to a viewing. We thank them Revd Andrew Ison decided to continue the event this and wish them every blessing in their new environs. year with something more challenging and on the On returning to the church we had refreshments and suggestion of a parishioner opted for the longer cycle lots of chatter in the hall.

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Parish News Digest

On another glorious day some of us were able to attend Alison Rooke’s kind invitation to a ‘Tea Party’ at Bishop’s House. Members brought a wonderful variety of items to the ‘Bring & Buy’ stall, ably managed by Sheila Bourke.

Also of course there was a copious amount of tea and goodies to be shared while chatting in the sunshine or in the shade of the dining room.This branch says ‘Thank You’ to everybody including those who were assigned to bake scones and especially to our hosts Bishop Patrick, Alison and Susanna.

After the summer months we are looking forward to our activities starting again with a historical trail of Collooney led by Wendy Lyons on the evening of 20th September.

Baptism On Pentecost Sunday at St Paul’s Church in Collooney Emily Maisie Kane was welcomed into the fellowship of the church by baptism. Proud parents Elaine Lawson and Jason Kane were supported by many family and friends including Emily’s older brother, Nathan and step-brother, Samuel. The Revd Robert Lawson, an uncle of Elaine’s from Dublin was able to come and baptise Emily making it a real family Conor and Darragh Robinson from Collooney. The occasion with Robert’s mother, being well enough to boys all know each other as they were pupils at ST Paul’s School. attend on a beautiful sunny day.

Confirmation On April 29th it was the Ballisodare Group Confirmation service held for the first time under Bishop Patrick’s leadership in Holy Trinity Church, Ballisodare. Five young men were confirmed, Abhainn and Brook Savage from Ballisodare, Lewis Craig and

Funerals We have had two funerals since the last Tidings. The funeral of Alan Butterfield took place just after Easter on April 4th. Alan was an Englishman and a relatively recent resident of Ballisodare but lived to the grand age of 91 years. He was buried in St Nathy’s graveyard in Collooney and our gratitude goes to Canon Derick

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Parish News Digest

Swann who took the service. Our other funeral was that of Violet Parker. Violet died in February 2016 but donated her body to medical research. Her body was returned and we said out final farewells on Wednesday June 6th at Holy Trinity, Ballisodare where she was interred with her husband.

St Paul’s School As the sixth class prepare to spend their last month in St. Paul’s they produced a school magazine that was launched on Sports Day! A first for St. Paul’s! Sports Day was a huge success as friends and relations joined the pupils to enjoy this special day. The term culminated with school tours and a Farewell Service for our sixth class. Nine pupils leave in 2018 and we wish them well as they transition to their respective secondary schools,

GALWAY & KILCUMMIN Collegiate Church of St Nicholas Kilcummin Church, Oughterard Rector elect: Lynda Peilow Tel: 091 521914

Baptisms Ben Paul, son of Rachel Murphy, on May 5th Dylan Patrick and Nathan John Lang Daly, grandchildren of Elaine Martin were baptised by Provost Stan Evans on June 2nd Holy Matrimony Rachel Plummer and Kevin Condon were married by the Rev’d John Godfrey on April 21st.

Lucy Drake and Vincent Faherty were married by Dean Alistair Grimason on April 5th Good wishes to both couples as they start their married lives together.

Biodiversity Programme Pupils and staff have been busy creating new habitats to encourage new life in our school grounds. Each room was responsible for an aspect of biodiversity and the photographs illustrate each group’s work.

Funerals Sixth class were busy with the bird table.

Brent Parker of Achill and New Zealand, husband of Sheila and step-father of Conor died December 28th The pupils from 2nd, 3rd and 4th classes learned about .

His funeral service took place in St. Nicholas with the lifecycle of butterflies.They learned about the eggs becoming caterpillars and then forming a chrysalis.They cremation afterwards at Shannon Crematorium. studied about the butterfly forming inside the chrysalis John Dempsey, husband of Joan and father of Lorna, and emerging as a fully grown butterfly. They created Paul, Audrey and Stuart, died February 25th. His some artwork based on this: some of the children made funeral was held in St. Nicholas with burial afterwards caterpillars, some made a chrysalis and some made in Rahoon Cemetery. butterflies. They carried out a butterfly survey when Lorraine Brennan of Claregalway and London and a the sun was warm and bright. Unfortunately they saw former pupil of the Parochial School died in London, her very few but they will keep a look out during the funeral service was held in St. Nicholas March 22nd with burial afterwards at the New Cemetery Bohermore. summer to see if they can spot more!

Children got their hands dirty digging a patch inside John Mercer, husband of Phyllis and father of Melanie, the school gate to prepare the ground for a Rachel and Brian died June 2nd. John’s funeral service wildflower garden. They sowed lots of wildflower was conducted by Provost Stan Evans and cremation seeds and they will have to wait and see if they grow. took place at Shannon Crematorium.

