THE DUNDALK GROUP OF PARISHES

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

Newsletter February 2012

MINISTRY TEAM

Issue 7:02 February 2012

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

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

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, February marks the beginning of spring snowdrops and daffodils are appearing, new lambs arriving in Cooley, signs of new life and light and hope. The Feast Day of St Brigid, born in nearby Faughart,also heralds the spring: not just a local Saint Brigid is also one of the patrons of this land. As with St Patrick, legends abound but what we do know and celebrate is a devoted woman of prayer and holiness, who in very patriarchal times was an outstanding Christian leader. Daily prayer was a hall mark of Celtic spirituality, and should be a hall mark of our Christian journey today. A recent article about prayer made the point that for many of us prayer was a last resort. Even those of us who pray each day, tend to squeeze it in around all the other pressures of work, family, leisure, and even church activity. Whereas the better and more spiritual way, would be to set aside time each day for prayer first perhaps a fixed time morning and evening to start with, and maybe in a fixed place, like a comfortable chair or somewhere relaxing and then fit everything else around it! Just as the more active we are physically, the more we must eat to fuel the body, so too the busier we are, the more we need to pray. After all, prayer, opening our self to God, is our life blood, renewing and sustaining us and bringing us light, inspiration, strength and hope. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, 22nd February, a time once again for a spiritual spring clean as we follow Jesus to the Cross on Good Friday, and then to the joy of Easter. During Lent, to help us, there is an opportunity to gather once a week, with Five Talks on Prayer. With my prayers for all of you, especially those of you who live with anxiety or sickness or loss. Yours in Christ Sandra

The Rector and Mrs Rachel Bothwell on her 102nd birthday with a letter from president Michael d Higgins

Sunday School
Sunday school at St Nicholas takes place on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month. If you are able to lend a hand (training will be provided). The Rector would love to hear from you. Reminder that Sunday school is for school aged children only no under 4s please.

Mothers Union
Many thanks to all who attended the annual Festive Dinner last month at Darver Castle. Special thanks to the organisers, Gillian Patterson and Evelyn McCullins and to Wilhelmena Craig and Heather Christmas for providing the wonderful quiz and entertainment The next meeting, with a craft theme, takes place on Monday 27 February at 8pm in the Wellington Hall.

Good As New Sale

Wellington Hall, Dundalk Saturday 24th March, 11am-4pm

For your Prayers

For Alan our bishop, this group of parishes, our clergy and church officers, and every parish family For those who are sick, anxious, housebound, elderly or lonely For those struggling financially For those who will be in our Confirmation Club: Rachel, Mary, Fabienne, Joy, Judith, Sophie, Michael, James and Josh. For those preparing for Christian marriage, especially Kenny and Esther, Jonathan and Michelle, and Shelley and Andrew For our parish link with Bishop Suheil and the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East For our parish link with Bishop Isesomo and the Diocese of North Kivu in DR Congo, and for the work of CMS(I) For all Christians who face persecution for their faith, especially in Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Iraq and China
.

We need your donations please!

Ladies, Mens and Childrens Clothing Shoes, Bags and Acccessories Unwanted gifts

All items must be nearly new, complete and in good condition

As spring approaches it is time to declutter the wardrobes and cupboards! We will be selling mens, womens and childrens clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories. Donations can be dropped off at St Nicholas NS, The Rectory or Oriel Office Supplies (The Ramparts)
For more information, please contact Liz McGee or Brigitte Nelson

PARISH NOTICES
Wellington Hall Project
200th Anniversary of the Wellington Hall 1812 2012

Parish Profile
Who are you? Fergus (Fergie) ORourke Which is your church? I was raised as a RC and my church would be St Josephs, Dundalk, but I have a very close association with St Nicholas through my wife Pat, who is a committed member. Where do you live? I live in Dundalk but am originally from Athlone. I moved here when I started my apprenticeship with Eircom in 1972.

