{"id":3557,"date":"2019-10-04T10:48:37","date_gmt":"2019-10-04T10:48:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.douglas.cork.anglican.org\/web\/?p=3557"},"modified":"2019-10-04T11:47:35","modified_gmt":"2019-10-04T11:47:35","slug":"parish-matters-october-2019","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.douglas.cork.anglican.org\/web\/parish-matters-october-2019\/","title":{"rendered":"Parish Matters October, 2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Rector writes\u2026\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

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There is one word which none of us can escape at present, and that is the word Brexit<\/strong>. For three years now, there is barely a day when I don\u2019t hear it referred to in the media or have a conversation with someone about it. The clock is ticking down and we are only weeks away from a possible no deal exit, on the part of Britain, from the European Union.<\/p>\n

These are concerning times. Several weeks ago, I was at a central church meeting in Dublin, where the text of a statement was being crafted as a Church of Ireland position on this issue. During the discussion, some contributors from the border counties spoke movingly about the impact a no deal Brexit would have on them. Many businesses straddle the border and have some company vehicles registered in Ireland and others in Northern Ireland. People travel and trade across the border many times each day. Others talked of farms which straddle the political boundary and the difficulty that milk lorries and other agricultural vehicles will have in going about their daily work. Many of those present at the meeting remembered the \u2018bad old days\u2019. The fervent hope and prayer of all was that we would not return to this situation again.<\/p>\n

In all this discussion, there is the temptation to think that this is only an issue for those living in the border counties. It is not. Any dramatic change in the status of Britain within the European Union will have an impact on us too here in Cork. At this difficult time, we pray for farmers, food producers, those involved in local manufacturing or service industries which export into or through the UK. There is barely a sector in our economy which will not be affected in one way or another.<\/p>\n

What is the role of the church in all this you may ask? Does it sit aloof and continue as normal? Of course not. As a community of faith, which is part of a much wider community, we are concerned about the welfare of parishioners and all other citizens. It is the role of the church to promote attentive listening and reconciliation where sharp divisions emerge in society. In the end, whatever the outcome of Brexit, we will have to continue to trade with and travel to the UK. We will have to work with those with whom we disagree and repair relationships which may have been damaged or put under stress.<\/p>\n

For your reference I quote the text of the<\/p>\n

\u2018Statement of the Standing Committee regarding the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The Standing Committee of the General Synod of the Church of Ireland, meeting on 17th September 2019 in Church of Ireland House, Dublin, noted the decision of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to leave the European Union on a date determined but yet to be finalised.<\/em><\/p>\n

Mindful of the fact that members of the Church of Ireland live peaceably and contribute positively to civic, cultural and economic life in two distinct political jurisdictions on the island of Ireland, the Standing Committee urges the Government of Ireland, Her Majesty\u2019s Government, and the member states of the European Union, to do everything in their power to ensure the continuity of peace, stability and economic security for those on the island of Ireland affected by Brexit, and to uphold such international treaties and agreements as are in place in order to secure the above outcome.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Church of Ireland prays regularly in public worship for those in civic leadership and we continue to assure our leaders of our ongoing prayer for them in these challenging times.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

Finally, I ask you to pray for the European Union at this time. For your convenience I reprint the prayer on page 145 of the Book of Common Prayer.<\/p>\n

\u2018O Lord our heavenly Father, we pray you to guide and direct the member states of the European Union. Draw us closer to one another, and help us to attain justice and freedom, and to sue our resources for the good of people everywhere; through Jesus Christ our Lord.\u2019 \u00a9 BCP 2004<\/p>\n

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Yours in Christ,\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adrian<\/p>\n

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A Service of Remembrance<\/strong> will be held By Cork University Maternity Hospital on Friday 11th October 2019 at 7.30pm in the Sacred Heart Church, Western Road, Cork. \u00a0All who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss are welcome to attend.<\/p>\n