We offer our sympathy and prayers to all the The school got a kind donation of 12 tyres which they bereaved. painted and planted flowers in them. Hopefully they will bring colour to the school and attract more Farewell butterflies and wildlife to our environment. It was We have said goodbye to Gary and Caitríona and thanked great fun painting them even if some of the painted them both for all their work here in Galway over the past 9 years. Galway and Kilcummin parishioners presented ended up on us too! them with a cheque at a Farewell Potluck Lunch held in St. Over the last few weeks the Junior Classroom have Nicholas after the service on Sunday March 24th and a collected a range of materials for a bug hotel. crowd of 330 attended Gary’s final service in St. Nicholas Everything from straw and bamboo to twigs and pine on Easter Sunday for an emotional farewell. Some Galway cones. The real excitement began when they used all parishioners and clergy from the Diocese attended Gary’s the materials as "furniture" for the rooms in the hotel. Institution as Rector of Killiney on Friday April 20th and The photographs to show the pupils busy at work we can report that they are settling into the Rectory there and enjoying getting to know their new parishioners. filling the hotel and spotting any new residents.

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Parish News Digest

again featured in the Galway Early Music Festival with the Gregory Walkers, performing this year in the ballroom of the Meyrick Hotel May 27th.

Bishop Patrick was the celebrant at our Sunday service June 17th when the Schola Cantorum end of term was marked with the Admission and Valediction of Choristers, together with the annual prize giving and that evening the parish choir sang Evensong, with music by Rheinberger, Wood and Ireland.

St. Nicholas’ Parochial School The pupils have nearly completed a very busy term which included a workshop with Brendan from Seashore Safari, trips to Brigit’s Garden and Bunratty Castle and Craggaunowne and an Active Week which included Hip Hop, Gaelic Football, Drama/Dance, Soccer and Yoga. As part of Branar’s Art Flag Programme, an artist came to the school on six New Rector We are delighted at the announcement that Canon different dates and helped the children plan and design Lynda Peilow will be our new Rector. As has been and a mural to be painted on the wall in our already said in Tidings Canon Lynda joins us from playground and the school was privileged to be Edenderry Union and will take up her new post in presented with the Branar Arts Flag!! Marc Mac September. We look forward to welcoming her and Lochlainn, Branar’s Artistic Director, presented the her husband Clive & their three children, Chloe, Peter school with the award - a visible beacon that indicates & Amelie to Galway. The date for Canon Lynda’s our commitment to the importance of participation in the arts, both within and outside the classroom.

Institution in Galway is September 14th at 8pm.

Our Glebe wardens are currently very busy organising We say goodbye to sixth class and wish them well as renovations at the Rectory in preparation for their they make the transition to their new Secondary arrival. The estimated cost of these works is €50,000. Schools next September. As always, we are sad to see them go but also look forward to welcoming all the so our fundraising continues. new pupils who will be starting in St. Nicholas’ Parochial School. If you would like to make an enquiry Welcome Desk about enrolling your child in school, please e-mail us The Welcome Desk contributes significantly to the on galwayschool@gmail.com or call 091-569233. You income of the parish during the summer months and it may also like to visit our website at also presents a friendly face for our parish to our many www.galwayschool.com visitors. Many thanks are due to all those who help to staff this. We had a very pleasant Information Evening Mothers’ Union on Monday May 14th for our desk volunteers when The Mothers’ Union cake sale in February raised over Catherine M. Temple and Rachel Latey shared their €330 for the overseas development fund and on information about the church with those present. We March 21st after the Lady Day celebration the annual then had light refreshments in a local hostelry. collection of toiletries for Osterley Lodge was made and bags packed for the women in the refuge. Thank Confirmation you to everyone who contributed.

Bishop Patrick confirmed six candidates on May 25th.

Thank you to Mrs.Wendy Walsh, our school principal, The Garden Fete who, in the absence of a Rector, prepared the children The Fete was held at the Rectory on June 9th when, as for confirmation this year. always, we were very well supported by the local community and most grateful to St. Patrick’s Brass Band News from the Schola Cantorum Three Coffee concerts were held in May when the who come every year and lend so much to the Choristers, Mark Keane and Stephen Carroll and Aisling atmosphere in the garden. The new Bishop of Galway, Kenny and Collegium entertained those who came to Bishop Brendan Kelly graced us with his presence this enjoy the music, the coffee and the delicious baking and year. It takes many man and woman hours to put the Fete to help raise funds for the Schola.Thank you to all who together but financially and socially it is a very important make these concerts possible. The Choristers once event in the church’s annual calendar. Thank you to 27

Parish News Digest

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Parish News Digest

those sixteen years and wish her well as she takes a well-earned break from needing to be present every Sunday morning, for playing at numerous carol services, concerts and weddings and for entertaining everybody with wonderful music including, of course, the rousing “Killaloe” by Ballyhooley Bob otherwise known as Robert Martin of Ross.

everyone who worked yet again this year to make it a success.The take on the day was €15,000 approx.

As we write the second phase of painting the railings around the church has commenced and we are looking forward to work recommencing in the tower.

These works are supported by grants from Galway City Council under the Built Heritage Investment and the Structures at Risk schemes leaving us to raise €33,000 to pay our share of the cost.

Kilcummin On Sunday 20th May we all celebrated with Phyl Furness as she approached her 103rd birthday on Wednesday 23rd. A chocolate cake specially made by the Greenway Restaurant was shared and enjoyed by all present.