To mark the bicenteneal year of the Wellington Hall we keep the momentum going and continue to seek funding to realise our plans for the new hall. We will build on the fundraising success of the last 15 months with the following schedule of activities for the year. February 12th Valentine Raffle. The draw will take place on 12 Feb after the 11am service in St Nicholas, Dundalk. Please make sure all completed cards are returned to the Rector before the service. March 24th Nearly New Clothes Sale Sat 24 March, 11am4pm in the Wellington Hall. See front page for more details. July 21st Summer BBQ at Bellurgan Park September Golf Classic (date TBA) November 30th Gala Dinner/Dance at Ballymascanlon House Hotel Further details will be anounced as plans are finalised

How would you describe what you do? I am recently retired from Eircom and am learning to appreciate a more leisurely lifestyle at last! What are your hobbies or interests? I enjoy cycling, going to the gym and following football, particularly Chelsea FC. I have an association with Scouting Ireland for over 20 years and am currently Group Leader with 1st Louth, formerly St. Nicholas Scout Group, Dundalk. I also very much enjoy music, particularly rock music and I play the guitar. Favourite hymn? Abide With Me Who or what has influenced you the most? Music is a large part of my life and has a huge influence. It gives so much for both the performer and the listener and a life without music would be very bleak indeed. Favourite holiday destination? I enjoy travel and have been fortunate to have visited several wonderful destinations including China, USA, and parts of Europe. Five years ago I went on a trip to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. We only spent eight days in New Zealand, in the Queenstown area and I have promised myself a return visit to see more of the country. It is such a beautiful place. What has been the best day of your life so far? Every day is pretty good! But I know I will be killed for not mentioning 28th July 1978 my marriage to Pat, which was a magical day! Editors Note: Fergie is also a very committed member of the st Wellington Hall Project, representing 1 Louth Scouts who have always used and supported the hall and he continues to be a great asset to the committee in planning events and fundraising for the hall restoration. Thank you Fergie!

DKIT honour memory of Frances McKenna

Frances McKenna, who died in August 2010, had worked in the Library of DKIT for over 20 years. She was the first professional librarian employed by the (then) Regional Technical College, and her contribution was always imbued with a sense of care, enthusiasm and professionalism. Her colleagues and friends at DKIT wanted to honour her memory and commitment, and her immense contribution to the Library, and to express their gratitude for all that Frances gave them both personally and professionally. After consultation with Frances family Pat, Deb, David and Alison it was agreed that a study room in the Library would be a fitting tribute to Frances memory. The room is the AVOCA room, as Frances came to Dundalk from Avoca Road, London, via Canada. At a large gathering of family, friends and colleagues, at the Library on 20 December 2011, the Avoca Room was formally opened by Frances husband Pat (pictured here about to cut the ribbon). The family have also donated one of Frances paintings to hang on the wall in the Avoca Room.

Easter General Vestries

This is the annual meeting for each parish it is your opportunity to hear the review of the year, elect new church officers and to have a say in the future of your church. Please make every effort to attend. BALLYMASCANLAN AND BUSH Sun 25 March 11.45am Bush Old Schoolhouse (the meeting will take place following the combined service in Bush at 11am there will be no 10.45 service at Ballymac that day) HEYNESTOWN Tues 27 March 7.30pm St Pauls Church CREGGAN Weds 28 Mar 8pm Creggan Church Hall DUNDALK Wed 25 Apr 8pm Wellington Hall The Rectors annual address will be given during the morning service at 11am on Sunday 22 Apr in Dundalk.

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

MISSION NEWS
DIOCESE OF JERUSALEM & THE MIDDLE EAST
Jerusalem: During the 2012 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, there were ecumenical celebrations throughout Jerusalem. On Sunday January 22, the Evening Service was held at the Anglican Cathedral of St. George the Martyr. Bishop Suheil welcomed the large Christian congregation and spoke of our role in this Land of the Holy One as peace-makers and advocates of reconciliation. The evening was concluded with a reception of ecumenical fellowship. Gaza: Also in January, Bishop Suheil with Haleem Bashlawi, Diocesan Chief Accountant, and Dr. Hisham Nassar, Diocesan Medical Coordinator, visited The Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza over a two day period. They met with Mrs. Suhaila Tarazy, Director, and Dr. Maher Iyad, Medical Director of the AlAhli Arab Hospital. The Bishop spent important time with the staff of the hospital, giving encouragement to those who work there. Tuesday morning was spent in the AlAhli Hospital Board Meeting. Discussion focused on the future development of the Diagnostic Center, which will be built adjacent to the hospital; and the upgrading of equipment and services. In the afternoon, Bishop Suheil met with the Christian dignitaries of Gaza. Dr. Hisham Nassar, Diocesan Medical Coordinator, visited local hospitals and cardiology doctors to discuss the improvement of services in the area. On Wednesday morning, 20 people attended the service at St. Philips Anglican Church in Gaza City to celebrate the Feast of Epiphany. Bishop Suheil preached on the importance of epiphany that our Almighty God is made manifest in the good work that is done in our institutions.

