THE DUNDALK GROUP OF PARISHES

Dundalk: St Nicholas, Dundalk; St Pauls, Heynestown Ballymascanlan & Carlingford: St Marys, Ballymascanlan; St Andrews, Rathcor (Bush) Crossmaglen: Creggan Parish Church

Newsletter May 2012

MINISTRY TEAM

Issue 7:05 May 2012

You the people of the parishes with The Revd Sandra Pragnell (Rector), The Revd Richard Moore (Assistant Minister), and our Parish Readers

Contact: The Rectory, Old Golf Links Road, Blackrock, Dundalk, County Louth. Tel: (042) 9321402

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ May this year brings us a very special birthday, and dont we all like celebrations? But Im not talking about a persons birthday, but rather the Birthday of the Church. The month of May concludes our Easter season of 50 days, leading up to the Feast of Pentecost (on Sunday 27 May). Pentecost (or Whitsun) marks the day when, as Jesus had promised, the Risen and Ascended Lord sent Gods Holy Spirit on the disciples in Jerusalem, filling them with joy (so much so that the crowds thought they were drunk!) and empowering them to communicate Gods love and invitation to a new life in God, to people from all nations. From that small beginning, the worldwide Church of God has grown and spread to all corners of the earth. And thats why we gather in church Sunday by Sunday, and not just us, but Christians all over the world because of the love of God for each one of us, demonstrated in the life, death and resurrection of Our Lord Jesus. Following Jesus was the theme used for the preparation of our confirmation candidates and its what we should all be doing all the time as its a celebration of Gods love. And this should make a difference to how we live. So maybe we should all take stock: Can people tell by the way we speak and act that we are following Jesus, living a Christian life? Do we value the Church we are members of? Are we genuinely welcoming of new people? Are there times when we absent ourselves on Sunday for selfish reasons? Do we genuinely care for one another? Do we support the work and witness of our church with our time, our talents, and our financial giving? Do we make time for God each day? Or do we need help with prayer, with bible reading? Do we listen to what God is calling us to do, here in this beautiful part of Ireland where he places us? My prayer for each of you as we approach Pentecost, is that you will rediscover the gift of Gods presence with you, know the gift of healing and wholeness which Jesus brings, and feel the power of the Holy Spirit within you, and celebrate it. Yours in Christ Sandra

Sunday School Sunday school at St Nicholas takes place on the May 6th and May 20th this month. The annual Prizegiving will take place on Sunday June 24 at 11am. From September we shall resume Sunday School on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Sundays of the month. Reminder that Sunday school is for school aged children only no under 4s please.

Revd Richard Moore, Archdeacon Hoey and Revd Sandra Pragnell at the rededication of the organ at Creggan Parish Church

MOTHERS UNION SUMMER OUTING Belfast and Ballymore Saturday 12 May 2012

From The Registers

Holy Baptism: On 19 April 2012 at St Nicholas, Dundalk: Unice RUHRMANN AMOS, of Duffys Terrace, Dundalk. Lord, may your servant walk in the light of Christ all her days Burial of Ashes: On 21 April 2012 at St Marys Ballymascanlan: William (Billy) CUNNINGHAM (87) of Mount Avenue, Dundalk. Lord, in you the dead find life forever.

For your Prayers

For Alan our bishop, this group of parishes, our clergy and church officers, and every parish family For those who are sick, housebound, elderly or lonely For those struggling financially For those preparing for Christian marriage, especially Jonathan and Amanda, Jonathan and Michelle, Shelley and Andrew, Joanne and Kevin, and Nigel and Anna. For our parish link with Bishop Suheil and the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle For our parish link with Bishop Isesomo and the Diocese of North Kivu in DR Congo, and for the work of CMS(I) For all Christians who face persecution for their faith, especially in Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Iraq and China

The MU annual outing this year is a morning visit to the Ballymore Parish Church Flower Festival (themed Days to Remmember celebrating 200 years), and then on to Belfast City to visit the newly opened Titanic Exhibition. The trip includes a guided sightseeing tour of the exhibition and evening meal on the journey home. Cost - 55 Anyone interested in coming along, please tell an MU member or put your name up on the lists in church places are filling fast!.

