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 November 2011

MINISTRY TEAM

Issue 6:10 November 2011

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, Once again we are in the season of Remembrance this seems a sombre time of year, and yet we need to recall that it always begins and ends with praise and thanksgiving to God. On All Saints Sunday (which starts the season on 30 October this year, at Creggan) we celebrate the whole company of heaven which is the worldwide church of God and all those who have gone before us in faith. At All Souls tide (2 November, at 7.30pm at Ballymascanlan), we have a more personal opportunity to give thanks and to remember before God by name our own departed loved ones. Then Remembrance Sunday (13 November in all 5 churches) we give thanks for the sacrifice of all who have given their lives in the service of humanity, particular those of this land. Poppies will be available in each church the week before. And the final Sunday of the churchs year, the Feast of Christ the King is a powerful celebration of Our Lord and Saviour, and will be marked in each church with the Family Eucharist (20 November). And the new church year (Year B, when our Gospel readings focus on St Mark) begins on Advent Sunday (27 November in each church ) when each congregation begins again our preparation in penitence and hope for the coming of our Saviour at Christmas. To illustrate this, again we will be offering families the opportunity to share in the Posada journey, as the crib figures of Mary and Joseph travel around the parish area seeking welcome and hospitality in our homes, schools, and nursing homes, on the way. With my prayers for you all in this Remembrance tide Sandra

FROM THE REGISTERS

Holy Baptism On 1 October at St Marys Ballymascanlan: Robert Charles BUCKLAND, son of Mike and Sophie, Dublin. On 15 October 2011 at St Nicholas Dundalk: Darragh Thomas LENNON, second son of Thomas and Valerie, Shore Road. Lord, may Robert and Darragh walk in the light of Christ all the days of their life. Christian Funeral and Burial On 3 October 2011 at St Pauls Heynestown: Amanda Jane DONOHOE nee TINNEY (36) of Rathmount, Blackrock and her unborn child. On 4 October at St Canices Cathedral, Kilkenny: Melosina LENOXCONYNGHAM. On 15 October 2011 at St Nicholas Dundalk: Maurice Leslie BRYAN (60), of Sevilla, Spain, and late of Brynley, Long Avenue, Dundalk. His ashes were interred in his parents grave at St Patricks Cemetery. Lord, in you the dead find life for ever. Sympathy our thoughts and prayers are with the Gray family on the death in England of Ivan George Robert GRAY last month

Sunday School at St Nicholas

Sunday school will be reduced to the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month due to a lack of volunteers. 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 schhol aged children only no under 4s please.

Please come along to support the annual

ST NICHOLAS' SALE OF WORK AND CHRISTMAS RAFFLE

Friday 25th November
Wellington Hall, St Marys Road, Dundalk 7pm 9pm PLANTS CAKES HOME PRODUCE GIFTS TOYS BOOKS BRIC A BRAC BOTTLE STALL CHRISTMAS STALL
If you can help with selling raffle tickets or lend at hand on the night, please contact Mrs Jean Christmas on 042 933 2017 or Mrs Wilhelmina Craig 042 933 7023. Any gifts and donations can be left in any of our churches or delivered to the Rectory.
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For your Prayers

All who are housebound, sick or bereaved, and for those awaiting hospital results Those struggling in this economic climate Our links with the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East, and the Diocese of North Kivu in Congo Those preparing for Christian marriage: Kenny and Esther, Jonathan and Michelle, Dennis and Joanita, and Shelley and Andrew.

Parish Christmas Cards 2011

The Dundalk Group of Parishes Christmas cards, available from early November, depict photographs of our five churches in the snow. th Packs are available of each individual church, or of all 5 churches and will be on sale at the sale of Work (25 Nov) and the Festive Coffee th Morning (10 December) and after all our Sunday services. All proceeds to the Wellington Hall Project.

