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 October 2012

MINISTRY TEAM

Issue 7:09 October 2012

You the people of the parishes with The Revd Sandra Pragnell (Rector), The Revd Richard Moore (Assistant Minister), and our Parish Readers, Mr Rodney McDowell and Mrs Kate Okuno Contact: The Rectory, Old Golf Links Road, Blackrock, Dundalk, County Louth. Tel: (042) 9321402

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Seven and a half years here have flown in, because it has been such a joyful privilege to be your Rector. I never sought preferment and truly believed I would be here much longer. But God had other ideas, and after much prayer, I knew could not say No to this new calling, anymore than I could say No to God. I genuinely want to thank you, the people of Dundalk, Heynestown, Ballymascanlan, Bush and Creggan, who have made me so welcome, forgiven my English ways (!), and given me so much to treasure, as I have shared joyful celebrations with you, and journeyed with you through times of grief and pain. The wider community, too, in north Louth and South Armagh, have enriched the experience of living and ministering in these stunningly beautiful border-lands, by being so welcoming to this blow in from England! Change can be unsettling, yet it is an inescapable part of life the Christian journey does not allow us to stay still, because God calls us onwards, and always equips us to meet the uncertainties, the challenges, and the new opportunities that He has in store for us. Change moves us out of our comfort zone: the disciples knew exactly how painful that was, and even complained to Jesus, Look what weve had to give up! But Jesus reassures them, as he reassures us, that we will be rewarded by our heavenly father, that all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well. If we persevere in faith and hope and love, we have nothing to fear, wherever God calls us. And whoever your new rector is will be a very lucky person to be called to minister in this wonderful group of parishes. I will keep you all in my prayers, as I hope you will pray for me as I move to pastor new flocks in new pastures. God be with you. With every blessing Yours in Christ, Sandra

HARVEST DATES 2012

Creggan Parish Church Sun 7 October at 3pm St Nicholas, Dundalk Fri 12 October at 8pm HARVEST CONCERT (preceded by a reception in the Wellington Hall at 7pm) Sat 13 October Church open from 10am to 4pm with live music by Zoe Conway and others, and free guided tours. The Wellington Hall will also be open, serving tea and coffee. Sun 14 October at 11am (recorded by LMFM) St Andrews, Rathcor (Bush) Sun 21 October at 3pm

For your Prayers

For Archbishop Alan Harper, as he prepares for his retirement, and for Helen and the family. For the House of Bishops who will elect the new Primate, and bishop of the diocese For our group of parishes, and for our parochial nominators as they seek our new rector. For those who are sick, housebound, elderly or lonely For those struggling financially For those preparing for Christian marriage, especially Shelley and Andrew, Joanne and Kevin, and Kate and Bill. For our parish link with Bishop Isesomo and the Diocese of North Kivu in DR Congo and for the work of CMSI For our parish link with Bishop Suheil and the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East, and especially for the clergy ministering in Syria. For all Christians who face persecution for their faith, especially in Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Iraq and China For the Revd Sandra as she prepares for her move to Limerick and the challenge of this new phase in her ministry;

The Reverend Sandra Ann Pragnell

Rector of the Parochial Group of Dundalk, Heynestown Union, Ballymascanlan and Rathcor (Carlingford) Union, and Creggan warmly invites all parishioners and friends to a

FROM THE REGISTERS

Holy Baptism On 29th August 2012 at Bush Church, Carlingford: Colin Thomas Daniel MURPHY and Ava Sarah MURPHY, son and daughter of Sarah and Kieran, Old Grange. On 30th September 2012 at St Nicholas, Dundalk: Brody Jayden CONNOLLY, son of Ramona and Mark, Clos Cormac, Saltown. Lord, may they walk in the light of Christ all their days. Blessing after a Civil Marriage On 29th August 2012 at Bush Church, Carlingford: Sarah Myrtle (nee Bothwell) and Kieran Joseph MURPHY, Old Grange 13 years after their marriage in Mexico. Lord, may their home be a place of blessing and peace. Christian Burial: On 14th September 2012 at St Marys Ballymascanlan: Joan Esther FINNAMORE (nee Lait), widow of the Revd Albert John Finnamore, Head Master, Dundalk Grammar School 1954-1984. Joans funeral took place at St Peters, Drogheda, and she was laid to rest with her husband at Ballymascanlan. Christian Funeral and Burial: On 22 September 2012 at St Nicholas Dundalk: Joyce FENNELL (89, nee PROLE) of Ladywell, Dundalk. She was laid to rest in Haggardstown Churchyard, with her husband Billy. Christian Funeral and Cremation: On 23 September 2012 at St Nicholas Dundalk: Desmond James MURRAY (51) of Dundalk. Our prayers are with Finnamore, Fennell, Prole and Murray families. Lord, in you the dead find life forever.

