Cloughjordan & Borrisokane Group of Parishes

Parish Notices February 2012

2012-02-15T12:27:00.000Z

Borrisokane Parish Activities Planning Meeting:
At the invitation of the rector a number of parishioners met in the Parish Hall, Borrisokane on Thursday morning 2nd February for a brainstorming session to come up with ideas to develop social activities in the parish. It was a very fruitful meeting out of which some concrete proposals emerged which are outlined below:
1 To integrate our children more fully into the worshiping life of the parish through more regular and structured ‘Family Services’
2 A parish walking club to meet on a monthly basis at the Hall and go for a walk together and share a cup of tea/coffee afterwards in the hall. The first of these monthly walks to be on Tuesday 14th February (Valentine’s Day) starting from the Hall at 10am – People can walk as short or far a distance as they wish and come back to the hall for refreshments when they have completed their exercise
3 A Spring Sunday Lunch for the whole parish – served in the Hall at a nominal charge – Proposed date: Sunday 13th May – A chance to share fellowship and fun over a meal together – Guests will be welcome.
4 Fundraising Events: Car treasure Hunt & Tractor Run – Details and dates to be arranged
Other ideas and suggestions are welcome from all parishioners and please contact the rector if you have anything to add or would like to assist with anything in particular.

Cloughjordan 175
St. Kieran’s Church, Cloughjordan is 175 years old this year – The anniversary has crept up on us unawares and only for one of the parishioners who drew it to our attention it might have passed unnoticed. It would be appropriate to mark this year in some public way and there are some ideas already being suggested but we would welcome any ideas that parishioners might have to mark this significant anniversary.

Current Church Services

2011-07-01T18:24:00.010+01:00

Sunday 19th February- The Sunday before Lent
10am: Ballingarry MP
10.15: Borrisnafarney MP
10.15: Borrisokane HC
11.30: Cloughjordan MP

ASH Wednesday – 22nd February
11am: Cloughjordan HC
8pm: Borrisokane HC

Sunday 26th February- 1st Sunday in Lent
9am: Ballingarry HC
10.15: Borrisnafarney MP
10.15: Borrisokane HC
11.30: Cloughjordan HC

Church Services

2011-05-16T16:53:00.001+01:00

Sunday 22^nd May – Easter 5

10am Ballingarry MP

10.15 Borrisnafarney MP

10.15 Borrisokane MP

11.30 Cloughjordan HC

Sunday 29^th May – Easter 6

No Service in Ballingarry

10.15 Templeharry HC

10.15 Borrisokane MP

11.30 Cloughjordan MP

Sunday 5^th June – Easter 7 / Sunday after Ascension

9am Borrisnafarney HC

10am Ballingarry MP

10.15 Borrisokane HC

11.30 Cloughjordan HC

Templeharry Church - Public access

2011-04-22T13:54:00.002+01:00

I am getting a lot of requests for access to Templeharry Church, the church where President Barack Obama's Irish ancestors worshipped. The church is currently undergoing a 'facelift' in preparation for the Presidential visit and is not open to the public. However when the works are completed an arrangement for access will be put in place and will be posted here. In the meantime please direct all enquiries to the rector, Canon Stephen Neill email: stephen.neill@gmail.com

Easter General Vestries

2011-04-01T12:42:00.002+01:00

Easter General Vestries - All parishioners welcome
Mon 11th April 8.30pm Borrisnafarney (Moneygall Hall)
Wed 13th April 8pm Cloughjordan & Ballingarry (Cloughjordan Church)
Thur 14th April 8pm Borrisokane (Borrisokane Hall)

Newsletter April 3rd – Mothering Sunday

2011-04-01T12:19:00.004+01:00

Newsletter April 3rd – Mothering Sunday

Services

Sunday 10^th April – Lent 5

9am Ballingarry HC

10.15 Borrisnafarney HC

10.15 Borrisokane MP

11.30 Cloughjordan HC/Baptism/Family Service

Sunday 17^th April – Lent 6 Palm Sunday

10am Ballingarry MP

10.15 Borrisnafarney MP & Family Service

10.15 Borrisokane HC & Family Service

11.30 Cloughjordan MP & Family Service

Holy Week:

Tuesday Borrisnafarney 8pm

Wednesday Borrisokane 8pm

Holy Thursday Cloughjordan C of I (Joint Service with Methodist Community) 8pm

Good Friday Cloughjordan Way of Cross – 6.30pm

Easter Eve Ballingarry 8.30pm

24^th April: Easter Day

9am Borrisnafarney HC

10.15 Borrisokane HC

11.30 Cloughjordan HC

1^st May – Easter 2 Low Sunday

10.15 Borrisokane MP

11.30 Cloughjordan MP

Baptisms

I am happy to report that the steady stream of baptisms continues – In recent weeks among those baptised were:

Gavin Derick Chadwick, son of Derick & Yvonne of Foxboro, Cloughjordan;

Jessica Angel Joy Carter, daughter of David & Jennifer of Rodeen, Borrisokane;

Jack William Cavanagh, son of John & Diane of Templemore Rd, Cloughjordan;

Naomi Jane Larke, daughter of Gordon & Rachel of Crotta, Borrisokane

To all these babies and their parents we wish God’s blessing for the future.

Today we welcome baby Brooke Cassandra Kenny, daughter to Graham & Sandi of Ballingarry into the family of God in Holy Baptism. May she know God’s blessing throughout her life.

Confirmation 2011

The Bishop has decided that all Confirmations this year are to take place in the Cathedrals. The date for Killaloe is 12^th June at 11am. Would all those interested in being confirmed this year please contact the rector as soon as possible so that classes can be shedueled. Next year the Bishop will do Confirmations in parishes where there are greater than 3 candidates. I have had a very small response to this request – Would those who have contacted me already please confirm they are going ahead this year as it looks like being as few as 3 candidates which is not a problem but I want to be sure who is going forward before arranging the first class

USPG

Thanks to all those who supported the recent USPG Sunday in Cloughjordan – It was most inspiring to have Jan and Linda with us to share of their experiences in Swaziland. We look forward to deepening this link in the years ahead and I as rector to visiting Swaziland later this month. I want to especially thank parishioners and friends and colleagues throughout the diocese for their generous donations on the plate on our USPG Sunday and also for the personal sponsorship for my trip which has now raised double the amount required which will mean I can bring a sizeable donation with me to our mission partners on the ground. It is so encouraging to see such generosity in times when so many people are in financial difficulty.

Safeguarding Trust

Thanks to Rev’d Lesley Robinson of Roscrea for providing training for our leaders and panel members recently in Cloughjordan. It was great to see so many people turn out for the training and it is a positive reflection of the importance we as a church put on the welfare of our children and vulnerable adults.

Mothers Union

The Mothers Union concluded their 2010-2011 season with a Eucharist marking the Annunciation. Afterwards a most enjoyable time was spent over lunch in the Tipperary Inn hosted by proprietors and parishioners John & Liz Cromer. Many thanks to the members of our Mothers Union for their support in so many areas of parish life. The rector would also like to thank the members for treating him to lunch once again.

Lenten Study Group

This year we are looking at the CMS Discover DVD series which looks at the Biblical roots of Mission – It has been a useful backdrop to our new engagement with USPG in Swaziland. It meets in the Rectory at 8pm this Tuesday night.

Concert

Wednesday 6^th April – 8pm - Engegard Quartet in St. Kieran’s Church, Cloughjordan – sponsored by the Arts Council – Tickets €15 / Concessions €10 Enquiries and bookings: 0505-42123

Welcome Mr President

As you will be aware our parish is expecting a rather special visitor in the near future. It is almost 4 years since the link between Moneygall & Barack Obama was uncovered and it is hugely exciting that 4 years of hope and anticipation are now coming to fruition. Even though the visit is still at least 6 weeks away preparations are already underway. Dulux paints has offered to paint not only the whole village of Moneygall but also Templeharry Church which is the ancestral place of worship of President Obama’s maternal ancestors. National and International media are descending on the village on a daily basis and satellite trucks are a familiar sight on the streets. However what is most important is the fact that an inspirational world leader has seen value in visiting our shores. He has seen something in us that is worth a closer look. For too long we have beaten ourselves up about our hopeless economic situation. It is time for our country to put the best foot forward and start believing in itself again. The transformative power of Hope is central to our Christian faith and we in this parish are very privileged to be at the centre of an event that just may mark a turning point for this land of ours. Our good fortune is something we want to share far and wide and we hope and pray that the forthcoming presidential visit may be a blessing to us all.

Newsletter 6th March 2011

2011-03-04T10:39:00.001Z

Services

Sunday 6th March - Sunday before Lent
10am Ballingarry MP
9am Borrisnafarney HC
10.15 Borrisokane HC FS & Baptism
11.30 Cloughjordan HC & Baptism (Preacher: Canon Myrtle Langley)

Ash Wednesday – 9th March
11am Cloughjordan HC
8pm Borrisokane HC

Sunday 13th March – Lent 1
9am Ballingarry HC
10.15 Borrisnafarney HC
10.15 Borrisokane MP
11.30 Cloughjordan HC

Sunday 20th March – Lent 2
10am Ballingarry MP
10.15 Borrisnafarney MP
10.15 Borrisokane HC/Family Service
11.30 Cloughjordan MP/Baptism/Family Service

Sunday 27th March – Lent 3
9am Ballingarry MP
10.15 Borrisnafarney MP
10.15 Borrisokane MP
11.30 Cloughjordan HC

Sunday 3rd April – Lent 4 – Mothering Sunday
9am Ballingarry MP & Baptism / Family Service
10.15 Borrisnafarney MP / Family Service
10.15 Borrisokane HC/Family Service
11.30 Cloughjordan MP/Baptism/Family Service

Baptisms:
Most recently was the baptism of Sofiya Maria Percy a daughter to David & Olena who was baptised on 13th February in St. Kieran’s Cloughjordan – It was a first for our parish in that Sofiya’s mum Olena is Russian and of the Orthodox tradition. Incorporated into the baptism service was an element of the Orthodox baptismal liturgy, the blessing of a cross which was put around Sofiya’s neck during the liturgy. Throughout history there have always been very strong bonds of affection between the Anglican & Orthodox traditions and it is a joy to see this demonstrated so tangibly in the baptism of Sofiya Maria.
This Sunday there are no less than 2 baptisms! In Borrisokane Jessica Angel Joy Carter daughter of David & Jennifer Carter will be baptised and in Cloughjordan, Lily Amelie Culbert, daughter of Mervyn & Andrea is to be baptised. We wish all the newly baptised and those who are to be baptised in the next few weeks every blessing in their lives.

Confirmation 2011
The Bishop has decided that all Confirmations this year are to take place in the Cathedrals. The date for Killaloe is 12th June at 11am. Would all those interested in being confirmed this year please contact the rector as soon as possible so that classes can be shedueled. Next year the Bishop will do Confirmations in parishes where there are greater than 3 candidates.

Canon Myrtle Langley:
Today we welcome Canon Myrtle Langley (Originally of Cloughjordan) who will be the celebrant and preacher at the 11.30 Eucharist in St. Kieran’s Cloughjordan. Canon Myrtle has many friends in the parish and I know she is looking forward to her visit as are we.

Repairs and Improvements:
The recent bad weather caused a lot of damage in various parish properties, especially the halls in Borrisokane and Cloughjordan and Borrisokane tower and the rector would like to thank all those who voluntarily gave their time to make running repairs to keep our parochial and community activities going. In Borrisokane special thanks are due to Cyril Harding, Reggie Neill, Wilfred Stanley and in Cloughjordan to Des Larke, Norman Carter & George Whiteford .Special thanks are also due to Tom Donovan who did some major building works at the hall in Borrisokane and donated the cost of his labour to the rector’s Swaziland appeal. If I have forgotten anyone please forgive me.

Send Stephen to Swaziland!

2011-02-05T10:00:00.002Z

If you are interested in this USPG project which the rector will be visiting after Easter please click here: http://sendstephentoswaziland.blogspot.com/

There is also an opportunity to make a donation on the website.