Ballymascanlan

Creggan

Heynestown

Dundalk

Bush

PASTORAL LETTER FROM THE BISHOPS OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND

For some time the bishops of the Church of Ireland had planned to undertake a review of their Pastoral Letter of 2003 on human sexuality. The recent debate in the Church of Ireland on issues of sexuality has given added impetus to the bishops process of reflection. We also hope, in a structured way, to engage the church at every level in this endeavour. It is helpful, at the outset, to affirm clearly the teaching of the church on marriage. The Book of Common Prayer describes marriage as part of Gods creation and a holy mystery in which man and woman become one flesh. It is to be monogamous, with a publically declared intention that it be life-long. The churchs teaching has been faithfulness within marriage as the normative context for sexual expression. The state, in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, has provided in law for civil partnerships between persons of the same gender. Such partnerships are one means of conferring specific legal rights, but may not necessarily involve sexual expression. It is clear that they are not recognised by the state as marriage in either jurisdiction. However, because civil partnerships are narrowly limited to people of the same gender, they are often perceived as an equivalent to or imitation of marriage for same sex couples. Recent well-publicised events within the Church of Ireland concerning the issue of service of serving clergy and civil partnerships have caused considerable hurt and confusion to many. Others saw what had happened as a positive development. In the Church of Ireland as a whole, in consequence, this has led to a painful experience of disunity. We as bishops take very seriously our responsibility at this time to act in a way that will help to further the unity of the church in truth and love. These issues reflect the difficulties experienced in the wider Anglican Communion, which in recent years has found itself tragically divided by the debate concerning human sexuality. The bishops Pastoral Letter of 2003, appended to this statement, ended with the following words: This is an area of life where deeply held views, powerful emotions and the potential for causing great harm hold sway. We may have to learn how or whether we will be able to live peaceably and with integrity with very different viewpoints within in the family of the Church and the household of faith. While the 2003 Pastoral Letter laid out the situation, it did not put in place a means by which the church could adequately engage with the challenges expressed in the document, and find a way forward. We are now commending a means by which the church can work through these issues and hopefully come to a common mind. This will involve sustained and committed work for the bishops and the entire membership of the General Synod in particular. We plan to organise a major conference in Spring 2012, to which members of General Synod and some others will be invited. The purpose of the conference is to discuss the content of this Pastoral letter, to assist the church in becoming more fully informed, and to explore the wider issues relating to human sexuality. In preparation for this conference, we commit ourselves, as bishops, to additional meetings, including a retreat, where we will study and pray together. The conference is not envisaged to be an end in itself. Study in biblical, theological and legal issues, both before and after the conference, needs to be encouraged and undertaken. We urge people of all shades of opinion within the Church of Ireland to refrain from any actions or the use of emotive or careless language which may further exacerbate the situation within the Church. Such restraint will greatly facilitate the work ahead. We commend this entire process to the prayers of the Church. The Archbishops and Bishops of the Church of Ireland The Most Revd Alan Harper, Archbishop of Armagh The Most Revd Michael Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin & Glendalough The Most Revd Richard Clarke, Bishop of Meath & Kildare The Rt Revd Harold Miller, Bishop of Down & Dromore The Rt Revd Paul Colton, Bishop of Cork, Cloyne & Ross The Rt Revd Ken Clarke, Bishop of Kilmore, Elphin & Ardagh The Rt Revd Ken Good, Bishop of Derry & Raphoe The Rt Revd Michael Burrows , Bishop of Cashel & Ossory The Rt Revd Alan Abernethy, Bishop of Connor The Rt Revd Trevor Williams, Bishop of Limerick & Killaloe The Rt Revd Patrick Rooke, Bishop of Tuam, Killala & Achonry The Rt Revd John McDowell, Bishop of Clogher Human Sexuality A Pastoral Letter from the Bishops of the Church of Ireland, September 2003 A Pastoral Letter from the Bishops of the Church of Ireland September 2003 Society is experiencing the breakdown of national, community and inter-personal relationships on a scale that none of us has experienced before. The problem is made more difficult because there is no universally agreed standard, religious or secular, social or ethical, by which to order our affairs. One aspect of life in which this brokenness is most personally and painfully experienced is in the realm of human sexuality. While this has become the area of immediate concern, it is equally a matter of concern that the sexualisation of almost every area of life in todays world has seriously damaged the potential for deep and lasting enrichment that comes from close personal friendships between and within the sexes that do not have any sexual expression. Life today has become greatly impoverished as a result. In the case of homosexuality, social attitudes range from complete acceptance through indifference to complete rejection. Within the Christian tradition, notwithstanding the pastoral care and compassion shown by many, the attitude has more often than not been one of non-acceptance and at times harsh condemnation. At its worst this has led to the demonising, demeaning and oppression of those who, by inclination or in practice, have found themselves attracted to others of the same sex. This has meant, among other things, that a wholesome engagement with, and open discussion of, the issues surrounding homosexuality has for too long been side-stepped by the Churches. It is a basic assertion of the Christian faith that God has created all that is, and that in Jesus Christ he has entered fully into, and redeemed, a broken world. Despite that affirmation, it has often been people of no particular religious affiliation, or religious people unsupported or opposed by their own institutions, who have been to the fore in engaging with the issues in a way that should have been dealt with by the Churches. The current debate within Anglicanism has shown that harsh condemnatory attitudes on both sides in the current debate have not gone away. There is still no unanimity on the question itself across the Churches. In trying to discern the mind of Christ, the bishops believe that the Church of Ireland as a whole ought to address the question prayerfully, humbly, carefully and generously. The bishops have been engaging in this pastoral issue, both individually and corporately, in a process of consultation and research that began before the Lambeth Conference of 1998, and has been continuing ever since. The fact that little has been said collectively is an indication of the pastoral sensitivities felt by the Bishops, together with the complexity of the issue, and of a considerable range of viewpoints among the bishops themselves. It is evident that no clear-cut solution will be found independently of Biblical reflection, mature thinking, and patient listening on the part of the Church as a whole. This process must involve prayerful and respectful consideration of views and insights within the Church and beyond it. The traditional Anglican concept of the consensus fidelium would seem to demand this. Together the bishops: Affirm the centrality and authority of the Scriptures for all Christian course. Recognise that the interpretation of Scripture is itself an area of divergence among Christians. Hold that the study of Scripture must also engage with the God-given gifts of the cumulative insights of the Christian tradition, and of human reason. Remind the Church that since all people have been created in the image and likeness of God, no one should be understood solely, or even primarily, in terms of his or her sexuality. Encourage an attitude of respect for one another. In general, four main viewpoints may be identified within the Church of Ireland with regard to same-sex relationships. They are not so much clear-cut, isolated points of view as relative positions on a spectrum, and the views of the members of the present House of Bishops are to be found across this spectrum. The witness of the Scriptures is consonant with a view that rejects homosexual practice of any kind, and that marriage between a man and a woman in life-long union remains the only appropriate place for sexual relations. This must remain the standard for Christian behaviour. The witness of the Scriptures is consonant with a more sympathetic attitude to homosexuality than has been traditional, but this would not at present permit any radical change in the Churchs existing stance on the question. The witness of the Scriptures is consonant with the view that a permanent and committed same-gender relationship which, through its internal mutuality and support brings generosity, creativity and love into the lives of those around, cannot be dismissed by the Church as intrinsically disordered. The witness of the Scriptures is consonant with the proposition that, in the light of a developing understanding of the nature of humanity and sexuality, the time has arrived for a change in the Churchs traditional position on affirming same-gender relationships. There is general agreement among the bishops that the mind of the Church must be discerned in relation to sexuality in general. The same requirement also applies to any form of new definition or new pastoral practice in relation to the question of ordination, appointments to positions of leadership, or to the blessing of same-sex unions. The quest for a common mind is not simply an academic exercise. It has long been tacitly if not formally recognised, that homosexual people have held positions of leadership, ordained and lay, within the Church. Their ministry has frequently been highly imaginative and characterised by great pastoral sensitivity that has deeply enriched the lives of those who have experienced it. We believe that the search for a modus vivendi for the Church is more important than the assertion of abstract and disembodied decrees. This search should be undertaken regardless of the conclusions to which the exercise may take us all. A process of understanding of these issues cannot be furthered without overcoming many of the fears and insecurities that surround this discussion. To that end, where there is discussion, it is most effectively undertaken in a safe space, where people are able to let go of their own agendas without betraying their deeply held convictions, where they are prepared to listen sensitively to one another, and where attitudes of condemnation are avoided. Where it is felt that there is urgency for discussion to commence within the Church of Ireland, experience has shown that it is much more fruitful to spend time on learning how to listen and to grow in understanding than to move rapidly beyond that stage in a desire to reach conclusions as quickly as possible. For that reason, the conversation surrounding sexuality is not suited, at this stage, to large legislative assemblies. Where there is dialogue within dioceses and between local communities, it should above all include those who are most immediately affected by the discussion. It cannot be sufficiently emphasised that the quest itself carries its own risks, and should not be undertaken lightly. This is an area of life where deeply held views, powerful emotions and the potential for causing great harm hold sway. We may have to learn how or whether we will be able to live peaceably and with integrity with very different viewpoints within the family of the Church and the household of faith