Kay Dunne, a gifted musician who has faithfully played the organ for us for the past 16 years, has decided to call it a day. We thank her for her fantastic work over

Both congregations are grateful to Dean Alistair, Provost Stan, Rev. David Williams, Paddy Delaney, Bill Fennell, Carol Reynolds, Steve Ellis, Leslie Lyons and Walter deLacy who are taking care of us during the interregnum and are looking forward to September 14th and the Institution of our new Rector.

KILLALA St Patrick’s Cathedral, Killala St John’s, Ballycastle (Dunfeeney) St Mary’s, Crossmolina Priest-in-charge: The Revd Jennifer McWhirter Tel: 096 31384

As I write these notes the sun is splitting the stones as we enjoy warm temperatures and sunny days. I spent the first few days of this good weather worrying that it wouldn’t last, and making plans for when the weather would break, but I have come to realise that

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Parish News Digest

there is something about living in the present and enjoying the moment now, rather than always looking forward to the future or back to the past. So I fully intend to enjoy the sun while I can and hope you have all been doing the same.

I am pleased to say that after some months the scaffolding has come down at St John’s, Ballycastle.

There is still work to be done but for now we can enjoy renewed access to the graveyard and church.

Easter Vestry The Easter General Vestry meeting was held in Killala on Thursday 12th April. A small presentation was made to Grace Dowdall who stopped down as Rector’s Churchwarden after many years of service.

My thanks to all who made the commitment to sit on Select Vestry for this coming year. I appreciate your support.

I would like to thank everyone for their good wishes following surgery and assure you I will be back in harness at the end of June.

St Patrick’s Day I was pleased to be able to attend the parades in both Killala and Crossmolina this year. I love being able to represent our parish community at events like these, and at least the weather wasn’t as wet as last year

Confirmation of Adam Strong The Confirmation of Adam Strong took place on Sunday 6th May at St Anne’s, Easkey. Adam was confirmed along with two parishioners from Easkey Jill Carnegie and Oisin Finnerty. As he was the only young person from the parish union to be confirmed this year he attended Confirmation classes with Jill and Oisin and three young people from Kilmacshalgan Parish. Adam was supported by family and friends who had travelled from as far as Scotland to attend the day. We pray for him following his confirmation that he would know the blessing of God in his life

60th anniversary of St Tiernan’s College 14th April saw the 60th anniversary of St Tiernan’s College in Crossmolina. The school started out as a vocation technical college but today is a busy and active school. Fr Francis and Canon Jen took part in a service of blessing for the school and community and huge numbers of people enjoyed the day, and the meal afterwards.

MU enrolment service On Sunday 22nd April the joint MU branch of Killala and Kilmoremoy held their enrolment service in St Michael’s, Ballina. The service was led by Canon Jen and Nicola Padden, one of the Parish Readers in St Michael’s. There were five new members enrolled - Catherine Walsh, Nicola Padden, Rebecca Morrow, Anne Petrie and Rosalyn Sweeney. There were 3 other women who wished to be enrolled but were unable to attend the 30

Parish News Digest

service, so they will be enrolled at a later date. The preacher was the MU Diocesan President, Mrs Alison Rooke and we very much enjoyed her address. As is the custom in St Michael’s, we enjoyed refreshments and chat following the service. We pray for God’s blessings on the newly enrolled members.

spent the last year with us as she continued her training.

We wish the three of them along with the other candidates selected from TKA every blessing as they commence their studies in September.

It’s not often that we have opportunity to highlight the work of children but we are able do so by thanking Kelly Greer of Kilglass Parish for donating her lovely Commissioning of Mr Arthur Sweeney long hair to the charity the ‘Repunzel Foundation’ who 22nd April also saw a large make wigs for children who have lost their hair gathering in St Patrick’s, through treatment they are having for cancer. As if this Killala, as Mr Arthur wasn’t enough Kelly, along with her twin Kyle, led the Sweeney was Lord’s Prayer for the RTE Service and sang along with commissioned by the Leaffoney National School choir who were also Dean as Parish Reader for recorded for the service.

Kelly and Kyle lead the the Killala Union of Lord’s Prayer during our service of Holy Communion Parishes. Arthur had in Kilglass each month. completed his training for this role, and joins the You will notice that our dates for the diary run into group of Parish Readers the early autumn. This is because we are changing of from the Kilmoremoy Union when they meet for training and support. It was tinged by sadness as Arthur’s nanny had passed away in January and her absence was felt that afternoon, but I can say with certainty that she would have been justly proud of him. He was supported by his family, friends and neighbours and we enjoyed refreshments following the service.