PARISH NOTICES
Wellington Hall Project
200th Anniversary of the Wellington Hall 1812 2012
As you can see, we are now in a position to begin re-roofing the Wellington Hall, and rebuilding the chimney which had to be dismantled on safety grounds. This work is only made possible by the support you have given us at various fundraisers for the Hall, and we are very grateful. We hope to take the opportunity while the scaffolding is in place also to repaint the main facade of the Hall. Once the roof is watertight, we will look at our funds and phase the next repairs - including the upper storey flooring, windows, and the various rooms/areas of the first floor. In the meantime, the main hall on the ground floor is still in use. Many thanks to all who have contributed to date: we have a long way to go, but are delighted with the response. Keep up the good work to help us help the community with this very special project for what is for Dundalk as well as the parish, an iconic Georgian heritage building. Thank you to everybody who organised, donated and attended the two recent Good As New Clothes Sale in the Wellington Hall. We raised over 3,200. Best of luck to Pamela Henry who is once again taking part in the Flora Womens mini-marathon in Dublin on June 4th, with sponsorship money going to the WH. Other funndraising planned later in the year includes: July 21st Summer BBQ at Bellurgan Park. Music from PowerCut and full BBQ food, dessert and wine. October 12th Harvest Concert at St Nicholas Dundalk with Guest Soloist Miriam Blennerhassett (Mezzo-Soprano and founder member of Anna) and Guest Choir , The Cloughmore Male Voice Choir and our own St Nicholas Choir. November 30th Black Tie Gala Ball at Ballymascanlon House Hotel Further details will be anounced as plans are finalised

Parish Profile

Who are you? Victoria Eveson Which is your church? St Nicholas Church, Dundalk. After Forkhill Parish Church closed we moved to St.Nicholas where I attended Sunday School and was confirmed as well. Where do you live? Carrickasticken, Forkhill How would you describe what you do? I am working in the family business Country Stores Toymaster and have done so since I was about 10!! and love every minute of it. I am also an active member of Louth Civil Defence and became an Officer earlier this year. As I am often on duty on Sundays I do not attend Sunday Service as often as I would like. Favourite Bible passage/story? I prefer the Old Testament stories and teachings. Favourite hymn? Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory; especially when Evelyn McCullins pulls out all the trumpet stops. Favourite book or film? My all-time favourite author is Ronal Dahl. As a severe dyslectic reading has always been difficult but after going to see The Hunger Game movie I am now on book tow in the series on a Kindle which I find very easy to use. Who or what has influenced you the most? My parents and sisters, especially my big sister Rebecca and my Grandpa Eveson (my Dad says I am his double!) Your dream holiday destination? I dream of travelling all day, every day! I have travelled a lot over the past couple of years, met loads of people who have remained in contact but my list of places to see is still very long. Top of the list would be the Trans-Siberian Railway, across Russia to Mongolia. What has been the best day of your life so far? Skydiving over Las Vegas, USA but so many other days when I was travelling.

Easter General Vestries

Ballymascanlan and Bush Select Vestry 2012 -2013:
Stephen Curley (RCW, Ballymascanlan), Sandra Campbell (PCW Ballymascanlan), Muriel Grills (RCW Bush), Willie Grills (PCW Bush), Pat McKenna (RGW), Edward Armstrong (PGW), Alan Bothwell, Joe Bothwell, Marjorie Campbell, Ken Donald (Hon Treasurer), Bill Elvin, Freddie Grills, Lindis Lenox-Conygham, Rodney McDowell (Hon Secretary), Kate Okuno, Jim Richardson, Anna Swan, Laurence Swan.