PARISH NOTICES
Wellington Hall Project
Many thanks to everyone who supported the recent concert in St Nicholas Church in aid of the WHP. Particular thanks to Mrs Sharon Eveson, Mrs Evelyn McCullins and the wonderful St Nicholas choir. the Cloughmore Male Voice Choir and the guest soloist, Miriam Blennerhassett all of whom entertained and mesmerised the audience with their performances, and to all who cleaned and decorated the church to show it in full Harvest splendour. To date the concert has raised over 2,500, bringing the total rundraising amount to date to over 40.000 . On Thursday 1 December Brendan Marmion is holding one of his regular over 40s dances at the Lisdoo Arms, and has very kindly agreed to donate all proceeds from the night to the Wellington Hall Project. The dance starts at 9pm and entry is 8 (payable at the door) and we would be very grateful for the support of our friends and parishioners in supporting the event. We will be holding a Festive Coffee morning at Bellurgan Park on Saturday 10 December more details next month. The WH committee meets regularly and if you are able to come along to any of the planning meetings, we would really appreciate the support. Next year will mark the bicentenary of the opening of the hall (in 1812) and we plan to publish the schedule of events and activities for the year, in the coming weeks.
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Parish Profile
Who are you? Pearl Moffitt Which is your church? I was raised in the Methodist faith but since coming to live in Dundalk I have been a member of St Nicholas Church of Ireland. Where do you live? I live in Ravensdale but am originally from Blacklion in County Cavan, How would you describe what you do? I am a resource teacher of biology, science and maths at Dundalk Grammar School. What are your hobbies or interests? I enjoy swimming, walking and am a member of St Nicholas Church Choir. Favourite Bible passage? Joshua Ch 1, V9 I command unto you bee strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord is with you wherever you go. Favourite hymn? Hymn No. 81 Lord for the Years Your Love has Kept and Guided. Who or what has influenced you the most? The values of my parents. Your dream holiday destination? Safari holiday in South Africa What has been the best day of your life so far? th I have had three exceptional days in my life to date: 6 April th th 2001, 11 July 2003 and 9 November 2006 the birthdays of my three children, Rebecca, Ethan and Joshua.