Newslink Notes for February 2011

2011-02-05T09:58:00.001Z

Births – There is definitely something in the water!

Congratulations to the following on their new arrivals:

Ms Louise Cromer (One of our parish school teachers) and her husband Marty on the birth of a baby boy, Calum on the night of the School Concert no less!

Andrea & Mervyn Culbert on the birth of Lily Amilee

Diane Clarke and John Cavanagh on the birth of Jack

Jennifer and Dave Carter on the birth of baby Jessica

Rachel & Gordon Larke on the birth of Naomi

Sandi & Graham Kenny on the birth of Brooke

David Percy & Olena Balaka on the birth of Sofiya Maria

Baptisms

On Sunday 23^rd January Lily Noelle McLoughney, daughter of Michael & Karen McLoughney was baptised in St. Kieran’s Church, Cloughjordan

Engagement: Congratulations to Adrian Donovan and Charlotte Thom on their recent engagement during the festive season

Wedding

Congratulations to Victor Goulding of Cloughjordan who was married to Eileen Shanahan of Borrisoleigh in Ileigh Church, Borrisolea on Saturday 22^nd January 2011. We wish them every happiness in their marriage.

Mission Link with USPG in Swaziland

Parishioners will be aware that we are having a visit in February from USPG Ireland representatives, Linda Chambers & Jan de Bruijn. They will be telling us about the agency’s work in Swaziland which is the entire focus of USPG Ireland’s work at this time. Recently the rector and Mr John Chadwick (Parish Mission Rep) attended a meeting with USPG Sudan missionaries, Andrew & Rosemary Symonds who are heading back to Swaziland shortly. They presented a very moving and challenging account of the issues they face in their daily work.

Also recently the rector has been appointed to the Board of USPG Ireland and will be part of a delegation travelling to Swaziland after Easter. (More details in next issue). The visit from Linda & Jan takes place on Sunday 27^th February and on that day there will be only one service in the entire group at 11am in Cloughjordan. During and after the service there will be a presentation by Linda and Jan and an opportunity to become familiar with this link which we hope will be fruitful for both Swaziland and our parish. There will also be a famine lunch (Soup and rolls) for all the congreagation. Please bring a donation in lieu of lunch.

Sun 9th Jan 9am Ballingarry Cancelled!!

2011-01-09T08:24:00.002Z

Service cancelled due to icy roads!

Dates for Diary

2011-01-08T10:14:00.000Z

Thursday 20^th Jan uary 8pm Ballingarry Hall – Rector’s Surprise

Wednesday 26^th January Moneygall – Borrisnafarney/Templeharry Select Vestry

From the Rector - Proposed Mission Link

2011-01-08T10:11:00.000Z

From the Rector:

Proposed Parish Mission Link

Dear Parishioners,

You will recall that on Mission Sunday the Bishop asked all parishes in the diocese who do not currently have a Mission Partnership to establish one as soon as possible through the various missionary ages. These links are an important reminder that Mission is an essential part of our Ministry as a Church and they unite us across the globe with Christians in other regions who in very difficult circumstances are trying to witness to God’s Love and compassion for all people.

Previously we enjoyed a link through CMS with the Sudan and the people of Sudan are particularly in our prayers today as the Primate, Archbishop Alan Harper, has asked that on this Sunday January 9^th in advance of Sudan’s National Referendum on Independence we uphold the people of Sudan in prayer.

However our CMS link has come to an end and we are without an active link. So where next? Many of you will have heard Amy Hanna preach at Borrisnafarney Harvest of her experiences in the Sudan with USPG. That presentation struck a chord with many of us and the Sudan link is one of those suggested by our diocesan Board of Mission. Next week, on Wednesday night, I along with Mr John Chadwick (Parish Mission rep to Diocese) am attending a meeting in Adare at which the USPG Sudan missionaries, Andrew & Rosemary Symonds will be speaking. There is a place for a 2^nd parish Mission rep if anyone is interested (Contact me ASAP). Coincidentally in the meantime I have been appointed as a member of the National Board of Directors of USPG Ireland and therefore am becoming more familiar with the workings of the agency. I am hugely impressed with their work and have invited Linda Chambers, National Director of USPG Ireland to speak to us in the parish on Sunday 27^th February. I would be very hopeful that this will be the beginning of a very fruitful partnership and ask for your prayers and support as we consider as a parish this Missionary partnership.

Stephen

Newsletter 5th December 2010

2010-12-14T10:58:00.000Z

From the Rector:

It seems very early to be wishing you all a very Happy Christmas as we celebrate only the 2^nd Sunday in Advent but an essential part of making Christmas a happy time is the preparation. As you prepare for Christmas may the Good News of Jesus Christ lift you and each one of us above the doom and gloom that seems to surround us at this time. Our faith is one which should never surrender to the Spirit of the Age but always challenge the Status Quo. It was Christians who first treated slaves as human beings and refused to accept the so called values of the day. Today, much has changed but we are still called to be counter-cultural. When we are surrounded by so much despair and hopelessness let us live up to our calling and proclaim Love, Joy, Peace & Hope and so transform this world in which we are called to be agents of God’s transforming Love and generosity. That is the best preparation that we can make for the coming of Christ at Christmas and his continuing presence in our lives.

And so I wish you all a Happy and a HOPEFUL Christmas.

Stephen

December/January Services

Sunday 12^th December – Advent 3

10.15 Borrisnafarney HC

10.15 Borrisokane MP

11.30 Cloughjordan HC

7.30pm ICA Ecumenical Carols: Ballingarry C of I - All welcome

Thursday 16^th December: Ecumenical Carols in Borrisokane C of I at 7.30pm – All Welcome

Sunday 19thth December – Advent 4

9am Ballingarry HC

10.15 Borrisnafarney Carol Service

10.15 Borrisokane MP & Carols

11.30 Cloughjordan Children’s Carol Service

Christmas Eve: Ballingarry 8.30pm HC

Christmas Day:

Borrisnafarney 9am HC

Borrisokane 10.15 HC

Cloughjordan 11.30 HC

St Stephen’s Day: Cloughjordan 11.30 HC

New Year’s Day 2011: Borrisokane 11am HC

Sunday 2^nd January 2011

10am Ballingarry MP

9am Borrisnafarney HC

10.15 Borrisokane MP

11.30 Cloughjordan HC

Sunday 9^th January 2011

9am Ballingarry HC

10.15 Borrisnafarney HC

10.15 Borrisokane MP

11.30 Cloughjordan MP

Sunday 16^th January 2011

10am Ballingarry MP

10.15 Borrisnafarney MP

10.15 Borrisokane HC

11.30 Cloughjordan HC

Sympathy:

To the Armitage family of Towra, Cloughjordan on the sudden and tragic death of Leslie Armitage in a motor accident in New Zealand. To Herbert & Helen his parents and Deirdre his sister and all the extended family we extend our condolences and assurance of our prayerful support at this difficult time. Leslie was a student in our parish school in Cloughjordan and then in Borrisokane Community College from where he went to 3^rd level at Gurteen & Waterford respectively. A gifted musician and full of energy and fun he will be sorely missed by friends and family alike.

We also extend our sympathy to Maud Powell of Toomevara on the recent death of her sister in Dublin

Dates for Diary

Borrisnafarney/Templeharry SV: Wednesday 15^th December at 8pm in Moneygall

Cloughjordan NS1 Christmas Concert: Friday 17^th December at 7.30 – St. Kieran’s Hall

Newsletter 10th October 2010

2010-10-14T12:06:00.001+01:00

Newsletter for Sunday 10^th October – Trinity 19

Sunday 17^th October – Trinity 20

10am Ballingarry MP

10.15 Borrisnafarney MP

10.15 Borrisokane MP

11.30 Cloughjordan MP

Saturday 23^rd October

8pm Cloughjordan EP

Sunday 24^th October – 5^th before Advent

10.15 Borrisnafarney MP

10.15 Borrisokane MP

Sunday 31^st October – 4^th before Advent

10am Ballingarry MP

10.15 Borrisnafarney MP

10.15 Borrisokane MP

11.30 Cloughjordan MP

Sunday 7^th November – 3^rd before Advent

10am Ballingarry MP

9am Borrisnafarney HC

10.15 Borrisokane HC

11.30 Cloughjordan HC

A MUSICAL TREAT IN STORE: Piano quartet Cappa Ensemble performs Monday, 1 November, 8pm at St Kieran’s Church of Ireland, Cloughjordan. The exceptional Cappa Ensemble is a quartet of outstanding young artists from Ireland, Poland and the UK, including two former winners of the Camerata Ireland Young Musician of the Year award, Michael McHale and Brian O’Kane. Performing works by Mozart, Walton, Schumann and contemporary Irish composer Elaine Agnew, Cappa Ensemble will perform at St. Kieran’s Church of Ireland, Cloughjordan on Monday 1st November at 8 PM. This concert is promoted by Music Network, which is funded by the Arts Council, and the Cloughjordan Community Development Committee (CCDC). Music Network tours provide a wonderful opportunity to see some of the world’s foremost music ensembles at affordable prices in venues around Ireland and are presented in association with RTÉ lyric fm. Any profits from the evening will support the work of the Cloughjordan Community Development Committee. Visit www.cloughjordan.ie to learn more. Tickets are €12/€10 and are available from Austin’s Centra or Sheelagh na Gig bookshop in Cloughjordan. For Laser bookings, ring Sheelagh na Gig bookshop on 0505 42123 Tue-Sun. There is a 30c booking charge per Laser transaction.

Borrisnafarney/Templeharry Harvest Dance

Friday 5^th November 9.30 – 12.30

Music by Brian McDermott

€10 including light refreshments

Tickets from parishioners

Cloughjordan Autumn Fayre: Sunday afternoon 24th October 2-6pm – Fun and
bargins for all the family.

Bishop visits Parish School
Friday 1^st of October was another special day in the life of our parish school. We were delighted that the Bishop was once again able to be with us as we marked the occasion of the recent refurbishment of the school. The Bishop led the short rededication service and spoke to all the children, reminding them that beautiful and all as is their ‘new school’, the most precious things in that school are the children themselves.

Thanks to the PTA who provided a feast of tray bakes which were enjoyed by all who attended. If you look at this weeks Nenagh Guardian you will see a couple of pictures of the celebrations.

Newsletter 22nd August 2010

2010-08-20T16:35:00.002+01:00

Newsletter August 22^nd 2010 12^th after Trinity

Services

Sunday 29th August

10.15 Borrisokane HC

11.30 Cloughjordan MP & Holy Baptism

Sunday 5th September

10am Ballingarry MP

9am Borrisnafarney HC

10.15 Borrisokane MP

11.30 Cloughjordan HC

Sunday 12th September

9am Ballingarry HC

10.15 Borrisnafarney HC

10.15 Borrisokane MP

11.30 Cloughjordan HC

Sunday 19th September

10am Ballingarry MP

10.15 Borrisnafarney MP

10.15 Borrisokane HC

11.30 Cloughjordan MP

Baptisms:

Tis the season to baptise or so it would seem!

This Sunday Kyle Dylan Chadwick, son of Cecil & Fiona Chadwick of Foxburrow, Cloughjordan is to be baptised in Templeharry Church.

Next Sunday, Joshua Joseph Whiteford, son of Edwin & Caroline Whiteford of Islandwood, Cloughjordan is to be baptised in St. Kieran’s Church, Cloughjordan & also on that day Ben Parker, son of Christian Parker & Kirsten Bayly-Parker is to be baptised in Borrisnafarney.

To all these children and their parents we pray God’s blessing in their lives.

Wedding Bells

Best wishes to Caroline Kenny & John Bourke who are to be married in Ballingarry Church on Saturday 4^th September. We wish them both every blessing in their future together.

Congratulations to John Chadwick of Cullenwaine on his recent engagement to Joyce Blackwell of Aghancon. The happy couple plan to wed next summer and we wish them every joy in their life together.

