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 December 2012

MINISTRY TEAM

Issue 7:11 December 2012

You the people of the parishes with The Revd Richard Moore (Assistant Minister), and our Parish Readers, Mr Rodney McDowell and Mrs Kate Okuno Contact: Rev Richard Moore, Dundalk Rd, Dunleer, Co Louth 0416851327

For your Prayers

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, I would like to thank Brigitte and Colin for the work they put in to get the Newsletter ready and printed. Many thanks to the church wardens for helping the visiting clergy, readers and me to look after services. I would like to thank all those who agreed to administer the Chalice at Holy Communion. May God bless them in this new ministry. I want to thank all of you for coming out to church and for telling me when you hear of anybody unwell or in hospital. Please don't hesitate to ring 0416851327 and leave a message if no one answers. Today is Advent Sunday, the beginning of the new church year. As we prepare our homes for Christmas, let us not fail to prepare ourselves for the coming of the Messiah. Please note some forthcoming events: The Lowry Singers, conducted by Earl Moffitt, will be singing in St. Mary's, Ballymascanlan, on 9th December at 5 pm. The Clermont Chorale group will sing in St. Nicholas' Church Dundalk on 16th December at 7 pm. Our annual Carols by Candlelight takes place in St. Nicholas' Church, on Friday 21st December at 7.30 pm, followed by refreshments in the Wellington Hall. We hope for a good attendance at all of these occasions. I will announce details of Christmas Services at a later date. Please remember in your prayers the Archbishop elect, the Most Revd Richard Clarke, the Very Rev'd Sandra Pragnell and all who minister in this rural deanery. I take this opportunity to wish you and your families a Happy and a Holy Christmas. Richard For the Most Reverend Richard Clarke, our Archbishop elect th and the new Primate, who will take up his position on 15 December. 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 Kate and Bill, Penny and Michael, and Reuben and Sarah. For all people around the world who face persecution for their faith 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 Dawani and the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East, especially for those affected by the ongoing Israeli conflict with Hamas. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May they be secure who love you! Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!" - Psalm 122:6-7

Christmas Carol Services 2012

Sun 9 Dec Carol Service with the Earl Moffitt and the Lowry Singers, 5pm, St Marys, Ballymascanlan Sun 16 Dec Carol Service at Creggan Parish Church, 9.30am Sun 16 Dec Morning Prayer with Christmas Carols, 10am, St Pauls, Heynestown Sun 16 Dec Festive Concert with Clermont Chorale, 7pm, St Nicholas. Dundalk (see overleaf) Thurs 20 Dec Inaugural Concert in the new Multipurpose Hall, 7.30pm, Dundalk Grammar School (see overleaf) Fri 21 Dec Carols by Candlelight at 7.30pm in St Nicholas Church, Dundalk, followed by refreshments in the Wellington Hall.

FROM THE REGISTERS

Christian Funeral and Cremation On 5 November at St Nicholas, Dundalk: Eileen Alice NELSON (90, ne Tarr), late of St Peters Nursing Home, Castlebellingham. The service was conducted by the Revd Richard and Rodney McDowell led the prayers. A service of cremation followed in Glasnevin Crematorium and Eileens ashes will be scattered in the Quantock Hills, Somerset, England, alongside her late husband, Arthur Charles Nelson. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family, especially Charlie and Brigitte and family. Sympathy We extend our sympathy to Pearl and Pat Moffitt-McGinn and their family on the death of Pearls mother, Margaret MOFFITT, th (ne Maxwell), whose funeral took place on 8 November at Blacklion Methodist Church, Cavan. Lord, in you the dead find life forever

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

Parish Profile
Who are you? Kenny Donaldson (Honorary Secretary of Creggan Select Vestry) Which is your church? Creggan Church of Ireland Where do you live? A wee townland called Coa (located outside Ballinamallard, County Fermanagh) How would you describe what you do? Director of a victims organisation called South East Fermanagh Foundation (based in Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh) supporting the innocent victims of terrorism and many other voluntary roles within the community and voluntary/victim-survivor sectors. Hobbies and interests? Following Northern Ireland FC, boxing, political and current affairs programmes, wildlife documentaries and travelling.

Wellington Halll Website and Brochure Work is under way on the new website and brochures for the Wellington Hall, financed through a grant awarded byCounty Louth VEC, in association with the European Unions PEACE III Programme. The website and brochure will be officially launched in the hall on Friday 21st December after our annual Carols by Candlelight Service. At the end of this, the bicentennial anniversary of the Wellington Hall, it is an important step along our path of bringing the buildings original focus full circle after 200 years to serve the needs of all the communities in Dundalk We are now taking enquiries for bookings of the hall. If anybody is interested in using the hall, please contact either Colin Lloyd or Eileen Dunne.