KILMOREMOY UNION St Michael’s, Ballina (Kilmoremoy) Killanley Church, Castleconnor Kilglass, St Anne’s, Easkey Rector:Ven. Stephen McWhirter Tel: 096 60829 & 085 875 9921. www.stmichaelsballina.killala.anglican.org www.kilmoremoy.killala. anglican.org

We have been enjoying a spell of unusually good weather, how nice it has been to enjoy worship and leave the church door open during services. A highlight for us over this time has been the preparation and recording of a service of Morning Prayer for RTE. The producers welcomed our inclusion of Psalm and Canticles and this service was a time for our Parish Reader team from both Kilmoremoy and Killala Unions to share in the leading of worship.This team of Readers is hugely important to ministry here in Kilmoremoy. I was delighted that Mr. Norman Reid has been appointed as Senior Reader for the Union and led the worship for RTE. I, along with parishioners, was of course overjoyed with the news that both Clive Moore and Caroline Morrow have been accepted for training for Ordained Local Ministry along with Maebh O’Herlihy who has

patterns of Harvest Thanksgiving this year to facilitate the worship for St Michael’s and Killanley as they celebrate anniversaries only a week apart. We look forward to services of United Worship and we as a union celebrate along with these two parishes.

Easter Vestry Thank you to all who took time to attend Easter Vestry and in particular those who hold office in Select Vestry for the coming year. I am very aware of the time spent by so many that allows this Union to function so smoothly. A special welcome to Mr Peter Fleming who joins Vestry for the first time as Peoples Church Warden for St Michael’s. Peter brings many qualities to the office and has particular interests in the history and maintenance of the graveyard and in the historic affiliation the parish has with the Connaught Rangers.

Women's World Day of Prayer The WWDP service was beautifully arranged by the women of Surinam. The Ballina inter church group held their service on 25th April 2018 at St Muredach's Cathedral Pastoral Centre. It was organised and most ably led by the Roman Catholic ladies with representatives from the other denominations contributing readings. A very enjoyable time of fellowship followed, 31

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accompanied by delicious refreshments. Next year's WWDP service is planned for Friday 1st March 2019 in the Methodist Church, Hill Street, Ballina.

Weddings Many in the Union and surrounding parishes joined together along with family and friends to celebrate two weddings in the spring and summer. On Saturday 7th April Gwen Hicks and Jonathan Walsh were married in St Michael’s, Ballina. The service was conducted by Ven. Stephen and Fr. Michael Harrison.The weather was fine for the day and a reception following the wedding took place in the Diamond Coast Hotel.

On Friday 8th June 2018 a congregation from throughout the world gathered to celebrate the marriage of Jean Shannon and Tim Smith. Jean, who is from Leaffoney, now lives in New South Wales in Australia so many of the couple’s friends and Tim’s family gathered from there.The service was conducted by Ven. Stephen and the Ven. Malcolm Shannon, uncle of the bride, preached. Following the service a reception took place in Markree Castle, Collooney.

Confirmation Confirmation this year took place in St Anne’s, Easkey on Sunday 6th May.This was the first time that Bishop Patrick has conducted a service of confirmation in Easkey. Along with our own two candidates, Jill Carnegie and Oisin Finnerty, both from the parish, we were delighted to welcome Adam Strong and his family, parishioners from Crossmolina. Adam read the lesson during the service and Canon Jen was pleased to be there to present Adam.

A number of our young people were prepared together so the classes were also attended by three young people from the Skreen Group, Alex Harte, Beth Johnston, Matthew Johnston who were confirmed by the Bishop in Kilmacshalgan on Sunday 22nd April. It was a privilege and a delight for the Archdeacon to be present and help in leading the worship along with presenting the young people.We wish all of these young people every blessing in their Christian life.

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Mothers Union Enrolment Sunday While the Archdeacon was at Confirmation in Kilmacshalgan Canon Jen and Parish Reader Nichola Padden were leading worship in St Michael’s at the Mothers’ Union Enrolment Service. Five women were enrolled and we were delighted to welcome Diocesan President Mrs. Alison Rooke as the guest preacher at the service.

Diocesan Fun Day A small number of people from the Parish and wider diocese travelled to Inishboffin on Saturday 5th May 2018 to enjoy the fun day. We were blessed with beautiful weather and the day started on the Island with a lovely lunch in the Doonmore Hotel, the crabs claws were hard work but worth waiting for! From there some walked the Island while others took a tour by mini bus, before having coffee at the Dolphin Hotel and heading to catch the boat home.

RTE Broadcast Service We had an early start for the bus to Dublin for the recording of the Sunday Service for RTE1 on Sunday 27th May 2018. The worship was lead by the Archdeacon and the Readers of the Kilmoremoy & Killala Unions. The choir and congregation were supported by these Unions but the wider Church of Ireland parishes of Skreen, Ballisodare and Foxford.We were delighted to include the choir of Leaffoney National School who sang “Praise to the One”, the

Parish News Digest

school made this recording during the time of rehearsal.

It was great to have with us in the studio Kelly and Kyle Greer who led the congregation in the Lord’s Prayer which they do each Sunday in their own Parish of Kilglass. Thank you to Daphne Higgins for all her work and commitment with the choir, also a thanks to Nadine Shannon for her accompaniment on the flute.

Christ Church - Lisburn We were delighted to welcome Mr. Richard Yarr and the choir of Christ Church to Morning Prayer on Sunday 3rd June 2018.The choir had been enjoying a weekend break in Westport and joined us for worship as they travelled home. It was lovely to have worship led by a robed choir and everyone enjoyed the congregational singing.A huge thank you to the choir for taking the time to be with us, we do hope they will come this way again.