Leaving Certs

Well done to all those who recently got their exam results. We pray for those who now face important decisions as to their future in education or work. Whatever they choose we pray that they may be fulfilled in it.

Borrisnafarney/Templeharry Car Treasure Hunt – Sunday 15^th August

Many thanks to Iris Hayes for organizing a very enjoyable and challenging event. On what was the hottest day of the year we spent a very pleasant afternoon deciphering the clues on the roads around Moneygall, Dunkerrin, Barna, Cloughjordan & Emmel and nobody got lost or dented in the process. Thanks are due also to Grace Healy and helpers for organizing the tea for the participants afterwards. While the turnout was small we hope to run a similar event next year and perhaps attract a few more participants.

Future Events

Borrisnafarney/Templeharry Timber/Fuel/Fodder Auction – Saturday 9^th October at 2pm

Cloughjordan Family Fun Day postponed until Sunday afternoon, 24^th October

Borrisnafarney/Templeharry Halloween Supper Dance – Friday 5^th November

Mission Possible

Anyone interested in an afternoon workshop on Parish Mission Partnerships to be held in Woodlands Hotel, Adare on Sunday 12^th September 3.30-6pm. Please contact the rector as soon as possible if interested. This is being organized by the bishop and he is looking for 2 reps from each parish. The event will be facilitated by Rev’d Paul Hoey of the Church of Ireland Central Board of Mission.

Newsletter 25th July 2010

2010-07-23T11:37:00.001+01:00

Newsletter July 25th 2010 8th after Trinity

Services

Sunday 1st August
10am Ballingarry MP
9am Borrisnafarney HC
10.15 Borrisokane MP
11.30 Cloughjordan MP

Sunday 8th August
9am Ballingarry HC
10.15 Borrisnafarney HC
10.15 Borrisokane MP
11.30 Cloughjordan HC

Sunday 15th August
10am Ballingarry MP
10.15 Templeharry MP
10.15 Borrisokane HC
11.30 Cloughjordan MP

Sunday 22nd August
9am Ballingarry HC
10.15 Borrisnafarney MP
10.15 Borrisokane MP
11.30 Cloughjordan HC

Wedding Bells
Best wishes to Cathy George & Jason Graham of Cloughjordan who will be married in St. Patrick’s Church Dalkey on Friday 30th July. We wish them every happiness in their married life together.

Anne Armitage
The whole community of the Cloughjordan area were very saddened to hear of the death of Anne Armitage after a short illness. Anne was known to so many through her involvement in the family shop that she and John ran together for so many years and her shared love of music with John that brought them both into contact with people from near and far. She was always willing to help us in Cloughjordan when we needed an organist at short notice and was a warm and generous hearted person who will be missed by us all. We extend our sympathy to her husband John, their children Stephanie, Michelle, Philip & Malcolm & her brother West.

CONFIRMATION 2010 – Thanks to all who helped in the preparations for our parish Confirmation service on July 4th last. It was a tremendous occasion and it was a huge pleasure to have our bishop and his wife Joyce with us for the occasion. Those confirmed were: Richard Carter, Emma Cavanagh, Rebecca Donaldson, Cliona England, Ciara Harding, Pamela Harding, Emma Mooney, Michelle O’Brien, Kerri O’Brien, Michael O’Brien, Rebecca Whelan & Sophie Whelan

Moneygall Summer Sale
Great support as always for this popular event. To date approximately €2,700 has been raised but monies are still coming in and late contributions always welcome. Thanks to all the stallholders and those who supported the event and donated raffle and auction items.

Future Events

Borrisnafarney/Templeharry Car Treasure Hunt – Sunday 15th August

Borrisnafarney/Templeharry Timber/Fuel/Fodder Auction – Saturday 9th October at 2pm

Borrisnafarney/Templeharry Halloween Supper Dance – Friday 5th November

Cloughjordan Family Fun Day Sunday 12th September

Want to be on TV?
Celebrity TV Chef Richard Corrigan is filming in Cloughjordan on Friday the 30th
Chef Richard Corrigan will be filming in Cloughjordan on Friday July 30th for his new series, “Corrigan Cooks Naturally”.
He will be interviewing different local producers throughout the day culminating with him cooking a meal for the community using produce from the local area and the Cloughjordan Community Farm.
Richard will be cooking outdoors on Cloughjordan Community Farm and everyone is invited to attend.
People are asked to arrive from 3.00pm for filming at 4pm.
Cloughjordan Community Farm
Garraun Lane, Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary
Details HERE
Email: info@cloughjordancommunityfarm.ie

Notices April 2010

2010-04-23T17:31:00.001+01:00

CONFIRMATION 2010: UPDATE - 4th July 11am in either Cloughjordan or Borrisokane

Bereavements:
Billy Cavanagh of Modreeny, died on Sunday 21st March at home following a long illness borne with huge
courage and dignity. We extend our sympathy to his beloved wife Eileen and their children, Willie, Dorothy, John, Karen, Diana, Hazel, Rachel & Emma. Also sympathy to his brother Ken & sister Marilyn and all the
extended family. Billy was known far and wide through his passion for motorsport and table tennis, both of which he excelled at, but it is as a husband father & friend he will be most sorely missed. He fought hard to stay with the family he loved so much and they him and we pray comfort and strength for his family as they come to terms with their loss. His funeral on Wednesday 24th March in St. Kieran’s Church was attended by a huge crowd from near and far and a guard of honour was provided by the Midlands Table Tennis League and the Birr Motor club with a convoy of rally cars leading the funeral to Modreeny for the burial.
Donations in excess of €3000 were given at the funeral to Milford hospice who provided vital support to Billy and the family.

GFS Service & Prizegiving: It was a delight to have the Bishop and his
wife with us in Borrisokane on Saturday 20th March for the Annual
Diocesan GFS Service & Prizegiving. An excellent service was arranged
and led by Canon Marie Rowley-Brook, the GFS diocesan chaplain and the
leaders and members of Borrisokane branch provided tremendous
hospitality for all the visiting girls and their families. Standards
in the various competitions were high as ever and reflect the huge
talent that is being nurtured by the GFS. As the bishop said on the
day we owe a huge debt to our GFS leaders who give so much time and
energy for these young people. Well done to all involved.

Notices Christmas 09

2009-12-18T17:08:00.002Z

Dates for the Diary:
Monday 21st December @ 7.30pm: Cloughjordan No.1 N.S. Christmas Carol
Service in St. Kieran’s, Cloughjordan

Tuesday 22nd December @ 6pm: Christmas carol singing at Bushy Park Nursing Home

Tuesday 29th December: Charity Dance in St. Kieran’s Hall, Cloughjordan

Saturday 2nd January: Borrisokane Parish Social Club Bowling in Limerick – FunWorld, Ennis Rd
3-5pm.Travel will be by car and we will try to share lifts as much as possible.
Names to rector ASAP via phone/text 087-2328172 or email stephen.neill@gmail.com All ages welcome.

Monday 11th January @ 8pm: Mothers Union: Rector’s Surprise (Venue to
be confirmed)

A Christmas Though – From the Rector
It strikes me that we are entering this Christmas season in a good degree of turmoil. We await the GOOD NEWS of Jesus’ birth amid a period of very bad news. We have taken a severe battering economically and there is more to come – Our brothers and sisters in faith are enduring a very painful time and because we care about them it affects us too. The nation is at a low ebb and it is hard for many people to feel the joy that they expect with this season. And yet perhaps we are better equipped in this context to really experience what Christmas is about. Christmas is about Transformation. Through the Incarnation God has put new possibility and new potential in our lives. The message proclaimed by his coming to earth in the form of a baby is that God has made this world Holy and turned the standards and rules of the world upside down. It is not mighty armies and money that rule the world but Love made known to us in the fragile beauty of a newborn child. We are living proof of the power of that message – a message that proclaims that all things are possible with God and no matter how dark the day the Sun will rise again. Jesus the True Light has come into the World! Hallelujah!

The Salvation Army - Changing with the times!

2009-12-18T16:24:00.000Z

Wow! Saw these girls outside Rockerfeller Center in New York last week - As you can imagine I had to make a generous donation after this :)

Sermon for Advent 2 - The Sunday after..........

2009-12-06T13:28:00.001Z

I dreaded this morning - I knew that the parish had been thrown into turmoil by my words on the Murphy Report. But I underestimated the generosity and love of my parishioners - I should have known better - I am blessed indeed to have so many great people in our church and in all the churches in this area. It has been a hellish week but at the end of it I feel that despite all the hurt and all the pain it was the right thing to do. Here is my sermon as delivered today:

Sermon – Advent 2 2009

Friends – This will not be a normal sermon – Indeed it is probably not a sermon at all but I owe it to you to explain myself for my statement on the Murphy report and all that followed last week.

I am painfully aware that I have upset and hurt some members of the RC community by my remarks on the report. I have written to Bishop Walsh and his clergy to apologize. That letter is to be carried in next weeks Guardian.
I also embarrassed and upset some of you. I have no idea how many and who, apart from those who have spoken to me, and among those who have come forward it has been a quite mixed response.

However those who are hurt and embarrassed are clearly deeply so and that is a source of huge regret to me. To you I apologize without reservation – It was never my intention but that may be cold comfort at this time. I do hope that with time the hurt will fade but that is something largely beyond my control. I actually seriously considered resigning in the last couple of days such was my distress at the results of my actions last week. I had some very kind calls and messages from a number of people from all sides of the community and only for them I would not be here today. Some were from Survivors of abuse, and they were I think what tipped the balance. And along with this some very hurtful things were said to me by people I consider friends, and I know that a lot of this is rooted in anger and hurt and the heat of the moment, but I like each one of you am human and not without feelings and sensitivity.
Yes I brought it on myself – no argument - Some here may think I deserve it and more? – None of you asked me to raise my head above the parapet and perhaps as some have suggested I would be better off keeping quiet.

Rightly or wrongly that’s not who I am – It never was and I don’t think it ever will be, even after all the horrible aftermath of the last week! It was keeping quiet that allowed children to be brutalized and so many lives destroyed.
Many have said it was not my place – Well whose place is it to speak up for children if it isn’t those of us who call ourselves Christian? Let me remind you what Jesus has to say:
“If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea” Mark 9:42

Biblical scholars are united in the belief that Jesus is here talking about either little children or young believers. Either way it is not in the least ambiguous. I am no fundamentalist but that is pretty straightforward. Children are children and abuse is abuse – it doesn’t matter what denomination they are. As Christians we are all responsible for ‘these little ones’

And the Murphy report is not just history – If it was I probably would have remained silent. When I read it, and I did read a large amount of it – I am still reading it – I saw a situation where there is ongoing non-cooperation with the State in child protection by certain individuals in a sister church at the highest level. I read of an explanation of how a lie is not a lie and how it is alright to cover up abusers for the sake of the church. I read of people still in office today who fundamentally failed the children in their care and who those children must still witness today in office without consequence for their failures And I asked serious questions about the whole area of compulsory celibacy because there has to be a reason why statistically there have been so many priest abusers in our sister church compared to other churches and may still be as yet undiscovered.

Yes we have had abusers in our church and while at a lower level it happens and is none the less devastating – And incidentally we all of us have a duty of care if we have any concerns to raise them with the relevant state authorities. If there is anything that can be done to minimize this risk then it should be investigated not simply brushed under the carpet as a subject forbidden to discuss. That is not a luxury any church has – we are all answerable to the law.

That is why I raised the thorny subject of compulsory celibacy. Where children are at risk there is no room for polite tip-toeing around each other. I am sorry for the pain I caused to those who least deserve it but it is nothing to the pain of those who have been brutalized by those who were supposed to be their spiritual guides and protectors and who may be abused in the future. All the child protection legislation is no guarantee of absolute safety. This world is not a safe place but we have a duty as Christians and following the instruction of Jesus to do our very best for ‘these little ones’

I didn’t make my statement to build a platform for myself as somebody suggested to me – indeed my biggest regret in all of this is that I have become a distraction from the important issue of the Survivors – We cannot afford the indulgence of turning this incident into an inter-church war – That would only further diminish these little ones who are our primary responsibility. I am going to read a poem that was sent to me directly this week by a survivor of Artane in Dublin:
A Survivor Responds
Dedicated to every abused adult (where-ever) whose childhood was stolen & to pray there is never another child who becomes another token of this horrible crime.