Favourite Bible passage? Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Favourite Hymns? Abide with Me, I Vow to Thee, My Country, It was on a Starry Night
.

Favourite book or film Men of Honor, Invictus, Braveheart Dream holiday destination? Where I've been - Dubrovnik, Croatia and also South Africa Where I'd like to go - Russia and also New Zealand Who has influenced you the most? Probably my parents as well as employers; Joan Carson and Billy Armstrong (formerly MLA's) but more recently; those who lost loved ones to terrorism. Their decency, commitment to faith and their resolve not to be consumed by hate never ceases to amaze me. Best day of your life so far? The day I got married (16th March 2012)

St Nicholas Parish Sale of Work & Raffle

A very big thank you to all who helped make our St Nicholas Sale of Work such a success this year. At the time of going to print total of nearly 6,000 was raised. This figure is down on last years magnificent total, but in the current tough economic climate we are very grateful for the large numbers who came out to support the sale and purchase tickets for the raffle. Thank you to all our organisers and helpers, especially Mrs Jean Christmas and Miss Judith Christmas and the Craig and Henry Families The enormous teddy (kindly donated by Toymaster) was named Edward, which was correctly guessed by Mary Evans. We were delighted that the new Dean of Limerick was the recipient of the nd 2 prize in the raffle (a ceramic electric hob from RQ ONeills). Thank you to all the local businesses who so generously donated to the raffle. A complete list of the raffle prize-winners is posted in St Nicholas church.

Dundalk Grammar School Presents

Inaugural Concert in the new Multipurpose Hall

Thursday 20th December 2012, 7.30pm

Sunday school at St Nicholas is for all young people in our parochial group aged from 4 years. The Sunday school team are: Emma Harte, Honesta Kamata, Jean Kenny, Janet Mears, Brigitte Nelson and Susan Reyburn. We have 2 groups: the junior group for 4 to 7 years and the senior group for 8 years and over. For health and safety reasons we are unable to have children under the age of 4 years in Sunday school.

This will be an historic occasion celebrating the first night of music, song and dance on our new stage. Soloists and performers on the night will be past students of DGS and the programme will also include the schools choirs, orchestra and dancers. We would love past students of the school to view this as an opportune time to visit us and see the new MPH in action. The concert will be open to the public so bring your friends! Tickets 10 Adult, 5 Student/Child, Family ticket (2Ad&2Ch) 25 Ticket price includes mulled wine & mince pies at interval.

St Nicholas National School News

Fri 30th Nov: Visit to the school from the West Midland Theatre for the production of Old King Cole Thurs 6th Dec We traditionally celebrate St. Nicholas Day in the Green Church. Further details available prior to this. Tues 11th Dec: Our infant classes together with 1st class are going to the Tin Theatre to see A Hippo for Christmas, an interactive Christmas Play where the children join in the singing. Thurs 20th Dec: In school Christmas play and concert. Full school production of Hey Ewe A traditional nativity play with a modern twist. Parents, grandparents and friends welcome. Tea, coffee and Christmas Treats will be served afterwards. Fri 21st Dec: 9.00 10.30 St. Nicholas Junior School Choir will be singing in the Longwalk Shopping Centre. Your support for the children would be greatly appreciated. Santa Claus is coming! Santa pays his annual visit to us all here in school on Friday 21st December at 11.00am. School closes for Christmas Holidays on this day and re-opens on Monday 7th January 2013 at 8.40am. Principal: Mrs Susan Reyburn Nicholas Street, Dundalk. Tel: 042-9330860 Email: sannioclas.ns@hotmail.com

MISSION NEWS
DIOCESE OF JERUSALEM & THE MIDDLE EAST
The Diocese of Jerusalem covers five countries and is home to almost thirty parishes. The healthcare and education ministries are active and growing across the region with the provision of hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and schools. Alongside these ministries the Diocesan Peace and Reconciliation department continues to work at strengthening the interfaith dialogue with fellow Jews and Muslims. The Kids4Peace programme in turn strives to educate the next generation in a language of tolerance and acceptance.