Mothers Union Young Members

Last month three members of the Dundalk MU branch (Heather HandsleyChristmas, Bridget Amara and Cheryl Dunne pictured) attended a conference at the City North Hotel, themed Do you hear what I hear? The speakers were Dr McAlinden on CPR and use of AED, Mary Caudwell on the MU Buy Bye Childhood campaign and Iris Suitor on PR within the MU. The 41 delegates started the day with stretching and relaxing exercises and overall had a very enjoyable time: Lovely food, fun and fellowship - the 3 " fs!

Restoration of Creggan Parish Church

With the Stables (Visitor Centre) and the Parish Hall now in good order, the Creggan SV are beginning work to restore the church. Work has already begun on the organ, which has been dismantled and removed for restoration, and shortly work will commence to repair the tower and renovate the interior of the church. It is hoped that the work will be completed within a 12-16 week time frame. During the works to the interior, Sunday worship will take place in the Parish Hall. The SV has been successful in receiving funding from the Pilgrim Trust, the Kathleen Day Fund, the Garfield Weston Foundation, the NIEAs Historic Buildings Unit, and the All Churches Trust. Follow The Dundalk Group of Parishes on Facebook to get up to the minute news of events and to browse the photos http://www.facebook.com/dundalkgroupogparishes

Trip to Giants Causeway and Antrim Coast

Many thanks to the Creggan Hall Management Committee for
organising the trip to the north Antrim Coast last month. Demand for seats was so great that a second coach was laid on to accommodate the passengers.

DIARY DATES
Sun 30 Oct (ALL SAINTS SUNDAY) Group Service 10.30am at Creggan Parish Church Sun 13 Nov Remembrance Sunday will be observed in all 5 churches at the usual times. Fri 25 Nov Sale of Work for St Nicholas Church in the Wellington Hall, 7-9pm (see front page) Weds 30 Nov St Andrew (HC) 10.30am, Bush Thurs 01 Dec Over 40s Dance, 9pm, Lisdoo Arms in aid of the Wellington Hall Project. Sat 03 Dec Mothers Union Christmas Party Tues 06 Dec St Nicholas Day HC 103.0 Dundalkl and 12noon Celebration of St Nicholas for SN San Nioclas (in the church) Sat 10 Dec Festive Coffee Morning, 11am, Bellurgan Park in aid of WHP Sun 11 Dec 11am Dundalk Sunday School carols during Morning Worship Sun 11 Dec 5pm Carol Service with Lowry Singers, Ballymascanlan Sun 11 Dec 7.30pm Clermont Choral Concert, at St Nicholas (Green Church) Fri 16 Dec SN San Nioclas Nativity in the school at 12 noon Sun 18 Dec Carols by Candlelight at St Nicholas NB Next Group Service will be Sun 01 Jan 2012 8am and 11am, Dundalk only