HOLY WEEK 2012

As we prepare for Easter, do join us on Thursday evenings at 7.30pm in The Rectory for an informal evening of Prayer and a short talk on the subject of prayer. Every Thursday in Lent from 23rd February to 22nd March incl. see front page.

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SERVICES

We will begin Holy Week with by celebrating the Liturgy of The Palms on Sun 1 April in each of our churches at the usual Sunday service times. Each night at 8pm in Holy Week we gather for worship. Our theme this year is I thirst a series of reflections on the Cross, the Great Triumph of Love. Monday 2 April Bush Tuesday 3 April Creggan Wednesday 4 April Heynestown Maundy Thursday 5 April - Ballymascanlan for the Liturgy of the Upper Room, followed by Vigil in the Chapel Good Friday 6 April - Dundalk for the Liturgy of the Cross. Good Friday, 10.30am leaving St Patricks cathedral, Dundalk, Ecumenical Walk of Witness in silence through Dundalk, with scripture and prayers. Easter Eve, 7 April, Our ever popular Easter Egg Hunt will take place in Ballymascanlan churchyard at 5pm, followed by a short Easter Vigil in St Marys church with the lighting of the Easter fire and renewal of baptismal promises. All children of national school age and younger very welcome and adults! Easter Day 8 April Dundalk: 8am HC (Order 1), 11am Family Eucharist of the Resurrection Creggan: 9.30am Family Eucharist of the Resurrection Heynestown: 10am Family Eucharist of the Resurrection Ballymascanlan: 10.45am Family Eucharist of the Resurrection Bush: 12 noon Family Eucharist of the Resurrection

THE DIOCESE OF NORTH KIVU IN DR CONGO

Despite the continuing unrest, the Church is rebuilding and CMS Ireland has helped refurbish 12 primary schools and provide emergency relief. The Bishop has prepared a detailed forward plan for the Diocese and there are many opportunities for individuals and parishes in Ireland to become directly involved in providing support for both small and large projects (in addition to the commitment of our group of parishes, and the Parishes of Killyman and Milltown in NI.)

Mothers Union Festive Dinner Darver Castle January 2012

Ecumenical News
The annual inter-church service to mark the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity was this year hosted by St Nicholas (the Green Church) on 19th January nd Fr Garrett Campbell, St Patricks, preached for us. Then on 21st January the Rector was invited to preach at the Vigil Mass at St Michaels RC Church in Carlingford, which was also broadcast on LMFM. An inter-church Remembrance ceremony was held in the church yard of Holy Trinity, Carlingford, on Sunday 15 January, in memory of AB James Brennan, a son of the Cooley peninsula, who was tragically killed on board the MV Karri (Newry) on 15 Jan 1941 by a German mine. His family and friends organised the event with the Newry Maritime Association, and members of Her Majestys Coastguard from Kilkeel and the Irish Coastguard, Greenore. The Rector was joined by Fr Pat Tumelty from St Catherines Priory, Newry, as well as the Deputy Mayor of Newry. A wreath was laid at the grave, bearing the red, white and blue flag of the famous Fisher fleet, coal importers of Newry who operated all throughout the war years. The ceremony concluded with the Last Post and Reveille.

Pat ORourke & Mary Christmas

Rachel & Heather Christmas

Valerie Craig, Judith Redmond and Pat ORourke

Frances & Pamela Henry

DIARY DATES FOR FEBRUARY

Weds 1 Feb: St Brigid HC 1030am Ballymascanlan Sun 12 Feb Draw for the Valentines Raffle will take place after the 11am service in Dundalk. Sun 19 Feb: Healing Service on the Sunday before Lent Ballymascanlan, at 7pm. Wed 22 Feb: ASH WEDNESDAY Lent begins. Services 10.30am Ballymascanlan and 7.30pm Dundalk. Mon 27 Feb: Mothers Union Monthly Meeting, An Evening of Crafts, 8pm in the Wellington Hall.