Heynestown Union Select Vestry 2012 - 2013

Penny McCotter (RCW), Charles Ross (PCW), David Adair (RGW), David Ross (PGW), Phyllis Adair, Alvin Coyle (Hon Sec), Andrew Coyle, David Coyle, Jenny Coyle, Audrey McAllister, James McArdle, Julie McArdle (Hon Treasurer), Sarah McArdle, Mark McCotter, Andrew Ross, and John Ryall.

Safeguarding Trust
Training Day, Saturday 9 June in the Wellington Hall
The Churchs policy for protecting children and vulnerable adults is an important issue for every parish: we have been following its guidelines but training was lacking. Nevertheless, all those working with children (those in place prior to Sept 2006 are exempt) have been Garda-vetted, and a Parish Panel has been set up. However training locally has not been organised for some time. The C of I Child Protection Officer, Mrs Renee English, has agreed to come to Dundalk for a training day in June. All who work with children, especially our Sunday School teachers, and SV members who ideally should have an overview of the policy, will be expected to attend the morning session. Those on the panel and SV members are also expected to attend the shorter afternoon session as well. Fuller details will be made available, but please make a note of the date.

Creggan Select Vestry 2012 -2013:

Eileen Marks (RCW), Jim Marks (PCW, PGW), John Donaldson (RGW), Muriel Donaldson, Kenny Donaldson, Gary Dawson, Alastair Donaldson, Debbie Donaldson, John S Donaldson, Gary Marks, James Marks (junior), Lynn Marks, and Olive Marks.

Dundalk Select Vestry 2012 - 2013

Wilhelmina Craig (RCW), Colin Lloyd (PCW), John Eveson (RGW), Brendan Thompson (PGW), Theo Henry (Supp RGW), Gillian Patterson (Supp PGW); Geraldine Casey, Judith Christmas, Eric Craig, Sharon Eveson, Aileen Henry, Theo Henry, Tom Mears, Evelyn McCullins, Gillian Patterson, Trevor Patterson, Noel Ross (Hon Secretary), Tommy Williamson (Hon Treasurer).

Thank you to all our outgoing churchwardens, glebe wardens and vestry members, for your support during the past year

MISSION NEWS
DIOCESE OF JERUSALEM & THE MIDDLE EAST
News from Jordan: In March Bishop Suheil Dawani inspected the construction site of the new Bishops School in Husun. It will officially open at the beginning of the academic year 2012-2013. During the same visit, Bishop Suheil went to Irbid, to inaugurate the new (3rd) floor of the Episcopal School there. The Director-General of Ahliyyah and Bishops Schools in Amman was also present, and she and the Bishop donated the balance required to complete the new computer lab for the student. News fromSyria: with all the disturbing news from Syria we can forget that Christian witness and worship continues. All Saints Episcopal Church in Damascus is home to 2 congregations. The Arabic speakers (who are Syrian, Iraqi and Sudanese, mainly) are pastored by Revd Butrus Satimon. Ministry to refugees is also vital. The English speaking congregation (with a diversity of nationalities from 6 continents) are pastored by Revd Andrew Lake. Twice a month there is also worship in the north of the country, in Aleppo where they use the Emmanuel Armenian Protestant Church, Azizieh. We should remembers both Revd Butrus and Revd Andrew and their people in our prayers at this difficult time.

PARISH EVENTS
SOUTH COUNTY LOUTH GARDEN OPEN DAY
Saturday, May 5th, 2 to 6 pm VISIT THREE BEAUTIFUL GARDENS

BEAULIEU

KILLINEER

BARMEATH

Pick up a map and pay 10 at any garden and visit all three. Children under 12 are free. If you dont know the way to any of the gardens, Killineer is the easiest to find. It is two kilometers North of Drogheda on the N1. Its gates are on the right shortly before you reach the Papal Cross. Once there you can pick up a map with directions to the other gardens. Tea, coffee, and scones will be available at Barmeath. All proceeds go to the Louth Protestant Orphans Society, a very old charity now devoted to helping young people in County Louth, regardless of faith or creed, and especially the Louth/Meath branch of the Downs Syndrome Society Further information call Richard or Joyce Moore: 041 6851327

THE DIOCESE OF NORTH KIVU IN DR CONGO

In September we are holding a special North Kivu Sunday service this will be a group service at St Marys Ballymascanlan with CMSI officer David Gough, to kickstart a programme to design a Partnership Plan for this important link. Also CMSI are looking at the possibility of a visit to North Kivu with a team of 4-6 people representing the link parishes of Killyman and Milltown, as well as our own parish group.