Choral Evensong for her Farewell Service On Monday 15th October at 7.30pm At St Nicholas Church, Dundalk
Followed by a Presentation and Reception in The Wellington Hall Please pray for our Parish Group and our Parochial Nominators during the interregnum and for Sandra as she takes on the challenge of her new and exciting position. The service of installation and institution of The Reverend Sandra Pragnell as Dean of Limerick and Rector of Limerick City Parish will be at 7.30pm in St Marys Cathedral on Wednesday 24th October at which the preacher will be The Most Reverend Alan Harper, Archbishop of Armagh. All welcome. I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. (John 8:12)
Rev Sandras new address from 24th October is: The Deanery, 7 Kilbane, Castletroy, Limerick. Tel: 061 338 697. Email: dean@limerick.anglican.org

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

Parish Profile
Who are you? Phyllis Adair Which is your church? St Pauls, Heynestown Where do you live? Blackrock, overlooking Dundalk bay. How would you describe what you do? I am a mother of a large family who have all fled the nest. I have been living alone since the unexpected death of my husband, Fred, 18 months ago. I have three daughters living near, whom I see regularly. We are a very close family. Favourite Bible passage? Psalm 121: I find it very comforting. I discussed it recently with my son John, one of the twins, who is a lay reader in Castleblaney Parish. He read it in the new version but although I prefer the traditional translation, the words are just as powerful. Favourite hymn? All Things Bright and Beautiful. It reminds me of my childhood, a very happy childhood, in County Fermanagh, and the words are still relevant at my age now. Favourite book or film? I like Atonement by Ian McEwan and I enjoyed the film adaptation, particularly because the theme of atonement goes right through the story. Who or what has influenced you the most? My husband, Fred, has been the biggest influence on me. I met him when I was just 18 and we enjoyed over 60 years of marriage together. He instilled a good work ethic and integrity in me, and in our children too. Your dream holiday destination? In my dreams I go back to New England in the USA in autumn, the fall. It is so beautiful. Our children bought us a surprise present of a tour of New England when Fred was 70. We enjoyed it so much that we went back the following year and hired a car. We travelled around and one Sunday went to one of those little white painted churches with a steeple. Everyone was so friendly. Amazingly one of the ladies there we got talking to had been on an exchange to Ireland five years earlier, staying just a few yards down from our house in Blackrock. We also took the ferry across to Marthas Vineyard. What has been the best day of your life so far? The day my first grandchild was born, which was in the USA. I was at home alone that day as Fred was away working and none of the family was around. I was finishing a christening shawl that I was knitting for the baby and it happened that I finished it at the very time i got the phone call about his birth. The following day we were going to an agricultural show which happened to have a knitting competition and I entered the shawl and won first prize! It is now in the Hope Chest and all my grandchildren were baptised in it. Being a grandparent is very easygoing; being a parent can be hard work, being a grandparent (and great-grandparent!) is pure pleasure!