Sunday 7th October Killanley Bi-Centenary United Worship 11.00am Friday 12th October 2018, St Anne’s Easkey Harvest Thanksgiving 8.00pm Friday 19th October 2018, Kilglass Harvest Thanksgiving 8.00pm Archdeacon K&A Notes It is with regret that we heard the news of the retirement from the Achonry Group of Canon Derick Swann. Derick has ministered in the Group for the past years and will be missed not only by the congregations of Rathbarron and Tubbercurry but also by the team of Diocesan clergy. We wish Derick and Irene every blessing in his retirement. During the period of Vacancy I am most grateful for the support of the Revd. Canon Peter Norman and Diocesan Reader Karen Duignan in their leading of worship. Thanks also of course to the Rural Dean and Canon Doris for their administration and pastoral care of the Group.

Other Voices Concerts Launch St Michael’s are delighted to be taking part as the main venue for the Other Voices programme which will run throughout the town from the 27th - 29th September. Continued thanks to Canon Noel Regan in his The launch will take place on Thursday 14th June 2018 conducting of worship and pastoral care of the Skreen Group of Parishes. We wish him every blessing as he In St Michael’s, Ballina at 12noon. recovers from recent surgery and are delighted that Marriage he is back in the saddle again.Thanks to Canon Doris, Gwen Hicks - Jonathan Walsh, Saturday 7th April 2018 Karen Duignan and the Group Readers who in St Michael’s, Ballina, Service conducted by Ven. supported the parishes during Canon Noel’s recovery.

Stephen McWhirter and Fr. Michael Harrison.

Jean Shannon - Tim Smith, Friday 8th June 2018 In We wish to congratulate Dr. Eamon Smith as we look Kilglass Parish Church, Service conducted by Ven. forward to his licensing as Diocesan Reader on Sunday 22nd July 2018 in Christ Church, Castlebar Stephen McWhirter and Ven. Malcolm Shannon.

Christian Burial Groom, Robert (Bob) Derek 6th April 2018 aged 83.

Service conducted by Ven. Stephen McWhirter and Revd. Canon Andrea Wills.

Dates for the Diary RTE Broadcast Sunday 10th June on RTE1 at 11.00am Mothers’ Union Afternoon Tea, Wednesday 13th June, 3.00 - 5.00pm in Kilmoremoy Rectory, proceeds to Mums in May. Other Voices Concerts Launch Thursday 14th June 2018 in St Michael’s, Ballina at 12 noon Diocesan Cycle, Ballina-Killala, Saturday 16th June 2018 St Michael’s BBQ Saturday 30th June 6.00pm-8.00pm in Kilmoremoy Rectory Kilglass BBQ Sunday Confirmed date to follow Harvest & Anniversary Services St Michael’s, Ballina Harvest Thanksgiving Friday 21st September 8.00pm St Michael’s, Ballina 250th Anniversary Sunday 30th September 2018 United Worship 11.00am Friday 5th October 2018 Killanley, Castleconnor Harvest Thanksgiving 8.00pm

STRAID PARISH, FOXFORD & CLAREMORRIS Priest–in–charge: Canon Andrea Wills Tel: 094 9256403; Mobile 086 261 7572 Foxford: 10.00 a.m. every Sunday Claremorris: 12 noon in McWilliam Park Hotel – 1st Sunday of the month andreajwills@gmail.com

New Parish Reader: On Sunday 4th March Mr. Patrick Browne was licenced by Bishop Patrick as a Parish Reader. Patrick has been a most committed member of Foxford Church for many years since coming to live in Kiltimagh from London. He has contributed much to the Diocese, sat on committees and serves as Rector’s churchwarden with great dedication.

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Parish News Digest

National Federation of Group Water Schemes Ecumenical Service On 8th March an ecumenical service was held in Knock prior to the Annual Delegate Conference of the National Federation of Group Water Schemes to mark the 21st anniversary of the foundation of the organisation at which I was invited to preach. Living water, pure water is an image of our relationship with God and each other, an image of renewal, of promise and of hope. Let us continue to strive to ensure that water is pure, clean accessible for all and we give thanks for the mutual support, the care and the love which are the hallmarks of the Federation.

River Blessing The annual blessing of the River Moy with Fr. Padraig took place on 1st March in chilly but bright conditions.

We were grateful for the warming refreshments afterwards courtesy of Guiry’s. We give thanks for this mighty river – its bounty and the pleasure it gives and pray for the safety of all who use it.

Fund-raising Concert Thank you to everyone for the support of the Concert on 5th March in the Mayfly Hotel. There was wonderful talent on display that night from local musicians as well

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as from Max T. Barnes renowned country singer. Many thanks to Stephen Doherty and his nieces, Mick Mulhern and friends, Stephen Rosney and the Back Axles, also Dennis McCalmont from Killala.

Claremorris: We celebrated Easter Day in Claremorris with a Service of Holy Communion. Our picture shows Catherine Gilmore presenting the beautiful arrangement she prepared for Easter Service to Iris Bourke in memory of her mother whose anniversary occurs at that time.

Thank you to everyone for their continued support, help and encouragement for this venture.