“The Story of me and Many More, A Child after the before”
I am the sky- whose cloak will not blue
I am the sea- whose tide will not turn
I am the moon- whose silver will not hue
I am the sun- whose orange will not burn
I am the day- whose light will not bright
I am the night- whose darkness will not light
I am the tree- whose root is dead
I am the flower- without a head
I am the fish- whose fins will not breathe
I am the bird- who will not eat seed

I am the scab- that just will not heal
I am the neural- that just cannot feel
I am a smile - that remains frozen
I am a choice- that was never chosen
I am a year — without a season
I am a reason - without a reason
I am a whisper - that cannot vibrate
I am a scream - that cannot migrate
I am a prison - whose cell will not open
I am the cell - where space is so choking

I am a house - that has no foundation
I am a country - without a nation
I am the hell - that is in my centre
I am the heaven — that has no banter
I am Christmas - without its infant
I am a gift box - without its present
I am the present — that is now past
I am the past - that is now present
I am a heart - without a soul
I am the secret - never told
I was lost - and still not found
I was frightened - no solace around
I am a curse - no man can swear
I am the abused - no one was there
I done no crime -1 served a dictum
I done no wrong — I am a victim
I was the wrong - that was never right
I was defenceless -1 could not fight
I was that child - who was un-nurtured
I am the man- that still is tortured

(To the Lucky ones who escaped this ordeal)
I am a child abused- a man confused
Just one of many- that were used
To you all - who escaped this ordeal?
If you were I -that is how it would feel?
To be a CHILD ABUSED

I was a Child once like many more
Then someone came and closed that Door
Since then I just gave up hoping
That it would ever again open
You SEE I am a CHILD ABUSED.
With a Title I didn’t choose
And when I became that abused child
That was the last day of my “Life”…!!!
Oh yes, to others it seemed like I had life
But inside, I was never really ever, “Alive”!

Footprint
I somehow still believe there is a God
But ask over & over "Where the Hell he was"?
When I was a child being "Abused"!
Like so many others being "Abused"!

.........................................

Friends,

I am the parent of a child who will be forever vulnerable,

The parent of a child who will always be a child.

The parent of a child who will one day be alone in this world when Nicola and I are dead and gone

A child who may one day be in the care of those I will never meet

And if so, I hope there are people there who will speak and act without looking over their shoulder to protect him and others like him. I may not be able to help my son then but I make no apology for speaking for others who were and are the most treasured gift that any of us can ever receive – a child.

Notices November 2009

2009-11-27T16:42:00.002Z

Dates for the Diary:

Wednesday 2nd December – Ladies Night – JUST FOR YOU – In aid of Nenagh Mental Health Association
Abbey Court 8pm – Flowers Fashions Diamonds Beauty €10 – Contact Elaine Harding at 087-6680070

Friday 11th December @ 8.15pm: Borrisokane Christmas Whist Drive
PRIZES WANTED

Sunday 13th December at 6.30pm Ballingarry ICA Ecumenical Carol
Service @ The Pike Roman Catholic Church

Monday 14th December @ 8.15: Ballingarry Christmas Whist Drive

Wednesday 16th December 1pm: Senior Citizens Ecumenical Christmas
Service & Dinner @ GAA Complex, Cloughjordan

Monday 21st December @ 7.30pm: Cloughjordan No.1 N.S. Christmas Carol
Service in St. Kieran’s, Cloughjordan

Tuesday 22nd December @ 6pm: Christmas carol singing at Bushy Park Nursing Home

Thursday 24th December @ 8.30pm Christmas Eve Eucharist in Ballingarry

Christmas Day Services: Borrisnafarney 9am, Borrisokane 10.15,
Cloughjordan 11.30 (All Eucharists)

Tuesday 29th December: Charity Dance in St. Kieran’s Hall, Cloughjordan

Saturday 2nd January: Borrisokane Social Club Bowling in Limerick
3-5pm (To be confirmed)

Monday 11th January @ 8pm: Mothers Union: Rector’s Surprise (Venue to
be confirmed)

Recent Notices - October 09

2009-11-03T11:40:00.001Z

Baptism: On Sunday 27th September we welcomed Abigail Sarah Kenny,
daughter of Graham and Sandie and sister of Scott of Ballingarry into
the fellowship of the Church. We wish her every blessing in the
future.

Congratulations: to Rev’d Vicki Lynch on her Ordination to the
Diaconate in St. Columba’s Church, Ennis on Saturday 17th October. The
service was a very creative combination of old and new with
multimedia/live band music provided by ‘Theophany Cacophony’ a band
largely made up of Lynch family members. It was a particular pleasure
to see Rev’d Rachel Lewis (now in Wales) returning as preacher. A
great night and thanks are due to Canon Bob Hanna and his parishioners
for the warmth of hospitality extended to all of us who attended from
near and far.

Harvests: Thanks to all who worked so hard to beautify our churches,
provide refreshment at our various harvest services and took part in
the services this year. We entered the season almost in foreboding
following the dismal Summer but thankfully all was well in the end and
the sense of relief made for a very genuine sense of thanksgiving. So
often in life it is only when we nearly loose something that we
appreciate its value.

Celebrate Together 15th November

2009-11-03T11:34:00.001Z

CELEBRATE TOGETHER (MISSION SUNDAY EVENT)

in St. Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick & also the Gael Scoil & Limerick Civic Offices

A joint initiative of the MU & UDYC

10.30 - 4.30pm

Featuring: Worship, fun, fellowship, Creche, Workshops, Christmas Crafts, Diocesan Saints, Fundraising, National Schools programme, Teenage Programme, Face painting, Rodeo Bull, Gladiator, Bungee Run, Disco, Cafeteria etc etc.

Programme for Day:

10.30 Arrivals – Tea & Coffee in Cathedral

11.15 Morning Worship – Eucharist Part 1(up to Peace)

12.30 Lunch (City Hall)

1.15: Fun together (See above)

3.30 Final Worship (Eucharist Part 2)

MISSION SUNDAY COLLECTION from 1st November will be presented at the service

4.30 Tea/Coffee and Depart

Tasks

1 Collection on 1st November

2 We are asked to Create a Parish Collage representing the ‘Life of our parish’ on A2 sized card with

name of Group/Union to be presented during opening procession

3 Choose a Symbol to represent how our parish participates in Mission

4 Choose a parishioner to be interviewed live during service

(30 seconds talking about why parish chose the symbol)

5 Procession: One person from each church for procession & the Mission Symbol Carrer & Parish clergy

TO REMEMBER:

Bring a packed lunch – drinks will be available

Bring a voluntary Offering (any amount) to cover the costs of the day

Bring one item of non perishable food for distribution to those in need

Sign Sheet in church indicating transport preference (we may hire a bus if sufficient numbers)

Sermon for All Saints 2009

2009-11-03T11:25:00.001Z

Sermon for All Saints 2009

I want to start today with what may sound like an extraordinary statement:
I don’t like Saints!
Does that sound odd on this day of all days - All Saints Day? It may sound heretical to suggest that there is a problem with Saints, but I think Saints rather than inspiring us in our lives of faith can actually be a hindrance to our walk with God.
You might well ask what is the problem with the Saints – Surely people who led godly lives and did heroic deeds of self sacrifice for the sake of their faith should be celebrated and revered as the Church has traditionally done. What about St. Peter and St Paul, or more recent saints such as Mother Teresa or indeed our own St. Brigid or indeed St. Kieran who has a particular association with this group of parishes? Should they not be revered and celebrated. Actually No, I don’t think so or at least not in the way we tend to celebrate the Saints and have done through the ages. We have made of the Saints impossible role models who in the way their lives have been portrayed make us feel inadequate and guilty for our failings. We have attached to them a perfection that Christ himself never demanded of any of his followers. We have turned them from icons to idols always an easy line to cross and one which the Church has continually done through the ages.
There is an almost direct equivalent in today’s celebrity culture though at least in the celebrity culture we are aware of the warts as well as the achievements of our cultural idols. When it comes to Saints things are very different – they are painted in terms of their virtues with little or no account of their vices and yet like all human beings they had their vices….and were all the more human for them.
It is very hard for you and me, mere mortals, to identify with an image of almost sterile perfection.
It is neither realistic or attractive – It may fascinate us but we cannot ultimately relate to it. We really do the Saints a disservice when we portray them in this way. We actually devalue their witness because we dehumanise it and make it impossible for us to aspire to. I am named after St Stephen, traditionally the first Christian Martyr (I don’t aspire to that for one moment) I would love to think I had that courage but I doubt it - but I would love to know more about him – Apart from his Martrydom all that is concrete is that he was one of the first deacons of the Church – There was probably a lot more to St. Stephen, plenty of weaknesses and failings, plenty of idiosyncrasies, but all we tend to think of is a heroic martyrdom.
So one thing is clear, the lives of the Saints as presented and celebrated are heavily edited – all we get are the highlights and like watching the highlights of a great sporting occasion they are no substitute for the real thing. We miss those little seemingly insignificant moments which might actually have allowed us to identify with them.
The other problem with the Saints is that it is all about them! What do I mean by that? Well it is all about their achievements and their witness when it really should be about something or someone else entirely. The stories of the Saints are not about heroic human beings but rather about God’s extraordinary Grace working in them. It is not about them – It is about God! The Saints are not saintly because of any innate virtues but rather because they were open to God and so more perfectly fulfilled their God given potential, a potential in which we all share! How often are we told that we were created in the Divine image? What does that mean? It means surely that we ALL can be Saints of God and it certainly means that we are ALL called to be Saints of God. We all have the potential to mirror something of the Divine in our lives, not the totality but something and that is surely the most extraordinary privelage.
And sometimes it is in our imperfection that God is revealed. One of my favourite and I think most profound lyrics from contemporary music comes from Leonard Cohen and it is this – ‘There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in’.
The wonderful story of our faith is that we are acceptable with all our flaws and imperfections. By becoming incarnate god has sanctified the whole of Creation and revealed in Christ the incredible potential, not just of humanity but of the whole created order. It is not about the Saints but it is about God, a generous God who calls us all to participate in helping this beautiful world achieve its true potential to mirror the glory of God.
Amen.

Sermon for Sunday 19th July 2009

2009-07-18T20:06:00.000+01:00

Sermon for Sunday 19^th July 2009

Gospel: Mark 6: 30-34,53-56

Sometimes there are events in life that bring home to us just what a small planet we live on. Last Wednesday night, I watched the Space Shuttle take off from Cape Canaveral – It is something that fascinates me and also makes me a little uneasy – In the light of 2 shuttle tragedies I am always glad to see the shuttle achieve orbit successfully without disaster striking. You might say that that’s not something particularly remarkable – It’s been happening for over 20 years now – why get excited about it? Well about a quarter of an hour later like stargazers all over Ireland I stood outside our house and watched the clearly visible same shuttle streak across the sky being followed by its now separated fuel tank in the same orbit. Now that was something very special and very powerful. Not only do we share common experiences via television from one side of the world to the other but now human beings can travel from Florida to Ireland in 15 minutes. In other words we are no more distant from people on the other side of the planet than we are from our neighbouring towns and villages.

To me that is almost like getting an insight into how God sees us – we consider ourselves so different and distinct so isolated and in some cases so alone but God sees us all in one sweep of his vision – we are all part of the one picture, all part of the one story. For all our factions and divisions, all our wars and atrocities we are all simultaneously visible and simultaneously loved by God. That I believe is a truth that we cannot stress enough. It may be an obvious truth but we live in a world that displays very little recognition of that truth.