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\u00a0St Luke\u2019s School Notes<\/strong> We extend a very warm welcome to our 28 new Junior Infants and their parents and hope that they will have many happy years in St Luke\u2019s. We also welcome Isabelle, Lara and Anna into some of our senior\"img_5d14d8c95816e\" classes. We welcome Mrs Bryan back from maternity leave and Mrs Danaj, Mrs Sugrue and Miss Scannell\u00a0back on the teaching staff again. Congratulations to Grainne Redmond on the birth of her son and welcome to Hilary Warren-Perry as SNA covering her maternity leave. We extend our sympathy to Mrs Colton and Mrs Coulter on the death of both their mothers during the summer holidays. We also extend our sympathy to the Lane family on the death of their son, Caleb, a past pupil of St Luke\u2019s.<\/p>\n

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At our end of term service in June we recognised Mrs Coulter\u2019s 30 years teaching in St Luke\u2019s and thanked her for her diligent service. We said \u201cGood Bye\u201d to Ms Dermody and wished her well in her future career. Congratulations to the following pupils who were presented prizes:<\/p>\n

Val Jago Shield: Abigail Carlaw, Emily Flynn. Runners Up: Jamie Dorgan, Aisling Hanafin, Abigail Shorten.\u00a0 Flack Trophy for Handwriting: Kate Ryan.\u00a0 Gash Trophy for Squaddy of the Year: Claire McCarthy.\u00a0 Bean Ui Chaoimh Shield: Freddie McDaid.\u00a0 Coombes Shield for Sportsmanship: Fuchsia Sutton, Alastair Dunne.\u00a0 Gradam Mhaire Roycroft (Pupil who contributed most to school life): Sarah McCarthy.\u00a0 Andrew Chambers Memorial Award (Most Promising Junior Hockey Player): Katie Kingston.\u00a0 Exceptional Attendance: James Taylor.\u00a0 We look forward to a busy year ahead as all our extra-curricular activities begin.<\/p>\n

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St. Michael\u2019s School News<\/strong><\/p>\n

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St Michael’s pupils came back to school on the 27th August to a lot of changes! We have grown from three mainstream classes to four plus a newly opened special\u00a0class for children with an autism diagnosis. As we also had some teachers moving on, this meant welcoming four new teachers and two new Special Needs Assistants to our team. With our extra class rooms we no longer have only a junior, middle and senior classroom\u00a0 so we have named each room after a tree -Junior \/ senior infant room is now \u00a0Oak Room ,1st \/\u00a02nd \u00a0is\u00a0Willow Room , 3rd\/4th is Chestnut Room , 5th \/6th is Rowan Room, Special class is\u00a0 Hazel Room ,Resource room will be Ash tree room. The pupils who are enrolled in our new special class are fully integrated into our mainstream school. The Hazel room teacher along with the SNA’s are assisting pupils throughout the school and supporting various small group activities. The room is a wonderful supportive space for pupils and has allowed us to meet the diverse needs of many pupils. We are delighted with our new build classroom and look forward to building two additional rooms in the near future. We appreciate the generosity of St Michael’s Church who have allowed us to use\u00a0the Old School as a temporary classroom space. We welcome anyone who wishes to see the school to call by after 2.10 or by appointment at another time. We are very grateful\u00a0to our Parent’s Association for supplementing our IT grant allowing us to purchase two new interactive whiteboards for our classrooms.<\/p>\n

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On the 27th of September all classes will be taking part in Engineering workshops using LEGO to plan and create. As part of our digital strategy this month we will be focusing on online ethics and safety. We will be working with\u00a0The Zeeko Crew to provide training and workshops for pupils, teachers and parents. In St Michael’s we believe that keeping active and getting enough time outdoors and in nature is vital to wellbeing, happiness and learning. We make great use of our lovely location and classes can often be spotted out for a walk or a nature trail on the Blackrock Line, having lessons in our outdoor classroom spaces or gardening. The raised beds for our future vegetable garden are currently being installed behind our new classroom. We are hoping to have a year round crop giving pupils an opportunity to grow, tend and taste their own vegetables. We would welcome any assistance or advice from any green fingered folk as we begin this venture. We have plenty sports activities planned for this year. Ms Welch has begun hockey training with all pupils from first class to 6th. We have invested in new equipment for this and pupils are all very enthusiastic. All classes from juniors to 6th are also training with St Michael’s Gaelic Football Club every Thursday with coach John Holly. Go Dazzlers!! We are due to recommence hurling next week with the Rockies (Blackrock Hurling Club)<\/p>\n