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PARISH OUTING On 14th July the parish is having an outing to Kylemore Abbey, Clifden and surrounding areas leaving from Foxford.

Everyone is welcome to join us – we can pick up people on the way.

Please contact Canon Andrea on (086) 2617572

Margo O’Hara Gaughan Margo was part of O’Hara’s Family Bakery, Foxford and over many years she generously supported any event we had by supplying free cakes and bread and she was instrumental in providing a wonderful cake when the church was 200 years old in 2001 when were honoured by the visit of Archbishop Eames.

We send our love, sympathy and prayers to her husband Pat Gaughan, Samantha and Martin and all the family circle.

Swinford Indoor Country Market Margaret Leonard is a founder member of this excellent market supporting local produces and the community. It takes place on the first Saturday of each month in the Swinford Cultural Centre from 9.30 a.m. until 2.00 p.m.

New Arrival Charles and I are delighted to welcome our second grandson Charles Jacob born to Timothy and Amanda in the Coombe Hospital, Dublin on 28th April.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Brabazon Family Memorial Service On 20th June at 2.30 p.m. a ceremony and service of blessing by Fr. Dermot Meehan PP Swinford and myself will take place in the recently restored Church of Ireland graveyard in Swinford, courtesy of Mayo Country Council, when six Brabazon family plaques will be wall-mounted. The graveyard had been inaccessible for a long time.

St. Mary’s Church in Swinford closed for worship in 1927 and the building demolished in the 1940’s.

The Brabazon family founded the town of Swinford nearly 250 years ago and were involved in many aspects of community life in the town and members of the family will be present including Michael Brabazon from west Cork who has been the driving force behind this.

Everyone is welcome to this special occasion.

OMEY GROUP Christ Church, Clifden St Thomas’, Ballinakill St Mary’s, Roundstone Priest–in–charge: The Very Revd Stan Evans Telephone 095 21147 Mobile: 087 636 9473 revdstanevans@gmail.com www.omeygroup.ie

Building bridges...

This year Canon Stan was invited to join Fr James Ronayne and the staff of the Clifden Community School for the Graduation service of 62 pupils. The students all contributed in providing a glimpse of their life skills in this newly built magnificent school.

Poet remembered...

A memorial service for the Irish renowned poet, Richard Murphy, was held in Christ Church Clifden on Saturday 16th June. Richard died in Sri Lanka on 30th January where he spent part of his childhood and returned to at the latter part of his life. His ashes were interred on Omey Island. Bishop Patrick gave the final blessing at the Memorial Service.

Exciting times ahead......

We are thrilled to hear of the appointment of Canon Lynda Peilow to be Rector of Galway with Kilcummin.We wish her and Clive her husband and their three children every blessing as they prepare for their move to the west.

St Thomas’s Church, Moyard .........

Services will be held every Sunday in July and August at 10am and we hope that worshippers will not be inconvenienced by the sight of the scaffolding as the roof restoration continues. You will also have to excuse the decor which has to be delayed until the building is allowed to breathe and dry. The warmth of the welcome will overcome any inconvenience......we look forward to seeing new and old friends in this beautiful tranquil setting.

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Errislannan ........work in progress

An enormous amount of work has been undertaken to secure the building and the future of Holy Trinity following the happenings in October last. We are all working towards a re-dedication service on 5th August with Bishop Patrick – it may be standing room only.

The treasured family Bible has been lovingly restored by a parishioner in the Dalkey Parish – but she is insistent that she wants no mention!! We offer her sincerest thanks Christ Church, Clifden ......

The churchyard in Clifden is taking on ‘new life’. The bio-diversity plan is progressing and this will shortly see the installation of the open classroom seating and tree seat. Two bench seats are also being positioned

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for visitors to relax and enjoy the superb views from this elevated site. One of those seats is being dedicated to the memory of Margaret McDowell who

spent many years gracing us with her smile.

St Mary’s Moyrus....

In preparation for the annual Mini Fete and Blessing of the Animals on Saturday 11th August work has been undertaken by the ‘home team’ in cutting back and

Parish News Digest

stripping the grounds and undergrowth which has made Dromard Community Centre. an incredible difference. Come along and bring the cat, 2nd Sunday in August: Bi-centenary service in Skreen at 4pm Preacher: The Bishop. dog, cat or parrot .....you will all be very welcome.

Fun Day...

Ready for the off - A fun day at Inishboffin.

This is an important milestone for any parish and it gives us an opportunity to welcome family, friends and neighbours to celebrate, remember and give thanks for the part this church building has played in peoples lives over two hundred years. The church of course is the people and while we acknowledge this place it is more about the contribution and influence of those who worshipped here that we remember and celebrate. As Anglicans we hope the theology of Richard Hooker who in the 16th century devised the via media, the middle way, will continue to be heard as we continue to find truth through the principles of Scripture, Tradition and Reason.

Looking back Holy week services were held in all three churches with a representative turnout. Dromard was the setting for the Maundy Thursday Holy Communion. The candles and oil lamps added to the solemnity of this very moving and important service. Good Friday was observed in Skreen with readings, music and reflections.