Services in February 2012

Sunday 5 February
Creggan Parish Church Eucharist St Marys Ballymascanlan St Bridgid HC Morning Prayer St Andrews Rathcor (Bush) Eucharis St Pauls, Heynestown Morning Prayer (One) St Nicholas, Dundalk Morning Prayer (One) Hospital (St Olivers) HC Sunday 5th Weds 1 Sunday 5th Sunday 5th Sunday 5th Sunday 5th Thursday 9th
st

9.30am 10.30 10.45am 12 noon 10.00am 11.00am 11.30am

LOOKING AHEAD TO MARCH AND BEYOND

18 March: Mothering Sunday 23 March - Coffee Morning in aid of the Irish Cancer Society Daffodil Day at The Nelson House (9 The Meadows, Blackrock) 10am-1pm. 24 March Good as New Clothes Sale in aid of the WHP, 11am4pm, Wellington Hall, Dundalk (see advert on front page) 25 March Bush/Ballymac Easter General Vestry, 11.45am, Bush Old Schoolhouse (NB Clocks go forward an hour!) 27 March Heynestown Easter General Vestry, 7.30pm. St Pauls Church 28 Mar Creggan Easter General Vestry, 8pm, Creggan Parish Hall 1 April Palm Sunday (Please see box overleaf for details of Easter and Holy Week Worship) 15 April GROUP SERVICE (Sunday after Easter), 11am, Dundalk 25 April Dundalk Easter General Vestry, 8pm, Wellington Hall 29 April PARISH CONFIRMATION 11am, Dundalk 21 July Summer BBQ at Bellurgan Park in aid of the Wellington Hall 29 July - GROUP SERVICE 10.30am Bush 30 Sept GROUP SERVICE 10.30am Heynestown 30 Nov: Dundalk Group of Parishes Gala Dinner Dance at The Ballymascanlon House Hotel in aid of the Wellington Hall Project Fri 30 Nov: Dundalk Group of Parishes Gala Dinner Dance at the Ballymascanlon House Hotel.t 30 Dec GROUP SERVICE 11am Dundalk

Week Commencing 12 February

Creggan Parish Church Morning Prayer (One) St Marys Ballymascanlan Morning Prayer (One) St Andrews Rathcor (Bush) Morning Prayer (One) St Pauls, Heynestown Eucharist St Nicholas, Dundalk Morning Prayer Hospital (St Olivers) HC Sunday 12 Sunday 12 Sunday 12 Sunday 12
th th

9.30am 10.45am 12 noon 10.00am 11.00am 11.30am

th th

Sunday 12 Thursday 16th

th

Week Commencing 19 February

Creggan Parish Church Eucharist St Marys Ballymascanlan Morning Prayer Healing Service Ash Wednesday St Andrews Rathcor (Bush) Eucharist St Pauls, Heynestown Morning Prayer (One) St Nicholas, Dundalk Morning Prayer (One) Ash Wednesday Dealgan House HC Hospital (St Olivers) HC Sunday 19
th

9.30am 10.45am 7.00pm 10.30am 12 noon 10.00am 11.00am 7.30pm 3.00pm 11.30am

Sunday 19 th Sunday 19 nd Weds 22 Sunday 19

th

th

HOME SECURITY EXHIBITION

Sat 4th Feburary 11am-5pm Ballymascanlan House Hotel Organised by An Garda Siochana Entry free - In aid of the Simon Community Advice on alarms, CCTV, security, locks, Safes, oil tank security, monitoring services, and much more. ALL WECLCOME

Sunday 19th Sunday 19 nd Weds 22 st Tuesday 21 rd Thursday 23

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Week Commencing 26 February

Creggan Parish Church Morning Prayer St Marys Ballymascanlan Eucharist St Andrews Rathcor (Bush) Morning Prayert St Pauls, Heynestown Morning Prayer St Nicholas, Dundalk Fasmily SOW Hospital (St Olivers) HC Sunday 26 Sunday 26 Sunday 26 Sunday 26
th

9.30am 10.45am 3.00pm 10.00am

th th

JOIN US IN LENT
Informal Evening Prayer at The Rectory With Five talks on Prayer Every Thursday at 7.30pm st th th nd (23 Feb, 1 , 8 , 15 and 22 March)
rd

th th

Sunday 26 11.00am st Thursday 1 Mar 11.30am

GOSPEL READINGS FOR FEBRUARY

5th Feb: Mark 1.29-39 12th Feb: John 1.1-14 19thFeb: Mark 9.2-9 26th Feb: Mark 1.9-15 These are provided for those of you who may find it helpful to read the gospel at home in preparation for Sunday worship. Contact the Rector if you are interested in daily Bible reading notes.

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