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Ms Campbell has begun recorder lessons with all pupils from 1st to 6th and these classes will also have choir practice on a weekly basis with Robbie or Peter from St Finbarre’s Cathedral. We look forward to a number of performances and events this year. 3rd to 6th class will be attending Bishop Colton’s annual diocesan school’s service in Bandon on the 26th September. Past pupils Sophie and Jack will be helping the pupils in the junior room during their work experience with Ashton school. We are delighted to have them and will keep them very busy.<\/p>\n

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Guitar, Art and Craft, Soccer and Swimming are organised and run by Parent’s Association as optional after school activities. Many parents, staff and community members have been working on the upkeep of the school grounds keeping our lovely play space safe and tidy. We are excited for the school year ahead. As always we appreciate the support and goodwill of our school families, parish and community.<\/p>\n

‘N\u00ed neart gur cur le c\u00e9ile’<\/p>\n

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Mary Elmes<\/strong> On 25 February this year, it was announced by Cork City Council that the new pedestrian bridge linking Patrick\u2019s Quay to Merchant\u2019s Quay would be named after Mary Elmes. She was born in Cork in 1908 and baptized in St Michael\u2019s Church in Blackrock. Mary Elmes is the only Irish person to receive the Righteous Among the Nations award, an honorific title used by the State of Israel, to describe non-Jews who risked their lives during the Holocaust to save Jews from extermination by the Nazis. On 27 September the new bridge was officially opened by the Lord Mayor. Later that day, Mary Elmes was honoured with a posthumous award by Ashton School at their annual prize giving. This is a fitting tribute to her as someone who attended Rochelle School.<\/p>\n

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Churchyards, Cemeteries and Burial Grounds<\/strong> This is the title of a talk on the burial landscape of Cork city and county being given by Dr Aoife Bhreatnach on Saturday 19 October at 2pm in St Luke\u2019s Church, Douglas. Afterwards there will be an opportunity to tour the extensive churchyard, to see the graves of some of the prominent, and perhaps not so well known, individuals and families associated with it. However, this talk is not just of interest to parishioners or those living in Cork city. It will provide a fascinating insight into how all burial grounds were administered, both before and after the Disestablishment of the Church of Ireland, and some interesting anecdotes about the burial customs of past generations. All are welcome and there is no charge or advanced booking required. We are fortunate to have someone like Aoife, who as an historian has professional expertise in this area, to explore this fascinating topic.<\/p>\n

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Annual Theatre Production<\/strong> We are delighted to announce that once again joining forces with Carrigaline Union to hold a theatre supper night on 28th, 29th and\u00a030th November\u00a0in Canon Packham Hall. More information next month.<\/p>\n

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Hymn singing:<\/strong> Tuesdays\u00a0 7.30-9.30<\/p>\n

3rd September, 1st October, 5th November, 3rd December dv.<\/p>\n

Please contact Florence Binions if interested, as space is limited.<\/p>\n

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Bible Studies<\/strong> in Joan Miller’s home: Wednesdays at 3 p.m.\u00a0Please note later time.<\/p>\n

11th & 25th September; 9th & 23rd October; 6th &20th November; 4th December dv. Fellowship night to be announced. New members welcome.<\/p>\n

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Bible Studies<\/strong> in Carol Boylan’s home at 7.30pm on Wednesday, 2nd<\/sup> Oct at and on Thursday, 10th<\/sup>, 24th<\/sup> October, 21st<\/sup> November, 5th<\/sup> December.\u00a0 A Carol Singing Night will be held on Wed 11th<\/sup> December. New members welcome.\u00a0Please contact Florence Binions or any of the clergy if interested in joining either group.<\/p>\n

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GIY<\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Grow it Yourself, will meet in St. Mary\u2019s Church Hall Passage West on Thursday, 17th<\/sup> October at 7.30pm.\u00a0 Get growing tasty fruit and veg!\u00a0 For beginners, intermediate and experienced veg and fruit growers.\u00a0 Monthly meetings are held on the 3rd<\/sup> Thursday of each month.\u00a0 For more information email pgmgrowityourself@gmail.com<\/a> or phone 085\/8701386<\/p>\n