We live in a selfish world – a world where there is enough food and water for everyone and yet people still die of hunger and thirst! A world where there is enough shelter and housing for everyone but people still live in cardboard boxes and sewers. A world where there are enough resources for everyone but the greedy pile them up and store them away for their own security. We live in a world where religious faith of whatever type has lost its outward focus and become self-serving and destructive of others. And of course we live in a world where greed for money has plunged our economies into a state of catastrophe and heightened tensions and divisions in an already stressed society. We are, to borrow a phrase from today’s Gospel: “Like sheep without a shepherd” . We are scared and confused. People are loosing their jobs – there are already signs of antagonism and resentment towards foreign workers – industrial action is on the rise – economic partnership is falling apart and trust is in short supply. Everyone is looking out for themselves and very few people are able to see beyond the troubles that loom large in their own lives.

Simultaneous to all this has been the collapse of trust in Institutional Church, especially in this country in the light of recent scandals and most notably the Ryan report – That and the rise of militant secularism which seeks to purge God from the public sphere of life has left a lot of people without any point of reference in their lives. It is not so much that we live in an immoral society but increasingly an amoral society. We are like sheep without a shepherd.

And the Government response (and let us remember that the Government are not all that different from us – and we put them there), the response has been to commission a soulless report (An Bord Snip) which treats the most vulnerable people in our society as mere statistics and has only served to cause huge anxiety, not all of which may be warranted. Yes it is a financial report but our problems go far deeper than finance and demand a response that at least shows a hint of compassion. When Jesus saw the crowd in today’s Gospel, he must have felt besieged as does many a government minister today but did he give off – did he go and hide – No, we are told “he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.” And not only did he feel compassion but he demonstrated it in his actions in healing the sick who came to him looking for help.

There is a huge contrast between that response and our own minister for health who cynically released the Leas Cross Nursing Home report (containing the most sickening revelations of elder abuse and neglect) on the same day as the An Bord Snip report, obviously hoping it would get buried along with the victims of that shameful chapter in the life of the HSE! That to me is a completely amoral act! It is incomprehensible that anyone could do such a thing and the Minister doesn’t even seem to get it – That is a sign of a very sick society! A society which has lost a point of reference – a society of sheep without a shepherd.

This is a situation that demands a response from people of faith – and we as Christians have a message and a model in the life of Jesus which can transform the helpless situation in which people find themselves. This is a huge responsibility and something which we are called to do if we are truly followers of Jesus and not simply passive members of the church. But to be the people that God calls us to be means preparing ourselves – and the Gospel is very explicit – “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest awhile” Jesus tells the apostles. As the story relates that rest proves elusive but essential nonetheless. Jesus frequently retreats before a period of ministry – we need to do likewise, to be people who reflect as well as people who do. Otherwise our witness is ineffective and lacking in depth – We need to be able to give a good account of the faith that is in us and the God who we believe has created us and desires the best for us and who contrary to popular opinion is not an irrelevance!

But if that is to be the case Christianity needs better headlines than The Holy Stump in Rathkeale, the widely discredited Blasphemy legislation and the latest I heard this week where the newly formed ‘Atheist Ireland’ are calling people to read their Bibles so that they can then discredit and mock its contents.

There is another Story – It’s the Story as God sees it – It is One story and we are all a part of the story - the story of his people, created in Love – we may behave as sheep without a shepherd, we may think we are sheep without a shepherd but like the parable of the Lost Sheep the Shepherd wants only to find us and to bring us home. Just because we think we don’t need the shepherd, just because others tell us there is no shepherd doesn’t make him go away. He is far more more patient and far more forgiving than we can comprehend. It is in him that we find our place in that great story of Love and Forgiveness. It is in him that our lives find meaning and make sense. It is in him that we have Hope that will allow us to see beyond the length of our nose to our neighbour and recognise in that neighbour another creation of God made in God’s image and worthy of our Love and respect. When we can recognise that then we have recovered our true nature. We exist for God and for one another, not for ourselves.

Amen.

Notices 12th July 2009

2009-07-09T15:40:00.002+01:00

Confirmation:

What a delight it was to welcome Bishop Trevor for our

Parish Confirmation Service in Borrisokane on Sunday 21st June. The

Sun shone and the church was packed to the rafters for this joyous

occasion. Those confirmed included: Amy Austin, Conor Austin, Emily

Austin, Mark Culbert, Adam Donaldson, Andrew Foulger, Niall Glynn,

Adrian Hayes, Dean Kelly, Katie Kennedy, Melissa Mooney & Jonathan

Powell. Aaron Neill was confirmed the previous day in a ceremony at

St. Kieran’s Church, Cloughjordan by kind permission of Bishop Trevor

who graciously allowed Aaron’s grandfather to officiate.

NUPTIALS

Congratulations to Sarah Harding & Jamie Donnelly who were married in

Borrisokane on 26th June. We wish them both every happiness in their marriage

Best wishes to George Hayes of Borrisokane & Amanda Love of Donegal

who by the time this newsletter appears will have been married in

Donegal on July 11th.May they be blessed in their married life together.

DEDICATION

Last Sunday (5th July) Keely Hope Tucker, youngest child of Shane &

Christy Tucker was presented before the congregation of St. Kieran’s

Church in Cloughjordan and dedicated to God. After the service the

whole church enjoyed a lovely feast of homemade banana bread and juice

courtesy of the Tucker family. We thank Shane and Christy for this

lovely gesture.

BEREAVEMENTS

Deepest sympathy to the family of the late Alfie Hayes of Ballinakill

who died on Sunday 14th June after a short illness. We think

especially of his wife Iris and their children, Belinda, Alison,

Wanda, Cheryl & Gary and all the wider family in their time of loss.

Alfie was buried in Templeharry Churchyard following funeral service

in Templeharry. A particularly poignant moment was reached when

his coffin passed through the door into the churchyard, a door Alfie

had himself made less than a year previously.

Barely 3 weeks after Alfie died, his brother George (Mossie) Hayes

also passed away and was buried following a funeral again in

Templeharry Church.

George’s popularity in Moneygall was evident in the large attendance

and the guard of honour which lined the whole length of the village.

Our sympathy is extended to George and Alfie’s siblings Benny, John

Percy and Vera and their families in their loss.

Cloughjordan / Ballingarry Family Fun Day

Another fantastically successful event which despite the weather

managed to attract a large crowd of young and old alike. There was as

promised something for all the family . At the time of writing the

total raised is well in excess of €5000 which in the current financial

climate is an excellent result. Heartfelt thanks to all who worked on

the stalls and various events and attractions. One person deserves

special mention and that is Margaret Mooney who chaired the Sale

Committee and kept everyone focused on the task. Every project needs a

leader and Margaret once again did a superb job.

Moneygall Sale:

Thursday 16th July 7pm in Moneygall Hall. Usual

Stalls, Cakes, jams, Books, Plants, Bric a Brac, games for the kids.

All Welcome!

Rector talks to Joe Duffy about Credit Crunch

2009-05-25T14:07:00.000+01:00

Last week I had the pleasure of taking part in a RTE TV Panel discussion with Joe Duffy. The other panelists were Brenda Power and Fr Gerry O'Hanlon SJ. The issue which seems so marginal in the light of last weeks disclosures was whether a financial crisis was good for faith or vice versa. Click here and go to episode of 24th May.

Notices 24th May 2009

2009-05-25T14:02:00.001+01:00

Deepest Sympathy

We extend our condolences to Nicki Ng, Myles Podmore and Donald and Colin Swan on the recent death of Coral Podmore of Rathurles, Myles & Nicki’s mum and Donald’s and Colin’s sister. Coral had been ill since last December and her family had kept a constant vigil throughout. We assure them all of our prayerful support. After funeral in St. Kieran’s Coral’s remains were cremated in The Island Crematorium in Cork.

Congratulations: to Christian Parker & Kirsten Bayly who were married in Borrisnafarney Church on Saturday 23rd May, and also their daughter Zoe who was baptized at the ceremony.

Borrisnafarney Select Vestry: Thursday 28th May at 8.30pm

Womens Mini Marathon: 1st June – Sponsorship still welcomed by Rector, Principal and Parents of Cloughjordan No.1 N.S. Proceeeds to provision of Whiteboards for School.

Notices Easter 2 2009

2009-04-20T14:06:00.001+01:00

Confirmation Candidates 2009
Please pray for the candidates currently preparing for Confirmation.
There are 12 in all.
Amy Austin, Conor Austin, Emily Austin, Mark Culbert, Adam Donaldson,
Andrew Foulger, Adrian Hayes, Dean Kelly, Katie Kennedy, Melissa
Mooney, Aaron Neill, & Jonathan Powell.

Easter Vestries – These had yet to take place at time of posting notes
– details next month

Cloughjordan Roof & Tower Appeal
It is good to report that the work is almost finished on St. Kieran’s
Church. Already it is looking so much better and we are very hopeful
that the ingenious solution to the problems of water ingress will be
successful. When it has completely dried we look forward to
redecorating this beautiful building. Fundraising is ongoing and we
are thankful to all who have contributed including the heritage
council. Special thanks are due to the Social Dancing committee, under
Pearl Whiteford who once again ran a successful fundraiser dance on
Easter Monday. It was a joy to see so many people come to support the
parish on this occasion.

New neighbour:
We are delighted that an appointment has been made to the Shinrone
Group of parishes and look forward to welcoming Michael Johnston,
currently Vicar in the Waterford Cathedral Group, and his family to
the area.

Rector & Principal ‘running’ in Womens in mini-marathon!
Paddy Anglican or perhaps I should say my alter ego Patricia Anglican
is running the Flora Womens Mini Marathon in Dublin on Bank Holiday
Monday 1st June 2009 alongside school principal Ivor (Ivana) Hayes. We
are not sure yet what we will be wearing but we are confident in the
parents association who will be dressing us and running alongside us!
We will be running in aid of the parish school - Cloughjordan No.1
N.S. Any funds raised (after pantyhose allowance) will be used towards
the purchase of Interactive White Boards for the school. In light of
the worsening economic situation there is little prospect of state
funding for the school ICT program in the next few years which will
put our young people at a huge disadvantage when and if things get
better in the world economy.
Donations/Sponsorship should be posted to:
The Chairperson & Principal,
Cloughjordan No. 1 National School,
Templemore Rd,
Cloughjordan,
Co. Tipperary,
Ireland.
Cheques/Money orders/Drafts should be addressed to Cloughjordan No.1
N.S. - Please write 'REF Womens Mini Marathon' on back of Cheque or
enclose cover note with this Ref.
Patricia's good friends the Corrigan Brothers are writing a little
ditty to encourage her as she goes into intensive training. The song
will be available for download on the parish website in the near
future. www.modreeny.com.
The Corrigan Brothers are also sponsoring a
prize - a signed copy of their new album: An Irishman invented Rock
and Roll.
The signed album will be awarded for the most original accessory sent
to Patricia to wear as she glides through Dublin's streets like a
gazelle. Post to address above.
If you are free on June 1st come along and give Patricia & Ivana your
support - They will be happy to pose with you for a photo on the day
and would welcome any tips from seasoned runners, such as how to keep
their tights up while stumbling at reckless speed on their stilettos!

Seminar: The Importance of Community in Uncertain Times

2009-04-20T14:03:00.001+01:00

A free public event will take place on the evening of Tuesday the 28th of April in St. Kieran’s Hall, Main Street, Cloughjordan.

This special ecumenical gathering will bring together different faith communities to explore why valuing community is so important in these challenging times. Short presentations will be given by each of the participants on the subject of community which will be followed by an open discussion.