Easter Day: The early morning service was once again held on Dunmoran Strand with an attendance of well over one hundred. Clergy, readers and parishioners from neighbouring parishes came to celebrate the risen Christ with Holy Communion celebrated by the Bishop.

Many of those attending retired to the school room afterwards where an excellent breakfast was served.

The hot food and warm atmosphere was much appreciated as the strand was bitterly cold.

SKREEN GROUP Skreen Christ Church, Dromard St Mary’s, Kilmacshalgan, Dromore West Acting Priest in Charge: Canon Noel Regan Phone: 071 9166253 Mobile: 086 8875714 Email: revnoelregan@hotmail.com

Up and coming Events The Sunday services continue the normal patterns of 10.00am, Dromard, 11.15am, Skreen, and 12.30pm, Dromore West.

1st Sunday in August: Skreen Parish Lunch in Skreen/

The following week Canon Noel was admitted to Sligo University Hospital for a hip replacement but is now back on duty.A sincere thank you to all who took services and provided cover in the group during his absence.

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TV broadcast A number of parishioners from this group joined their neighbours in Kilglass to practice for the broadcast service on R.T.E. television on the 10th June. The service was broadcast from the studios at Donnybrook and was an opportunity for those involved to strengthen the bonds of friendship as they worshipped together and shared table fellowship on the return journey.

Baptism On Sunday 13th May we welcomed the entire Williams family as Kim and Linda came back to Skreen for the baptism of their son Sam.We wish them every blessing as they continue to nurture their children in the teachings of the church and gospel.

Confirmation Dromore West was the venue for a united service of confirmation and Holy Communion on Sunday 22.

April. The Bishop was joined by Archdeacon Stephen McWhirter who had prepared our candidates prior to the service.We pledge Alex, Matthew and Beth our support as they continue on the journey of life and on their calling.

Funeral The death on 26th February of Mrs. Margaret Pasley (nee Maude) saw the end of an era in this group of parishes and in the Diocese. Her husband Canon Charles Pasley served in the Skreen Group as rector for some 25 years and died 1987. A number of parishioners attended the funeral service in Taney parish church. Mrs. Pasley was pre deceased by her daughter Grace. We extend sympathy to her sons Timothy and Jeremy and families at this time.

Bereavement We extend sincere sympathy to Alistair Kee, his wife Audrey and daughter Leslie and to his siblings on the death of his mother Mrs. Gina Kee. Georgina had resided most of her married life in Collooney. However in recent years due to failing health she moved to her son Trevor and wife Hazel in Stranorlar. Her funeral service was held in Stranorlar parish church.

Illness Our thoughts and prayers are with those from our parishes who are ill at home, in hospital or nursing homes. We think of those who care for all who are infirm and need support. This ministry of caring is so vital and of enormous assistance to families.

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TUAM GROUP St Mary’s Cathedral, Tuam St Mary’s, Cong St John the Baptist, Aasleagh Rector:The Very Revd Alistair Grimason Tel: 094 9546909 Mob.: +353 85 2821073 Email: deantuam@gmail.com

PALM SUNDAY EVE On 24th March a alarge crowd packed Saint Mary's Church Cong for a concert of traditional and contemporary music and poetry performed by the Headford Ladies Singers. It was a most excellent and enjoyable evening's entertainment, concluding with a joyous and happy piece from the film 'Sister Act'.Well done and thanks to all who organised this and to the choir for their outstanding skills.

PALM SUNDAY Bishop Rooke was our special visitor in Tuam and Cong on this day. We had all lined up for the service in Cong to be led by the children of the Parish but in the event, most of them were strickedn by a very unpleasant bug which kept them at home. None the less, we struggled on and the sermon which the bishop had prepared for a young congregation was enthusiastically received by us older folk.

GOOD FRIDAY As well as our tradition observation of this Solemn Day by Scripture Reading, Psalm and Litany, in Tuam City we re-instated a practise which had, for a few years, fallen into abeyance.

In the early afternoon the folk of saint Mary's Cathedral met with those of the Cathedral of the Assumption for a Walk of Christian Witness through the streets of Tuam from the one cathedral to the other.

Led by Bishop Rooke and Archbishop Neary, accompanied by Dean Grimason and The Very Revd.

Pat Farragher, the congregations of both Christian traditions kept the stations along the route, reflecting in word and petition The Way of Cross. Members of Saint Mary's Cathedral Parish read the bible passages and pupils of the local secondary school both wrote and read the reflections.

EASTER DAY It was marvellous to welcome so many of our diaspora home for the Easter Celebrations. It is always a heartwarming sight to see our churches full on this day with friends from far and wide home for the holiday.

EGVs The two Easter Vestries held in the parish took place over the weekend of 7th & 8th of April. Many thanks to all those who served the parish in the year past and to those willing to take up the batton for the year to come.

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JOHN COOKE It was with profound saddness that we learned of the death of John Cooke the week after Easter. John was an absolute stalwart of Saint Mary's Cathedral Tuam, for so many years it's heart and soul. A true Christian and a gentleman, John stood by St. Mary's through thick and thin and gave his all in the service of his parish, his diocese and his church. To say that he will be sorely missed is a gross understatement.

We extend our most sincere and prayerful sympathy to Hillary and all the circle of family and friends.