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DOUGLAS UNION CHRISTMAS MARKET AND TREE SALE (WITH FRANKFIELD)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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As announced in September’s issue, preparations are under way for a Christmas Market to be held in conjunction with the Tree Sale on 7 December (10 am – 1 pm).\u00a0 On sale will be Christmas-themed items – luxury holly wreaths, red berry holly, mistletoe, homemade preserves, homemade mincemeat and mince pies, chutneys, craft decorations and container plants including sage, rosemary and thyme for the perfect turkey stuffing.\u00a0 A modest entry fee will entitle patrons to sip a Badger and Dodo coffee while enjoying the choir in festive mood and to participate in a raffle for prizes which include Christmas cake, hampers, a tree and a half-case of Christmas wines.<\/p>\n

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We would very much like to hear from parishioners willing to commit to supplying fare associated with the festive season – in particular, craft decorations, preserves, biscuits, logs, mince pies, etc.\u00a0 While homemade products of the kind labelled “artisan” are particularly welcome, we will be happy to accept, for re-sale, donated shop-bought items associated with Christmas (e.g. crackers, chocolates).<\/p>\n

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Inevitably, given the busy time of year, there will be parishioners unable to attend on the day, for whatever reason.\u00a0 Donations in lieu of attendance will be gratefully received!<\/p>\n

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Shirley Clarke-Swanton\u00a0 087 2212969, Anne Hevers\u00a0 \u00a0087 9967705, Ivan Johnston 086 2573948<\/p>\n

Aoife Bhreatnach\u00a0 086 8637514, Stephen Daunt\u00a0 087 2389357, David Kerr\u00a0 086 8109825<\/p>\n

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Come to Lunch<\/strong> Blackrock Lunch at 12.30pm in the Old Schoolhouse on Church Road on Wednesday, 30th<\/sup> October. \u00a0All are welcome to a nutritious three course meal for a modest donation towards expenses. As usual there will also be a sales table.<\/p>\n

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\u00a0 CMSI matters\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

Contributions from Douglas Union to CMSI for the support of our mission partners, Dr Keith and Mrs Lyn Scott in St John\u2019s Anglican Seminary, Kitwe, Zambia.<\/p>\n

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January \u2013 November 2017\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.\u20ac630.00<\/p>\n

January \u2013 December 2018\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.\u20ac2000.00<\/p>\n

January 2019 \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.\u20ac1321.00<\/p>\n

May-June 2019\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026. \u20ac570.00*<\/p>\n

July 2019 \u2013 present\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.\u20ac705.00*<\/p>\n

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* \u00a0Money donated by Confirmation Class, Book Club and various individuals<\/p>\n

in conjunction with visit of Rev. Hazel Minion. Thank you to all who so generously donated.<\/p>\n

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Latest news from Keith and Lyn:<\/strong><\/p>\n

September has begun with a heavy workload. We have both had health problems this year but are recovering gradually thanks to prayer and medical treatment. We have really enjoyed having visitors this year, especially the CMSI team! \u2026 Because of serious energy supply problems in Southern Africa we have almost daily 8 hour power cuts which can be really trying now that the temperatures are really hotting up.\u00a0 We have bought a little generator to keep the fridge and lights going as we need to do work preparation in the evenings. It can make us feel guilty though because we have that luxury and blessing!<\/p>\n

Some of the new intake of students have arrived. They have impressed us with their vocation and quality. Please pray for them as they settle in to seminary life. This has been a huge step for them , they have sacrificed good, well paid jobs, the married ones will be separated from their families for long periods and they will have to study\u00a0 hard with little financial support from the impoverished Anglican church in Zambia.<\/p>\n

Our final year students are counting down the days until their exams are over in November! Please pray for them as they look forward to ordination and taking up the challenge of full time\u00a0 ministry in the church of Zambia. They face a difficult but rewarding future\u2026<\/p>\n

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SUGGESTED PRACTICAL ACTIONS FOR PARISHIONERS DURING AND AFTER THE SEASON OF CREATION, 2019 <\/strong><\/p>\n

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