The Importance of Community in Uncertain Times
Tuesday 28th April | 19.30 – 21.00 | St. Kieran’s Hall, Main Street, Cloughjordan
Featuring
Rev. Brian Griffin is the minister at the Methodist Church Cloughjordan.
Fr. Tom Hannon is a priest from the Roman Catholic Church in Cloughjordan.
Reverend Stephen Neill is the Canon at the Church of Ireland in Cloughjordan.
Gillian Kingston is a Methodist Local Preacher on the North Tipperary Circuit and is a part-time chaplain in UCD.
Rita and Mary Minehan are Brigidine Sisters native of the County with relations from Cloughjordan
Brother Liam Deasy is a Christian Brother at Brú na Cruinne the Spirituality and Cosmology Certre in Carraig -on -Suir
Gavin Harte is a Unitarian and on the Eco Congregation Committee at the Unitarian Church on Stephen’s Green, Dublin

Easter Sermon 2009

2009-04-11T15:51:00.001+01:00

Easter Sermon 2009

I don’t know about you but I am getting very weary of bad news, of the blame game, of prophesies and predictions of catastrophe. It doesn’t really matter whether they are true or not because the negative energy that has been generated has taken on a life of its own and is almost like a snowball rolling downhill growing larger and more threatening by the minute.
The relentless media coverage of the Credit Crunch / Recession / Depression / Downturn – whatever you want to call it has become a self-fulfilling prophesy – everyone is talking about it – even clergy in pulpits at Easter! Church, the one place where you though you might escape the incessant drone of despair is not safe! Here too it is all pervasive. The fear that is bred by this talk is now added to by a budget that creates real hardship for a lot of people. This is something we cannot ignore. People are hurting and if we believe the prophets of doom people are going to hurt even more! I’m not suggesting for a moment that we don’t need to hear this bad news – we do need to know what is coming – it would be very easy to criticize the economic pundits who are the messengers – very tempting indeed to shoot the messengers!

So what should our response be?
They say that religion thrives best in times of war and suffering in general – Some say that is because people will resort to anything when they are desperate – they will cling to anything that offers hope, no matter how unrealistic. That may be so but I don’t think it’s the whole story. I think it is rather and more the case that when we are broken in spirit that we realise that we need something more – something that gives us the ability to see beyond the horizon.
But there is a danger that we get it wrong – that we misdirect people in these times of trial. It is tempting for people to withdraw into the interior life when external circumstances are too traumatic to face, to focus on another time when things will be better, to hide and take cover until the storm passes. This is very often reflected in the way we Christians talk about heaven – we look on it as the escape capsule, the evacuation route when things in life are finally too much for us to bear.

At Easter especially people tend to think about heaven because traditionally in the Church we have linked Resurrection with Heaven when in fact the biblical sources point much more towards Resurrection as part of God’s work in redeeming Creation, bringing the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. There is a growing realisation in contemporary theology that this emphasis on Heaven as an escape route has damaged Christianity’s ability to transform people and the whole of God’s Creation. It has led in fact to the neglect of Creation and meant that Christians were among the last group of people to acknowledge both the reality of Climate Change and the importance of it. This Earth matters – This is a creation of God’s Love for us – This earthly home is Holy ground and everything that lives and breathes on it and the rock and sea and soil that sustain our life are worthy of respect and reverence.

So we have a calling to respond to the suffering of God’s people – Easter is about Hope but that hope is not just something that happens – it is something that we play a part in making a reality. Hope is a verb and an active one. We are not to resign ourselves to a self-fulfilling prophesy of doom. Easier said than done – I was at a central church meeting in Dublin recently and we were discussing finance. All the talk in the room was about what we would have to cut, how we could survive, what we could no longer do! It was hugely depressing. Finally I could listen no more and got up and pointed out that we are supposed to be a community of Hope – every challenge is an opportunity and that if we as Church became a part of the cycle of doom and gloom then we would be feeding this self-fulfilling prophesy. I think some people thought I was being unrealistic but perhaps we are called to be unrealistic to see the possibility of another reality, to realise that that God’s wonderful Creation is pregnant with possibility.
A little illustration of this and this is not an argument against Climate Change. One of the main manifestations of Climate Change is the excess of CO2 gas – One of the ways CO2 is dealt with by nature is through absorbsion by plants and trees. On the basis of the rate of CO2 increase, the depletion of Trees and plants and other factors scientists can calculate the rate of progress of Global Warming. Just recently those calculations have been changed slightly when it was discovered that plants and trees had quite significantly increased their rate of CO2 absorbsion thus giving Creation quite literally more breathing space. It is not enough on its own but it puts it up to us to do our part, not to sit back and say how wonderful it is that we have a few more years before disaster strikes. This is an opportunity born of the unseen potential of God’s wonderful Creation to transform reality.

In the same way the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is not simply a proof that the resurrection of the dead is a reality and that all will be well for us in eternity – the Resurrection is a call to action. Look at our Gospel reading: The two Marys have gone to the tomb to anoint Jesus body – they find the stone rolled away and man dressed in a white robe who tells them to tell the disciples that Jesus is going ahead of them to Galilee where they will see him…..the journey is not over – in a sense it has only just begun. They have work to do – The kingdom of God is at hand and peoples lives are about to be transformed by a new reality that is in their midst.

That is the message that we Christians are called to carry in the World today. It is a message that says we are not defined by our yesterdays or even our todays but rather by the possibilities that are all around us in this Holy Land. That’s what Resurrection is! Borrowing a phrase from a certain contemporary politician “We have to be the Hope that we believe in” – We can’t wait for it to happen – We are agents of change and transformation. That’s what being a follower of Jesus is! In response to hardship we are not called to lay blame or to wallow in self pity but rather to ask ourselves what would Jesus have us do? How can we give people hope in times of difficulty and how can we achieve the potential that God has created in us. If we embrace that message then it too can have a snowball effect and bring real and lasting transformation in peoples lives. What would Jesus have me do? What would Jesus have you do?

Notices - Sunday 5th April 09 (Palm Sunday)

2009-04-03T19:26:00.001+01:00

Welcome into the family of the Church to Danann Brian Matthew Kennedy, son of Hazel Kennedy (nee Chadwick) and Matthew Kennedy who was baptised in Borrisnafarney Church on Saturday 4th April.

Forthcoming Wedding: Best wishes to Hilary Whiteford & Joe Hurley who are to be married in St. Kieran’s Church, Cloughjordan on the 18th April.

Graveyard maintenance fees due in Borrisokane: Please pay the treasurer as soon as possible. The rates are as follows: €25p.a. for a single grave and €15 for each subsequent plot per family.

Easter Vestries 2009

2009-04-03T19:23:00.002+01:00

Tuesday 21st April 8pm Borrisokane

Wednesday 22nd April 8pm Borrisnafarney

Thursday 23rd April 8pm Cloughjordan & Ballingarry

All parishioners are welcome at these meetings which are effectively the AGM of the parish.

Sermon for Sunday before Lent - Mission Shaped Intro

2009-02-21T09:37:00.001Z

Today's readings contain very dramatic and traumatic events. They mark turning points in the lives of those who share in the events and after those events they are changed beyond recognition. In 2nd Kings chapter 2 Elisha witnesses Elijah ascending in the whirlwind into heaven – we hear of him crying and tearing his clothes asunder. And yet the Lord is present in this event – It is the Lord who takes Elijah up in the whirlwind. It is the Lord who is at work in this hugely disturbing and unsettling event!

Similarly in Mark 9 we have the Transfiguration - an event which terrifies the disciples and yet seems to be a foreshadowing of the coming of the Kingdom as well as the anticipation of that Kingdom in the events in Jerusalem which follow very shortly after this passage. It is a shift and a sea change – the focus now is very much on the immanence of Christ's reign in Glory.

In both of these passages however there is a role for the witnesses – they are not mere bystanders, they have an ongoing mission to fulfil on Earth. Elijah may have ascended but Elisha remains – Jesus earthly ministry is drawing towards its climax but the disciples and we the disciples of today still have work to do. We still have a mission to fulfil.

The problem seems to be twofold – Our concept of mission is about something that happens in other places, in far off lands and in cultures radically different to our own and our concept of discipleship is largely historical, reserved for the pages of Scripture with a short sell by date after which the disciples all become members. We separate ourselves both geographically and in time from the implications of the Gospel and the consequence is that we are ill equipped to deal with changing times.

We have cut ourselves off from the very resources that will help us to be the church in this 21st century. I don't know if you saw the poster advertising our Lenten course, (Mission Shaped Intro) designed by Shane Tucker. It shows two photos of St. Kieran's Church in Cloughjordan taken over a century apart. The Church is the same in both pictures but all around it has changed. It is a wonderful metaphor for the situation in which we find ourselves.

It is also strangely appropriate that as we embark on this journey of rediscovering our mission and discipleship the scaffolding has gone up on the church building after many delays and frustrations. I went up on the scaffolding on Friday with the builder and the architect to inspect the work. One of the first jobs that has already started is to chip away the pointing between the blocks and let the building breathe again, to let the air in and let the water out. In one day there was a dramatic difference in the stone work that had been unsealed. Very quickly it was restored to its proper condition. This old pointing will be replaced with a mixture that will allow this to happen on an ongoing basis – It seems to me that this is another very powerful metaphor for what we are about – Repointing our lives…Letting fresh air in and removing toxic and stale juices…Letting our Church breathe new life…..Rediscovering our mission in this world that has changed so fast and so dramatically that many are left bewildered and frightened, just like Elisha and just like the disciples. They too needed to rediscover their purpose and direction after a traumatic experience.

So our Lenten course is an attempt to start on this journey of rediscovery. The children in our parish school have already started and they produced some very creative pictures on the theme of being the Church 24/7 which is another way of talking about our Mission. How do we live as Church in all that we do in our lives? The course (Mission Shaped Intro) will run over a period of 6 weeks and will be very practically oriented. It will be informal and will use a mixture of audio visual material and discussion and even a bit of craft. It is open to all and for that reason it has been advertised in neighbouring churches and in the local community. This is about deepening our already present bonds and involvement with the community in which we are called to serve. I don't want to pre-empt the course but I want to share with you a core value that permeates it and that is the Marks of Mission as defined by our own Anglican Communion and since adopted by Churches and communities throught the world.

These Five Marks of Mission are:

• to proclaim the good news of the kingdom

• to teach, baptise and nurture new believers

• to respond to human need by loving acts of service

• to seek to transform unjust structures of society

• to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.

As a Mission Shaped Church that is what we are called to do and to be. Let us embark on this journey together in Faith and in Love.

Notices Sunday 22nd February

2009-02-20T19:27:00.000Z

Baptism: Emily Margaret Harding, daughter of Graham & Maria Harding of Ballylina and sister of Katie was baptized in Borrisokane Church on Sunday 15th February. We welcome her into the Christian community in our parish and pray God’s blessing on her and her family.

Prayers: Please remember in prayer: Frances Harding, Alex Kent, Olga Davis, Patricia Hodgins, Betty Powell, Billy Cavanagh, Alfie Hayes, George Hayes, Wendy Burn & Hazel Mooney-Williams.

Welcome home: to Doreen Galbraith who is back in Cloughjordan after 8 weeks following a nasty accident after Christmas. We are delighted to see her back among us.

Dates for Diary:
MU Rector’s Surprise – Monday 9th March 8pm Ballingarry (Rescheduled after earlier cancellation)

Aussie’s Poker Classic: Once again Aussie Dennison has organized a fundraiser for Borrisokane Parish. Friday 6th March at 9pm in Borrisokane Golf Club – Details from Aussie. Raffle prizes welcome.

Changing Church for a Changing World

2009-02-20T19:16:00.003Z

You’re warmly welcomed to re-imagine church and rediscover what mission is during a six week conversation. New world, new church? Our world and our lives have changed radically in the last twenty years, but has the church adapted to this change? Do we need a changing church for a changing world? Are new forms of church really possible? If so, how can they be developed? An inspiring and encouraging course, ideal for our community today.
Mission shaped intro looks at fresh expressions of church through a mix of information, reﬂection and story. This thought-provoking course is an enjoyable hands-on experience combining presentations, group activity, ﬁlm and music samples.
The course will be held at St. Kieran’s church in Cloughjordan, Tipperary beginning on Wednesday, 4th March and then every Wednesday following until 8th April, 2009.
The evening starts at 7:30pm and runs for two hours. Refreshments will be served.
All are welcome!