CONG COMMUNITY CONCERT The parishioners of St. Mary's Cong joined with our neighbours in our sister church, also St. Mary's, to organise and promote a fund raising concert on 20th April. The headline performer was james Kilbane supported by guest artists Annette Griffin and John Staunton. A great evening's entertainment was had by a large crowd.

Many thanks to the organising committee and to James, Annette and John for providing the music.

'TO EXPRESS THE GOSPEL AFRESH TO EVERY GENERATION' That's where the term 'Fresh Expressions' comes from. A Mission Statement, if you like, hailing from the Church of England originally but finding traction in many parts of the world-wide Church. At present, 6 out of the 12 Church of Ireland dioceses have 'bought into' Fresh Expressions and, with it, Pioneer Ministry in an attempt to support and encourage traditional church life and, where possible and appropriate, to do things a little differently and so envigorate church life at both parish and diocesan level.

In short, there are those who would prophecy that in not many years hence the church will cease to exist. On the other hand there are those of us who would reply, 'Well; we'll just see about that.' And OUR attempt to 'see

about that' is to engage with people of faith and no faith in a differennt way of doing and being church.

In TKA we are not using the term Fresh Expressions.

We are calling our efforts: ' Off the Beaten TrackAlternative Pathways '.And, in great humility of course, we would suggest that we are leading the pack. Wwe have a DVD in production showing examples of what we mean by 'Alternative Pathways' and telling good news stories of all the exciting things that are ALREADY HAPPENING in our parishes up and down the diocese. We have established a ' Centre for Spirituality ' under the guidance of Maeby O'Herlihy.

And we are calling on every parish in the diocese to establish one Fresh Expression of Church.

So where does our parish come into this?

For some time now in St. Mary's Cong we have been having regular Childrens/All Age Services.The children love it and are involved and the parents love that the children are involved. But we wanted to take this a step further. So we planned to hold a regular Sunday Club for the children, more regular that our children's services. Problem was that we had no facilities in which to do this. Nowhere, that is, that children would feel comfortable. So we bit the bullet and applied to the Church of Ireland Priorities Fund for money to help us build a Parish Room (or whatever you want to call it). Word came back from the Fund that we have been given a grant of â‚Ź20,000 towards this project. And we are delighted.

Now, there is way to go yet.We need more money.And we're working on that. But when, not IF, it's completed we will have somewhere not alone for the childen to enagge inn c hurch in a nenew and fresh way, but maybe even a place that will encourage adults to come together and do new things as the family of God.

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While we are waiting to get our room, we have already started our Sunday Club in the open air. The first gathering was held during church-time on the first Sunday in May and the second will happen on the first Sunday in June. And maybe even the first in July and August too!

So watch this space. Alternative Pathways has started in Cong. Come along and be part of it.

CONG,TUAM AND GALWAY, KILCUMMIN During the interregnum in Galway and Kilcummin (Oughterard) the Bishop has asked the Dean to take charge of Galway and Kilcummin. This is a temporary

arrangement which will last only until a new rector is found for Galway and Kilcummin. In the mean time, Canon David Williams will be taking the lead role in Tuam and Cong and Aasleagh.

AASLEAGH Summer Services resume in St. John the Baptist, Aasleagh on Sunday 1st July at 7.00pm with a service of Holy Communion.Thereafter services will continue throughout July and August at 7.00pm alternating between Communion and a Service of the Word week on week. Bishop Rooke will visit Aasleagh on Sunday 19th August.

Fresh Expressions – Where next?

Alternative Pathways Some in our communities feel as though the church is on its last legs, will be shortly given the last rites and within a generation or two will be as dead as the proverbial Dodo. If that is not to be the case then we need to act sooner rather than later.

In a recent article the Dean, Alistair introduced the topic and offered some background to the meaning of this term ‘Fresh Expressions’ and our diocesan goal to have such and expression of church in every church within the diocese in two years time. As he pointed out in that article it is usually by adding something to what we all do.

As part of our desire to deliver on this we are setting up an ‘Alternative Pathways’ Committee which will be tasked with enabling the Diocese of Tuam, Killala and Achonry to proclaim the Gospel afresh in this generation by: • • • •

listening to God’s call for his church telling our good news stories encouraging new thinking build relationships beyond traditional church communities • equipping the people of God to tell, teach, tend, transform and treasure

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• creating and supporting alternative pathways to faith Looking around at other church fresh expressions (hereafter referred to as ‘alternative pathways’) there are a number of things that seem to be inherent to them. They: • create something in a place where people are already, meeting people where they are.

• take a long term perspective.

• allow time to build relationships with people • bring like-minded people together.

• can be short (as brief as 15 minutes in one example) • promote group involvement early • provide a safe and sometimes holy place for people Clearly, for our rural diocese we are more than likely to reflect the countryside which would suggest ‘alternative pathways’ emerging from sporting possibilities such as fishing, cycling, mountain biking, surfing and hill climbing; reflecting the farming community and the agricultural year. In a more urban landscape expressions such as Café Church or mission to late night revellers might be more appropriate.

The Alternative Pathways Group is committed to helping us deliver church to all who seek it.