Services in November2011
Week Commencing 30 October 4 before Advent
Creggan Parish Church GROUP SERVICE ALL SAINTS Sunday 30th 10.30am St Nicholas, Dundalk Holy Communion (Order One) Sunday 30th 8.00am Morning Prayer (said) Sunday 28th 11.00am No morning service in the other churches on 30 October Hospital (St Olivers) HC Thursday 3rd 11.30am
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Week Commencing 06 November 3 before Advent

Creggan Parish Church Eucharist St Marys Ballymascanlan Morning Prayer St Andrews Rathcor (Bush) Eucharist St Pauls, Heynestown Morning Prayer St Nicholas, Dundalk Eucharist Hospital (St Olivers) HC Sunday 6th Sunday 6th Sunday 6th Sunday 6th Sunday 6th Thursday 10th 9.30am 10.45am 12 noon 10.00am 11.00am 11.30am

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Week Commencing 13 November Remembrance Sunday

Creggan Parish Church Morning Prayer St Marys Ballymascanlan Eucharist St Andrews Rathcor (Bush) Morning Prayer St Pauls, Heynestown Eucharist St Nicholas, Dundalk Morning Prayer Dealgan House HC Hospital (St Olivers) HC Sunday 13th Sunday 13th Sunday 13th Sunday 13th Sunday 13th Tuesday 15th Thursday 17th 9.30am 10.45am 12 noon 10.00am 11.00am 3.00pm 11.30am

THINKING ABOUT CONFIRMATION??

What is Confirmation? Confirmation is standing up for what you believe. Confirmation continues what was begun at your Baptism. Confirmation is a public sign of our belonging to Gods Church, and our discipleship of Jesus Christ. Confirmation means becoming an ambassador for Christ. By confirming the promises made at our baptism by our parents, godparents and sponsors, we take on the responsibility for ourselves to be a Christian, to represent Christ in the world, to play our part in Gods world. Why Confirmation? As children we often adopt our parents beliefs and practices, but as we grow up we develop our own opinions and beliefs. This is a normal part of our transition to adulthood, which is marked by various stagessuch as, moving to secondary school, becoming a teenager, wanting to choose our own styles of clothes and music. In the Christian faith, there is also a stage of transition when young people may feel that they want to make their own declaration of faith and commit their life to Christ. This transition is normally marked by Confirmation. It is a service in which the young people confirm for themselves, and publicly before family, friends and the wider Church, the promises made on their behalf at their baptism. What Age is right for Confirmation? Confirmation is for anyone is old enough to make a decision: those in 5th or 6th class, as well as teenagers, are often joined by adults of all ages wanting to take this public step in their faith journey. Many adults become confirmed later on in their life because they were baptised as a baby, but only now something has brought them back into the family of the Church.

Week Commencing 20th November Kingship of Christ

Creggan Parish Church Eucharist St Marys Ballymascanlan Eucharist St Andrews Rathcor (Bush) Eucharist St Pauls, Heynestown Eucharist St Nicholas, Dundalk Eucharist Hospital (St Olivers) HC Sunday 20th Sunday 20th Sunday 20th Sunday 20th Sunday 20th Thursday 24th 9.30am 10.45am 3.00pm 10.00am 11.00am 11.30am

Week Commencing 27 November Advent Sunday

Creggan Parish Church Eucharist St Marys Ballymascanlan Eucharist St Andrews Rathcor (Bush) Eucharist St Andrew HC St Pauls, Heynestown Eucharist St Nicholas, Dundalk Eucharist Hospital (St Olivers) HC Sunday 27th Sunday 27th 9.30am 10.45pm

GOSPEL READINGS FOR NOVEMBER

October 30th Matthew 23: 1-12 November 6th - Matthew 25: 1-13 November 13th - Matthew 25: 14-30 November 20th - Matthew 25: 31-46 November 27th - Mark 13: 24-37 These are provided for those of you who may find it helpful to read the gospel at home in preparation for Sunday worship. Contact the Rector if you are interested in daily Bible reading notes.

Sunday 27th 12 noon Wednesday 30th 10.30am Sunday 27th 10.00am

Sunday 27th 11.00am Thursday 1 Dec 11.30am

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