Work is continuing on the cleaning and painting of the interior of the hall, replacing windows and doors and the painting of the exterior. In the next week we hope the scaffolding will be removed to reveal the newly painted grey and blue building. Other planned work this autumn includes refurbishing the entrance and refurbishing the exisiting ladies toilet, as well as the exterior gents toilets. This work is all being funded by the generous support of parishioners and friends and the various fund raising efforts for which we are very grateful. At the last committee meeting of the WH, the Rector expressed her deep gratitude to the enthusiasm and dedication of the entire committee for the progress that has been made over the last two years. Although we have not been successful in accessing grant funding for the building project, our fundraising efforts have raised sufficient money to enable us to render the hall fit for public use again. Particular thanks goes to Colin Lloyd and Trevor Patterson, who have undertaken much of the cleaning and painting work themselves. If anybody is interested in using the hall, please contact either Colin Lloyd or Wilhelmena Craig. October 12th Harvest Concert at St Nicholas Dundalk at 8pm, preceded by a wine reception in the Wellington Hall at 7pm. See box below for full details. Saturday 8th December Bicentennial Celebration Night in the Wellington Hall at 7.30pm. Please make a note of the date in your diaries more details to follow.

The Choir of St Nicholas Parish Church present a

HARVEST CONCERT

At St Nicholas Church of Ireland, the Green Church, Dundalk

Extras needed for TG4 Film AN CAT

St Marys, Ballymascanlan
An Cat is an Irish language short film being produced through Filmbase/TG4 and is scheduled to screen at the Cork Film Festival as well as on TG4 later this year. The film includes a large funeral scene in St. Marys Ballymascanlan on the morning of Wednesday the 3rd of October (exact times to be confirmed). The producers need to pack out the church to make it come alive on screen; so if you would be interested in coming along and being in the film, please give Amy a call at the number below to put your name on the extras list and get more details! Amy Doyle: 0874145357 | or email aaamy@me.com

On Friday 12th October 2012 at 8pm,

preceded by a wine reception at The Wellington Hall at 7pm

Guest Soloist Miriam Blennerhassett

Mezzo-Soprano and founder member of Anna

Guest Choir The Cloughmore Male Voice Choir

and introducing the St Nicholas NS Junior Choir and other artists

Tickets 15 (all proceeds to the Wellington Hall Project)

Available from: Oriel Office Supplies (The Ramparts, Dundalk) and Toymaster (Forkhill)

MISSION NEWS
DIOCESE OF JERUSALEM & THE MIDDLE EAST
Summer Camps have been held in Nazareth and Jordan with over 400 youth attending. We have also received visitors from around the world in Jerusalem, and also from Germany and England in Jordan. For the 5th consecutive year we shared the breaking of the fast, Iftar, with our Muslim brothers at St. Georges Guest House. Bishop Suheil also traveled to Jordan to attend their fast breaking meal of Ramadan, held by the king of Jordan, His Majesty King Abdullah Eben Al Hussien. As always I ask that you please continue to pray for the Diocese of Jerusalem and its work. We are making great strides in pastoral care and development and we continue to strengthen our fellowship with local churches and partners from all around the world.

PARISH NEWS
We have a great new team for Sunday school for our young people aged 4 to 12. They are: Ms Emma Harte, Ms Honesta Kamata, Mrs Jean Kenny, Mrs Janet Mears, Mrs Brigitte Nelson, and Mrs Susan Reyburn. Operating in term time, the new team began on 9 September. Registration forms for Children wanting to join are available in the porch and all children must be registered for Sunday School by completing this form. Parents are reminded that Sunday School is for all school aged children from 4 to 12/13 (Confirmation). We have 2 groups: the junior group for 4 to 7 years and the senior group for 8 to 12 years. For health and safety reasons we are unable to have children under the age of 4 years in Sunday School. There are soft toys and games available in the vestry for parents to take babies and toddlers during the service

THE DIOCESE OF NORTH KIVU IN DR CONGO

We received a message from Bishop Isesomo last week in response to the news of Rev Sandras move to Limerick Thank you very much for having sent to me this message about my dear friend Revd Sandra. We will continue to pray for this event so that God may make it possible and so that it may happen in peace and for God's glory. We hope that her new position is a gift from God and we have to praise Him for that. The diocese of North-Kivu has not any gift to send to her but we are rich in prayer together On Wed 10 October at 7.30pm in Ballymascanlan Hall, we continue to look at what we can commit in our partnership with North Kivu we need at least one person from each of the 5 churches.