AFTERNOON TEA PARTY

In aid of the Alzheimers Society
Thursday 10 May 2.30 5pm In the Wellington Hall, Dundalk, Any contributions (cakes, scones etc). gratefully received & appreciated
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Creggan Parish Church Open Weekend

Creggan Church and grounds were open over the weekend 21-22 April to celebrate the superb restoration of church and organ. The organ was played throughout the afternoon by our organist, as well as the Revd Joyce Moore and Mrs Margaret Gordon from Annalong Parish. A visiting WI group from Drumcree also enjoyed singing a medley of songs, accompanied by the organ. On Sun 22 April, the church and organ were re-dedicated by the Rector and Curate, during an uplifting service of songs of praise. The large congregation comprised people from across the community in Crossmaglen, parishioners from the wider parish area, former parishioners, and visitors from Clogher and beyond. Archdeacon Hoey spoke eloquently, using the image of the Risen Jesus holding out his wounded hands, to reflect on the many hands that had worked on the superb restoration, and those that played the organ. He also stressed the importance of the church being open to all, and noted that on that same afternoon two ecumenical canons (one Presbyterian and the other RC) were being installed at St Patricks (C of I) Cathedral in Armagh. In her concluding words of thanks, the Rector noted that 2012 was remembered for the Titanic tragedy, and expressed the hope that the young children present would remember 2012 for this more positive and historic occasion for Creggan Parish and be able to tell future generations about it.

Christian Aid Week 13 to 19 May 2012

RECTORY COFFEE MORNING

In aid of the Christian Aid
Friday 18 May 10am to 2.00pm The Rectory, Blackrock

Envelopes will be available in all of our churches in the coming weeks for those wishing to make a donation to Christian Aid.
Photos: The rededication of the organ at Creggan Parish Church, including organist, Laurence Evans and the newly restored pipe organ

MAY AT A GLANCE
Tues 1 May: SS Philip and James, HC, St Nicholas Dundalk, 10.30am Sat 5 May: South County Louth Garden Open Day at Beaulieu, Kilineer and Barmeath, 2pm-6pm (see box overleaf) Sat 5 May Plant Sale in aid of St Nicholas Church Funds, 2pm, Wellington Hall Thurs 10 May: Afternoon Tea Party in aid of the Alzheimers Society. 2.30-5pm, Wellington Hall, Dundalk Sat 12 May: MU Summer Outing to Ballymore and Belfast (see box overleaf). Thursday 17 May: ASCENSION DAY, 8pm, St Marys Ballymascanlan Friday 18 May Rectory Coffee Morning, 10am-2pm for Christian Aid Week (13-19 May) Sunday 27 May: PENTECOST Eucharist in all five churches at the normal Sunday times. Thurs 31 May: Visitation of BVM: 10.30am, Ballymascanlan

Services in May 2012

Week Commencing 29 April Easter 4
Sunday 29 is our Parish Group Confirmation Service in Dundalk. No service in the other churches that Sunday. St Nicholas, Dundalk Holy Communion (Order 1) Sunday 29th 8.00am GROUP CONFIRMATION Sunday 29th 11.00am st SS Philip and James (HC) Tuesday 1 May 10.30am
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Week Commencing 6 May Easter 5

Creggan Parish Church Eucharist St Marys Ballymascanlan Morning Prayer St Andrews Rathcor (Bush) Eucharist St Pauls, Heynestown Morning Prayer St Nicholas, Dundalk Eucharist Hospital (St Olivers) HC Sunday 6 Sunday 6 Sunday 6 Sunday 6
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9.30am 10.45am 12 noon 10.00am 11.00am 11.30am