Support our Neighbours

2009-02-20T19:13:00.000Z

Lent Course at St. Mary’s, Nenagh
7.30 pm Thursday 26th February
Al Gore’s film An Inconvenient Truth
to introduce
The Omega Course
What Christians can do about Global Warming
at 7.30 pm on the next 5 Thursdays
5th, 12th, 19th, 26th March and 2nd April

From the Rector: February 07

2009-02-08T11:03:00.001Z

Only a week has passed since my return from the Presidential Inauguration in Washington and its impact is still with me. I wrote an extensive report which proved to be too long for Newslink this month but will be printed in the following issue. However if you want a preview the full report with pictures is online on the parish website (www.modreeny.com).
One thing that does strike me on coming home is the huge contrast in the mood of the nation. Despite all the financial difficulties they face the American people feel they have a real leader once again, and they are very hopeful. Here at home things are very different. Politics is a dirty word and we have become hugely cynical of this once noble profession and those who hold high office. It seems to me that our cynicism and distrust of politics may actually be an obstacle to people of integrity and ability following this vocation, and it is of necessity a vocation. As Christians we have a responsibility towards the State as we do towards one another and our church. This is a time when we must do all in our power to support and encourage people of vision, courage and integrity to reach for public office. This will also mean that we are prepared to accept unpopular decisions and policies which will ensure a better future for all the citizens of our land. The time for blame is over – we all need to take responsibility for our future. This may be one of the most important areas for the church to witness in the years ahead. We know the old ways have failed us and we need a vision of something new and better. If that is not part of what the Church is about I don’t know what is.
Yours truly, Stephen.

Rector's Report from Washington

2009-01-25T11:12:00.001Z

Click here to go to my blog and read an account of my recent trip to the Inauguration of Barack Obama

Nooma Film Nite in Cloughjordan

2009-01-08T12:06:00.005Z

Come along on Saturday next, January 10th at 8pm to St. Kieran's Hall or the Church next door if the cold weather persists (Its a lot cosier) and share in watching/discussing contemporary issues together. Refreshments provided. No charge! ALL WELCOME!

Rector's Letter - January 09

2009-01-08T11:51:00.003Z

From the Rector
Dear Friends – No shortage of news and events to report. Early in the month of December we were delighted to welcome Bishop Trevor to Cloughjordan School where he addressed the Assembly and visited all the classes individually and spent some time with the staff as well. It was a very enjoyable visit and the Bishop hopes to visit the rest of our churches on a Sunday early in this New Year.
Christmas saw the usual mix of carol services and concerts, particular highlights being the first ecumenical carols in Borrisokane where the newly formed Gospel choir provided the accompaniment. Also outstanding was the Cloughjordan service of 9 lessons and carols where the Community Choir led by John Armitage treated us to a wonderful program, including a beautiful Solo from our own Christy Tucker.
The school concert was a triumph for all concerned and particular congratulations are due to the children who despite an avalanche of tummy bugs and flus managed to perform superbly on the night. Needless to say they were very well rehearsed by the staff who put a huge amount of work into the production and a special thanks to our Principal, Mr Ivor Hayes for his excellent coordination and leadership, not only in this but throughout a term which has been very traumatic for staff and children alike.
Over Christmas it was particularly heartening to see all our churches bulging at the seams with record congregations. Whatever the reason it is a good complaint when we run out of seats!
Shortly after Christmas we heard the very sad news of the death of Evelyn Williams of Cloughjordan who had bravely fought cancer for over a year and inspired us all with her unwavering hope and positive outlook. Her funeral on New Years Day was a hugely emotional event for all concerned. Friends from near and far gathered together in overwhelming numbers to celebrate the life of one who had brought light into so many lives. Profoundly sad though the occasion was it was marked by a sense of hope and thanksgiving for all the hearts that she had touched in our community. Our thoughts and prayers are most especially with her daughter Abigail who is in Junior Infants in the parish school, and her only sibling, her brother Ray and his family in Naas.
The very same day Ina Stanley, sister of Robert Stanley of Garryard, Borrisokane and of Phyllis Wolfe of Birr was buried from Borrisokane Church. The very large gathering of family and friends, many who had travelled from Donegall where Ina had lived latterly were addressed by the Rev’d John Dean, her rector. Ina had spent much of her life helping her siblings with their families’ upbringing and was one who in a quiet everyday way demonstrated a generosity of spirit and love to those she cared for. To Robert and Phyllis and all Ina’s brother’s and sisters we extend our sympathy and our prayers.
Christmas and New Year is a particularly difficult time to lose a loved one and we think of all those who mourn at this time, not forgetting the families whose lives have been torn asunder by the tragic death of three young boys in the recent car crash in Nenagh .
Illness has been widespread in our parish in recent months and we pray for all those recovering from or facing treatment. We think especially of Patricia Hodgins, Billy Cavanagh, Frances Harding, Wendy Burn, Alec Kent, Hazel Mooney-Williams,Marie Neill, Alfie Hayes, George Hayes, Betty Powell, Bella Mooney, Doreen Galbraith & Bob Kelly and we pray strength and healing for them.
Finally may I wish you all a Very Happy New Year.
Yours
Stephen

Current Church Services

2009-01-08T11:49:00.029Z

Services

Sunday 22^nd May – Easter 5

10am Ballingarry MP

10.15 Borrisnafarney MP

10.15 Borrisokane MP

11.30 Cloughjordan HC

Sunday 29^th May – Easter 6

No Service in Ballingarry

10.15 Templeharry HC

10.15 Borrisokane MP

11.30 Cloughjordan MP

Sunday 5^th June – Easter 7 / Sunday after Ascension

9am Borrisnafarney HC

10am Ballingarry MP

10.15 Borrisokane HC

11.30 Cloughjordan HC

24/7 Part 3 - Interactive Bible Study

2008-12-14T15:05:00.002Z

Today in Cloughjordan we had an interactive Bible-Study with small groups in the Sermon Slot. It worked realy well and fed into the Intercessions which followed.
The following was the format and after Christmas we will hopefully progress this program.

24/7 Introduction Week 3
'The one who calls you is faithful'

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 (The Message)
16-18Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.
19-22Don't suppress the Spirit, and don't stifle those who have a word from the Master. On the other hand, don't be gullible. Check out everything, and keep only what's good. Throw out anything tainted with evil.
23-24May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he'll do it!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Some questions and suggestions arising out of the reading which we will consider during the Sermon slot:

When you feel God calling you to do something or say something how could you check it out? How can you know it is God?

What could you do if an idea you had or a project you were involved in didn't seem to be going according to plan?

In what ways do we frustrate God or get in God’s way?

Do you think it's realistic to ‘be cheerful’ and 'thank God no matter what happens?'

What are some of the things Jesus said he would do?

St Paul says to pray 24/7. Think of some ways that you could help remind yourself/family/friends to do this.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AND FINALLY: Form a prayer of thanksgiving, petition, reconciliation, blessing etc from the results - just a line or two - to be part of the Prayers of Intercession.

24/7 Sermon 2

2008-12-08T12:39:00.000Z

Sermon Advent 2 – 24/7 Vicki Lynch

Last week Stephen talked to you about the idea of 24/7 in this parish and celebrated the beginning of Advent, the start of another year in our Church life. Today we lit the second candle of the Advent wreath. Can you remember what it represents? Yes? – the Prophets. So, what is a prophet? A prophet is some one who quite simply feels called to speak God’s truth as best they can. And the prophets we hear about in scripture did this in different ways with different focuses. It could be about justice for the weaker in society or ‘Hey, stop doing that because it’s not what God wants for you all, and it’s a sure path to destruction!’ or about what God’s glorious Kingdom will look like when it comes, and it’s definitely coming.

Some one called to be a prophet (and God still calls people to be prophets today) has quite a challenging job. He or she has to get the attention of the community and clearly point out what God is calling them, as individuals and community, to do and to be and to notice– because, and this is very important, God loves them and wants the best for them all – the whole, complete community – all the time – 24/7! Scarily, it sounds like it could have a bit in common with preaching doesn’t it?

Some of the prophets we hear about in scripture had exotic ways of drawing attention to themselves and God’s message. They were sometimes quite wild individuals with big personalities. You would definitely notice them if they walked into this church on a Sunday morning. Now, tempting as it is to take my lead from John the Baptist and wear a camel hair sarong (possibly more attractive in summer) and crunch locusts as I speak to you, I won’t. I have to find some way of getting my message across in a more everyday way. And that can be really tricky. Different people have different ways of understanding things, hearing things, seeing things, feeling things and remembering things. Of course, God has made us that way and we thank him for it. So, what I’m going ask you to do is to pay attention as much as you can (hopefully, I won’t become really boring after about three minutes) and try and notice something in my sermon that means something to you; something that you can take away with you when God sends you out this morning.

We heard the opening verses of Mark’s Gospel this morning. It’s a ‘Wake up, pay attention, notice the new thing God is doing!’ sort of beginning. The prophet John the Baptist is almost jumping out in front of us, waving his arms and shouting ‘Hey don’t miss this – get ready! It’s something wonderful – something you’ve been waiting for. It’s here –now!’

Of course Mark writes this as a big dramatic moment – a major event. But how do we make it real for us now? It’s always a challenge for us, isn’t it, to be able to take scripture and make sense of it for ourselves and in our own families and communities now.

We could put it this way, John the Baptist is asking for people to wake up, to pay attention as God made human in Jesus enters our lives, because it will transform us and the world around us. And we can do that. We really can do that. Listen to this.

At the end of the summer some of you may remember there was a fund-raising climb up Carrantuohill in Kerry. I was speaking to some one quite a while afterwards and he told me about his experience, his most memorable experience of the day. And it wasn’t about how hard the climb was or how much his feet hurt. As he had been climbing up the slope he had been talking to some of the young people, just passing the time of day. And the young people had been talking about their experiences of faith, of being Christian in the world now. Of course this was not the first time he had encountered young Christian people nor was it the first time he had spoken to such people, but this time it had a profound effect on him. He was awake, he noticed, he paid attention. And he realised that this encounter pointed to something more. He realised that Christian community, Christian relationship could be something more than he had been aware of so far, could be found somewhere else than he had previously thought. He realised he could be more in the way he related to others. He had encountered God at work in the world and he had been transformed, changed, and he had somehow grown.

Aha, I hear you say, that is hardly a John the Baptist moment. It’s too ordinary, too small, too little to go on. But surely the truth is that no thought is too small; no second so fleeting that it cannot contain God and point to all that is possible with and through God – and with patience, with and through us.

If you are given a seed you do not throw it away because it isn’t a tree. You know its value, almost incredible as it is. You believe what is contained in it. You don’t watch it grow, along the way being irritated that it needs water and food and care and protection from the harsher winds or icy weather. You nurture it and understand and acknowledge the time it takes. You accept these truths. Accept the truth that God’s seeds are even more amazing in you.

It is so very easy for us to belittle these moments of truth and equally easy to enlarge moments of negativity and constraint. Why should it be that this moment on a mountain in Kerry is not the beginning of a new youth ministry? Why do we take these moments and after a few thoughts, a conversation perhaps dismiss them as a moments in time that were pleasant but of little significance in our life with Christ. Was not Christ’s life full of such small meetings and moments? Do we not count each one of them as precious to God and to us?

That Carrantuohill encounter is a seed of the Kingdom of God. Immensely precious and hardy with potential for growth that you can barely believe. If I came to you and in my hand I was holding a seed of the Kingdom of God and I offered it to you, what would you do? Take it, of course! What could have more value? The reality is that those seeds are being offered to you all the time, every day. And you are offering those seeds to those around you. Think about it. Notice it. Be amazed by it. Our God is a God of opportunity and growth all the time – 24/7.

As you may have noticed I have mentioned ‘24/7’ a couple of times! This is not just an attempt to advertise – really! 24/7 was chosen for a very good reason – because it points to the truth of us being in relationship with God all the time, whether we notice it or not. Another truth, as I have been saying over the last few minutes, is that when we begin to notice, to wake up, to be aware, change begins to take place. The 24/7 of our lives is full of opportunities to move forward with God – it is overflowing with such moments. In fact I could go further and say it is made up of these moments. Isn’t it amazing to think that God is making himself known to us in the ordinary, everyday moments of our lives – 24/7? All we have to do is notice and begin to pay attention. Change will follow.