St Nicholas National School

The new term is well underway and we are delighted to welcome this month two new members of staff; Ruth Condell and Alison Dudgeon. Our National School always Welcomes new pupils. We also have a thriving Pre-School on campus which ioffersd a fantastic foundation for your child starting their education. istear /Solta Curriculum. Mon.Fri. 8.50 a.m.12.00 p.m.

1st Louth Scouts

Nicholas Street, Dundalk. Telephone: 042-9330860 Email: sannioclas.ns@hotmail.com Principal: Mrs Susan Reyburn

John Zorn The Holy Visions

Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, EQ Ensemble 8pm on Friday 5 October 2012 St. Nicholas Church of Ireland Dundalk

At the end of August a group from 1st Louth scouts enjoyed a seven day trip to Italy, staying at BP Park, a Scout camp outside of Rome and in a youth hostel in the centre of Rome. They took part in a lot of outdoor activities including, hiking, swimming and sightseeing (pictured above) and a great time was had by all.

1st Louth Cub Scouts and Scouts meet every Friday during term time in the Wellington Hall and cater for girls and boys Cub Scouts Age 8 to 11 years Friday 6.00-7.15pm Scouts Age 12 to 18 years Friday 7.30-9.00pm The new term is just starting and we welcome new members at all times, but especially at this time of year. Also, we are looking to increase our team of leaders so if you are able to spare an hour and a half a week on a Friday evening we would love to hear from you. All enquiries or questions, please contact Una Ross at 0863197469 or Fergie O'Rourke at 0851745255.

We are Looking for New Members and Leaders

Tickets 20/Concessions 15 www.centralticketbureau.com ROI: 0818 205 205 UK: 0870 850 2896 Also available from An Tain Theatre Box Office 042 9392919
John Zorn The Holy Visions is presented by Louth Contemporary Music Society and is financially supported by the Arts Council and Create Louth

DIARY DATES This Month

5 Oct: The Holy Visions Concert from Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart EQ Ensemble, 8pm, St Nicholas, Dundalk. (see overleaf) 7 Oct: 3pm, Creggan Parish Church Harvest. 10 Oct - 7.30pm in Ballymascanlan Hall, we continue to look at what we can commit in our partnership with North Kivu we need at least one person from each of the 5 churches. 12 Oct: 8pm Harvest Concert at St Nicholas, Dundalk in aid of the WHP (see overleaf) 13 Oct: St Nicholas Church open from 10am to 4pm with live music by Zoe Conway and others, and guided tours on offer - all free. The Wellington Hall will also be open, and serving tea and coffee. 14 Oct: Dundalk Harvest, 11am (recorded by LMFM) 15 Oct: Rev Sandra farewell Choral Evensong, 7.30pm, St Nicholas. 21 Oct: 3pm, St Andrews Rathcor (Bush) Harvest. 24 Oct: 7.30pm, Rev Sandras institution and installation in St Marys Cathedral, Limerick all welcome.

Services in October 2012

Week Commencing 30 September (17th After Trinity)
St Nicholas, Dundalk Holy Communion (Order One) Sunday 30th 8.00am GROUP SERVICE Morning Prayer Sunday 30th 11.00am th Holy Visions Concert Friday 5 8.00pm No morning service in the other churches on 30 September Hospital (St Olivers) HC Thursday 4th 11.30am

Week Commencing 07 October (18th After Trinity)

Creggan Parish Church Harvest Service St Marys Ballymascanlan Morning Prayer St Andrews Rathcor (Bush) Eucharist St Pauls, Heynestown Morning Prayer St Nicholas, Dundalk Eucharist Harvest Concert Harvest Open Day Hospital (St Olivers) HC Sunday 7th Sunday 7th Sunday 7th Sunday 7th Sunday 7th Friday 12th Saturday 13th Thursday 11th 3.00pm 10.45am 12 noon 10.00am 11.00am 8.00pm 11.30am

DIARY DATES Looking Ahead

1 Nov: All Saints Day 2 Nov: All Souls Day 11 Nov: Remembrance Sunday Remembrance Sunday will be observed in all our churches at the usual times, and in Dundalk we welcome again Harry Bellew of the Dundalk Brass Band to play the Last Post and Reveille 23 Nov: St Nicholas Sale of Work, 7pm, Wellington Hall, Dundalk 8 Dec: Bicentennial Celebration party, 7.30pm in the Wellington Hall 30 Dec: GROUP SERVICE 11am Dundalk