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LOOKING AHEAD TO JUNE AND BEYOND

9 June: Safeguarding Trust Training Day, Wellington Hall 19 June: SN San Nioclas end of year Service, 1pm, Dundalk 21 June: Sunday School Prizegiving, 11am, Dundalk 21 June: St Richard of Dundalk Festival Service, 7pm, St Nicholas, Dundalk. Songs of praise with Msgr Raymond Murray preaching. 21 July: Summer BBQ at Bellurgan Park in aid of the Wellington Hall 29 July: GROUP SERVICE 10.30am Bush 28 Aug: GROUP SERVICE 11am,, Dundalk 2 Sept: North Kivu Service (Group), Ballymascanlan, 10.30am 30 Sept: GROUP SERVICE 10.30am Heynestown 12 Oct: Harvest Concert at St Nicholas, Dundalk in aid of the Wellington Hall Project 30 Nov: Dundalk Group of Parishes Gala Ball at The Ballymascanlon House Hotel in aid of the Wellington Hall Project 30 Dec: GROUP SERVICE 11am Dundalk

Sunday 6th th Thursday 10

Week Commencing 13 May Easter 6

Creggan Parish Church Morning Prayer St Marys Ballymascanlan Eucharist St Matthias HC Ascension Day St Andrews Rathcor (Bush) Morning Prayer St Pauls, Heynestown Eucharist St Nicholas, Dundalk Morning Prayer Dealgan House HC Hospital (St Olivers) HC Sunday 13
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9.30am 10.45am 10.30am 8.00pm 12 noon 10.00am 11.00am 3.00pm 11.30am

Sunday 13 th Monday 14 th Thursday 17 Sunday 13 Sunday 13

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Sunday 13 th Tuesday 15 th Thursday 17

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Week Commencing 20 May Sunday After Ascension

Dundalks New St Vincent de Paul Shop

Pictured are Dundalk parishioners Pat ORourke, Rachel Christmas and Heather Christmas at the opening of the new St Vincent de Paul shop in Clanbrassil St, Dundalk(former Hughes and Hughes building). Rev. Richard was among the clergy (also Rev Stanley Millen and Fr. Mark O'Hagan) who were in attendance to bless the building on Thursday 19th April. It is the largest SVP shop in the country. The opening was conducted by All Ireland SVP President Mairead Bushnell and Dragons Den star Niall O'Farrell. Follow The Dundalk Group of Parishes on Facebook to get up to the minute news of events and to browse the photos
http://www.facebook.com/dundalkgroupogparishes

Creggan Parish Church Eucharist St Marys Ballymascanlan Morning Prayer St Andrews Rathcor (Bush) Eucharist St Pauls, Heynestown Morning Prayer St Nicholas, Dundalk Eucharist Hospital (St Olivers) HC

Sunday 20 Sunday 20 Sunday 20 Sunday 20

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Sunday 20 th Thursday 24

Week Commencing 27 May - Pentecost

Creggan Parish Church Eucharist St Marys Ballymascanlan Eucharist Visitation St Andrews Rathcor (Bush) Eucharist St Pauls, Heynestown Eucharist St Nicholas, Dundalk Eucharist Hospital (St Olivers) HC Sunday 27
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9.30am 10.45am 10.30am 3.00pm 10.00am 11.00am 11.30am

Sunday 27 st Thursday 31 Sunday 27 Sunday 27

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GOSPEL READINGS FOR MAY

6th May (Easter 5) John 15.1-8 13th May (Easter 6) John 15.9-17 20th May (Easter 7) John 17.6-19 27th May (Pentecost) John 15.26-27, 16.4b-15 These are provided for those of you who may find it helpful to read the gospel at home in preparation for Sunday worship. Contact the Rector if you are interested in daily Bible reading notes.

Sunday 27 st Thursday 31

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