Some of these moments will be John the Baptist arm waving, moments. It could be when we see radical injustice in our world and we know God is prompting us to respond. It could be when one of our kids asks us to tell them a bit more about Jesus and we know we can share that ‘wow’ moment with them. But some of the other times will be quiet whispers, God intimately touching us and saying ‘wake-up, wake-up’, quietly speaking in love to us, gently bringing us into deeper relationship with our family, our community, with each other. When God whispers small whispers to us, let us be alert and hear because those whispers point to his Kingdom and we are being embraced as part of it.

As we begin to notice these moments and see them for what they really are we will begin to be more and more aware of the opportunities of our lives and of our lives together. It is not foolishness to hear God, to see God, to feel God, to think God. It is foolishness to ignore him and the seeds for growth he plants in us. And as we hear and see and feel and think our confidence will grow. We can shake off the limitations that ‘worldliness’ can bring and live in a sharper awareness, full of possibility.

Just keep 24/7 in mind and remember that 24/7 is the amount of time God is with you and this community. Remember the prophetic words from the reading this morning: ‘Make way for the Lord! Clear a straight path for him!....I’ve plunged you in the water; he’s going to plunge you in the Holy Spirit!’ 24/7 is the time we all have to take our opportunities with God.

Current Notices

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A Christmas thought from the Rector: In a week when Veritas stores were banned from advertising the Christian aspect of Christmas, despite having deliberately avoided terms like ‘Crib’ and ‘Baby Jesus’ which are apparently offensive, I wonder when we will come to our senses and realize that to be respectful and inclusive does not mean denying our own beliefs and practices. Let us this Christmas not be ashamed of proclaiming the Good News that the Prince of Peace brings to our broken world.

Christmas Texts/Not Cards: This year we are encouraging our parishioners to send texts or emails in lieu of cards and to put the money saved into boxes in the churches. At Christmas the money will be divided between Crumlin Childrens’ Hospital and Milford Hospice, both charities with particular significance for us as a parish and parish school this past year. Thanks to Jennifer Hewson & Margaret Mooney for coming up with this initiative.

GFS: Congratulations to the 4 girls who were enrolled as Candidate and Junior members at the Cloughjordan GFS Enrolment Service on Sunday 23rd November. Also congratulations to Mrs Gillian Grant who was enrolled as a leader in the local branch. The girls and their families turned out in great strength for the service and took a leading role in the worship. Refreshments were served afterwards in St. Kieran’s Hall. As always thanks to Mrs Grace Healy who so ably steers this organization both at parochial and diocesan level for all her work and indeed her many fellow leaders and helpers.
Bishop to visit Parish School: On 9th December the Bishop will be making his first visit to the parish school and we look forward to welcoming him. He will be spending that day in the parish and may make some other visits during the day.

Cloughjordan Christmas Whist – Monday December 8th at 8pm

Services for Christmas & New Year

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Sunday 14th December 2008 Advent 3
9am Ballingarry HC – Final Week in 24/7 Series
10.15 Borrisnafarney HC – Final Week in 24/7 Series
11.30 Cloughjordan HC – Final Week in 24/7 Series
7pm Borrisokane Roman Catholic Church – Ecumenical Lessons and Carols followed by refreshments

Saturday 20th December
8pm Borrisnafarney Carol Service

Sunday 21st December 2008 Advent 4
10am Ballingarry Carol Service
10.15 Borrisokane HC
11.30 Cloughjordan MP

Tuesday 23rd December
8pm Cloughjordan Carol Service (with Community Choir)

Wednesday 24th December (Christmas Eve)
8.30pm Cloughjordan Christmas Eve Eucharist

Thursday 25th December 2008 (Christmas Day)
9am Borrisnafarney HC
10.15 Borrisokane HC
11.30 Cloughjordan HC

Sunday 28th December 2008 Christmas 1
10.15 Borrisokane MP
11.30 Cloughjordan HC

Thursday 1st January 2009 – Naming of Jesus/New Year’s Day
11am Borrisokane HC

Sunday 4th January 2009 Christmas 2
9am Borrisnafarney HC
10.15 Ballingarry MP
10.15 Borrisokane HC
11.30 Cloughjordan MP

A night at the pictures

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Jesus lived with the awareness that God is doing something right here, right now, and anybody can be a part of it. He encouraged his listeners to search, to question, to wrestle with the implications of what he was saying and doing. He inspired, challenged, provoked, comforted, and invited people to be open to God's work in this world. Wherever he went, whatever he did, Jesus started discussions about what matters most, because for Jesus, God is always inviting us to open our eyes and join in. NOOMA is a series of short films that explore our world from the perspective of Jesus. NOOMA is an invitation to search, question, and join the discussion. The presenter of ‘Everything is Spiritual’,Rob Bell,will guide those present through two short films of about 15 minutes each.A conversation space will be created between and after the two films with light refreshments to aid in our enjoyment of journeying together.

Everyone is welcome.
Showing in St.Kieran’s Hall, Cloughjordan
on Saturday, December 6th at 8p.m.
Admission is FREE.
EPISODES ‘RAIN’ AND‘FLAME’ SHOWING

For directions contact 087-2328172

Sermon - 24/7 Introduction - Advent Sunday, 30th November 2008

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“We are the clay, and you [Lord] are our potter; we are all the work of your hand….we are all your people.”
These poetic words from Isaiah conjour up a wonderful image of the Creator’s direct involvement in giving each of us life. But these are more than just beautiful words; these words of the prophet have implications for how we live our lives. If we are really like clay on the potters wheel lovingly crafted by God’s hands, then a response is demanded of us….What does it mean for us to be God’s people or more specifically “all your people”?

Advent has traditionally been the time in the church’s year when we try to engage with questions like this. Advent is so much more than a countdown to Christmas – It is a time largely ignored by the culture in which we find ourselves – As a time of penitence it is perhaps seen as pouring cold water on the excitement leading up to Christmas. But it is a valuable time – a time to reflect on our lives and the direction we are going in – a time to examine our hearts and weed out the things that damage us and our relationships with one another and God. It is a time of correcting the course of our lives and focussing on the things that really matter. As such it can be a time of healing and comfort, a very positive and necessary experience.

The only possible negative thing to be said about Advent is that once it is over we tend to ditch all that we have learned from it until the next Advent comes round a year later and so we try to cram a years worth of reflection and self examination into 25 days adding further to the stress of an already fraught time of year!
The truth of it is that this time of reflection is something that should be part of our lives as Christians throughout the year. In answer to this we might point to Sunday but really what we are talking about there is one hour out of 168 hours in the week when we try and make sense of the other 167! Again it is an unrealistic expectation – How much nurture and spiritual feeding can we take in the space of one hour and is it really enough to sustain us through the rest of the week?

Going back to the words of Isaiah for a moment:
“We are the clay, and you [Lord] are our potter; we are all the work of your hand….we are all your people.”
There are a couple of ways of reading this. We can either interpret it as saying: All of us here are God’s people OR we can understand it this way: All of us comes from God – All that we are is from God – We are totally the work of God’s hands.
There is a big difference: In the first case it’s like saying we are all supporters of a particular football club – It would be an important bond but not something of eternal significance. (Unless you are a particularly fanatical football supporter). But I think Isaiah was recognising something far more fundamental – I think he was in fact saying: All that we are is from God – We are totally the work of God’s hands! That is something else entirely, for with that comes an imperative to honour God in the totality of our lives and to let all the potential that God has created in each one of us emerge and flourish in our daily lives and relationships.

Hence the theme 24/7 which is an attempt to encompass in a phrase the all embracing nature of God’s call on our lives.

What I am proposing for the year ahead on this the first day of the Church’s year, is that through this year we attempt to discern both individually and as a community of faith what it means to be followers of Jesus Christ – What does it look like to be God’s people? Not to say that we are not already God’s people but how should we respond to a world that is changing faster than even our technologically advanced society can cope with. Famine, War, Disease, Aids, Aggressive Secularismn, Exploitation of the vulnerable, the Sexualization and abuse of children, Crime, Drugs, the breakdown of community, chronic Lonliness and Isolation, the rise of Psychiatric illness and if we are honest the thing that probably disturbs us most The Credit Crunch! – All of these events and phenomena affect the life of the Church! We do not live in a bubble. Our faith is one based on Incarnation – God made human, identifying with humanity in its brokenness, its weakness and its vulnerability as well as its joy and its triumphs. We cannot remain unmoved and unresponsive to these developments. Do we really believe that God is unmoved by these events – this same God who entered into the depths of human pain and suffering? Then neither must we be unmoved and unresponsive.

But it is not easy to respond – sometimes we feel powerless and overwhelmed by the challenges that face our world. This is even more acute in the communications age where 24 hour news both overloads us with bad news and eventually desensitizes us to it so that we can now watch news footage from war and famine ravaged regions of the planet without even stopping to think of the horror that these images represent! But these are the big things which may be beyond our reach, at least directly but there are so many ways in which we as individuals and a community can change the lives of others for the better – in other words we can be salt and light in the world. Our faith is personal but it is not private – it is meant to be shared!
If we lack confidence we should listen to those words of St. Paul from 1st Corinthians chapter 1: “You are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

This promise of the necessary gifts that we need contains within it the suggestion that these gifts will be increased – in other words we are not the finished article – we may require a certain amount of remoulding both as individuals and as a church if we are to be an effective part of God’s people. We are on a journey together and a journey is something that has movement and momentum by its very nature. It is therefore something that is a constant part of our lives, not just a pitstop on a Sunday. When you go on a journey you not take everything you own with you – you decide what are the important things you will need. You may need to get some new things to equip you for unfamiliar terrain and you may need to leave behind some of the things that no longer serve their purpose. That is where the pain comes in – letting go of some things once held dear and encountering things that are strange and sometimes disturbing. That of course is where faith is absolutely essential. As Martin Luther King Jnr once said: “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase” . Being a follower of Christ 24/7 involves stepping onto a lot of dimly lit staircases – It is a life full of risk but it also has the potential to be a life utterly fulfilled.

The rather intimidating Gospel reading for today from St. Mark Chapter 13, known as The Little Apocalypse has some salient advice for us.
Whether it refers to the final judgement or the fall of Jerusalem, and scholars are divided on this, we can take this advice to heart: ‘Keep Awake!” We need to look and listen at and to the world around us – we need to read the signs of the times and be alert and awake to the opportunities to be God’s people in the World. We cannot remain behind locked doors for fear of what lies outside – we are God’s people and God’s world is not confined to our churches. This is something that will impinge on us 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year.

So where is all this leading us? Well I honestly don’t know – this is the first step on a new chapter of our journey together – what will emerge will be determined by God’s initiative in our lives and our response. This is not something just for young people or for those who usually attend Lenten study groups or prayer groups, not just for parish readers and Sunday School teachers…..this is something for all of us to engage in. This is about becoming a more Christ centred community and this is also about opening the doors of this community to let in the fresh air and blow some of the cobwebs away!

For the next two Sundays we will continue to talk about it together and Vicki Lynch will be sharing her thoughts on this with you next Sunday and on the 3rd Sunday we will be doing something a little more interactive. The children in the parish school are already working on designing a logo for the program and after Christmas we will be trying to put some flesh on the bones and perhaps find some new and exciting ways in which we can be God’s people in God’s world. This process will be assisted by a Parish Consultation with Rev’d Tom Gordon early next year where we will try to set some goals and discern some ways in which we be more effective followers of Jesus Christ.

“We are the clay, and you [Lord] are our potter; we are all the work of your hand….we are all your people.”
Make us, mould us and shape us for service in your Kingdom. Amen.

1st Post - From the Rector

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Welcome to the website / blog of the Cloughjordan & Borrisokane Group of Parishes. I hope that this will be a useful resource for the parish and to our visitors and friends. Hopefully it will be a place for constructive communication and conversation. Please feel free to comment on the articles posted and to submit material for inclusion to me at stephen.neill@gmail.com