Week Commencing 14 October (19th After Trinity)

Creggan Parish Church Morning Prayert Sunday 14th 9.30am St Marys Ballymascanlan Eucharist Sunday 14th 10.45am St Andrews Rathcor (Bush) Morning Prayer Sunday 14th 12 noon St Pauls, Heynestown Eucharist Sunday 14th 10.00am St Nicholas, Dundalk Harvest Service (recorded by LMFM) Sunday 14th 11.00am Rev Sandra Farewell Evensong Monday 15th 7.30pm (followed by reception in the Wellington Hall see front page)

News in Brief
CLASSES IN CREGGAN: Jewellery making (8 Oct for 8 weeks) and Art (7 Jan 2013 for 10 weeks). For more information please contact Muriel Donaldson on 028 30 861025 RETREAT IN THE CITY: Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin offers a weekend retreat in the city 15-17 Feb 2013. Led by Ian Adams, Anglican priest and author of Cave, Refectory, and Road, it will be based on Lenten inspiration from the monastics. Leaflets are available in the churches. STRESS RELIEF/PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT CLASSES 4 weekly classes starting Thurs 4 Oct. 7.00-8.00 in The Pastoral Centre, Demesne, Dundalk. Relaxation and Stress Relief through a combination of Bowen Therapy, positive thinking techniques and meditation. Popular class with limited numbers. Cost 50 euro for 4 classes - payable on 4th October. To book: Telephone Marie Burke 087 653 7880. www.investinyourself.ie Please come along to support the annual

Week Commencing 21 October (20th After Trinity)

Creggan Parish Church Eucharist St Marys Ballymascanlan Morning Prayer St Andrews Rathcor (Bush) Harvest Service St Pauls, Heynestown Morning Prayer St Nicholas, Dundalk Eucharist Sunday 21st Sunday 21st Sunday 21st Sunday 21st Sunday 21st 9.30am 10.45am 3.00pm 10.00am 11.00am

St NICHOLAS' SALE OF WORK

Friday 23td November Wellington Hall - Doors Open 7pm Stalls include: PLANTS - CAKES - HOME PRODUCE GIFTS TOYS BOOKS - BRIC A BRAC - EURO BARGAINS - BOTTLES If you can help selling raffle tickets or help on the night, please contact Jean Christmas on 9332017 or Wilhelmina Craig on 9337023 Any gifts and donations can be left in any of our churches or delivered to the Wellington Hall the day before the sale.

Week Commencing 28 October (5th Before Advent))

Creggan Parish Church Morning Prayer St Marys Ballymascanlan Eucharist St Andrews Rathcor (Bush) Morning Prayer St Pauls, Heynestown Eucharist St Nicholas, Dundalk Morning Prayer Sunday 28th Sunday 28th Sunday 28th Sunday 28th Sunday 28th 9.30am 10.45am 12 noon 10.00am 11.00am

Not long after she arrived in Dundalk, the Rev Sandra started up the monthly newsletter to keep parishioners and friends abreast of not only the news and events from their church, but from the 5 churches across our Parochial Group. It has served to unite us as a community and provides an important link, in particular for those who are not able to attend church every Sunday. The monthly newsletter will hopefully continue after Rev Sandra leaves next month, but it will only be viable if all parishioners can ensure that any events, services and notices are communicated to me. I would rather hear about the same event ten times than not at all!. Thank you Brigitte (Tel: 042 9322981) To join our newsletter mailing list or submit any notices for inclusion in future newsletters, please email dundalkCOInewsletter@gmail.com.

FINAL NOTE

Please note after the Rev Sandras departure, Thursday services at St Olivers and monthly services at Dealgan House will be suspended

GOSPEL READINGS FOR OCTOBER

30th Sept: Mark 9.38-50 7th Oct: Mark 10: 2-16 14th Oct Mark 10: 17-31 21st Oct: Mark 10: 35-45 28th Oct: Mark 10: 46-52 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.