THE DIOCESE OF NORTH KIVU IN DR CONGO

Our brothers and sisters in the Democratic Republic of Congo continue to experience violence and displacement. Since April, there has been a significant rise in violence promulgated by a new rebel group, M23, and several existing ones. The violence has caused the displacement of 320,000 within DR Congo, and 60,000 into Uganda and Rwanda. Bishop Muhindo Isesomo of Nord-Kivu , asks us to join in a week of prayer for peace in DR Congo, from 26 Nov-2 Dec, initiated by the Congo Church Association. Pray for an end to the conflict, an end to violence and the atrocities, that the needs of the suffering may be supplied, and that peace may prevail. A short prayer, based on part of the South African national anthem: God bless Congo: guard her children, guide her leaders. and give her peace; for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen There is no better way for the Christian world to prepare for the Advent of the Prince of Peace, and we hope and pray that you will join in praying during the week leading up to Advent. We will continue our series of meetings with David Gough of CMS Ireland in the new year in Ballymascanlan Hall to discuss our links with North Kivu and how to strengthen our partnership. If any parishioners are interested in joining the group, please talk ro Rev Richard.

Dundalk Grammar School News

Thurs 6th Dec: Charity Non-uniform day organised by Student Representative Council Thurs 13th Dec: Enterprise Day and Christmas Fair organised by 1st Year and TY pupils. Thurs 20th Dec: 7.30pm, Inaugural concert in the new Multipurpose Hall (see box on facing page) The school closes for the Christmas Holidays on Friday 21st Dec and re-opens for the new term on Monday 7th Jan 2013

DGS Students Victory in Irish Debating Last week three Third Year students, Aideen Fay, Kevin Carr and Patrick Byrne along with their teacher, Ms Tina Nic Enr travelled to Coliste na hInse, Bettystown to participate in the first round of the Gael-Linn Debating Competition. The motion was: Drochchultr is ea Popchultr (Popculture is a Bad Culture ). The team was in favour of the motion. Each speaker had to deliver a 3-minute speech in Irish. They spoke confidently and passionately, defeating their opponents, De La Salle College and Coliste na hInse. Well done to the students and good luck in the next round in December! Beirig bua!

Open House - Bush Old Schoolhouse Trust

Art, Poetry and Coffee Bush Old Schoolhouse

Saturday 1st December 11am 5.30pm
A exhibition of Art by

Yoko Akino
Followed by poetry reading at 5.30pm by three local writers:

Damian Higgins, local co-ordinator of Team Hope Christmas shoebox appeal, with the children from Dundalk Grammar Junior School

Malcom MacClancy, Joan Ryan and John Noonan

Dundalk Grammar School, The Crescent, Dundalk, Co. Louth Tel: 42 9334459 Email: info@dgs.ie Web: www.dgs.ie/

Adults: 5 Children: Free All Welcome

DIARY DATES This Month

Saturday 1 Dec: Art Exhibition and Poetry Reading at Bush Old Schoolhouse, 11am-5.30pm (see box below) Sunday 9 Dec: Childrens Carols, 11am, St Nicholas, Dundalk Sunday 9 Dec: Christmas Carols with Earl Moffitt and the Lowry Singers in St Marys, Ballymascanlan at 5pm Saturday 15 Dec: Enthronement of The Most Reverend Richard L. Clarke Bishop of Meath and Kildare as the 105th Archbishop of Armagh, St Patricks Cathedral, at 3.00 pm Sunday 16 Dec: Clermont Chorale and friends, Festive Concert in St Nicholas Church, Dundalk at 7pm. Tickets 10. Friday 21 Dec: Carols by Candlelight at 7.30pm in St Nicholas Church, Dundalk, followed by refreshments in the Wellington Hall. Friday 21 Dec: Official launch of the Wellington Hall website and brochure in the Wellington Hall after the Carols by Candlelight. Tuesday 25 Dec: Services for Christmas Day will be posted in the individual churches Sunday 30 Dec: GROUP SERVICE 11am Dundalk

Services in December 2012

Week Commencing 02 December (Advent Sunday)
Creggan Parish Church Eucharist St Marys Ballymascanlan Eucharist St Andrews Rathcor (Bush) Eucharist St Pauls, Heynestown Eucharist St Nicholas, Dundalk Eucharist Sunday 2nd Sunday 2nd Sunday 2nd Sunday 2nd Sunday 2nd 9.30am 10.45am 12 noon 10.00am 11.00am

Week Commencing 09 December (2nd Sunday of Advent)

Creggan Parish Church Morning Prayer St Marys Ballymascanlan No Morning Service Carols with the Lowry Singers St Andrews Rathcor (Bush) No Morning Service St Pauls, Heynestown Eucharist St Nicholas, Dundalk Morning Prayer Sunday 9th Sunday 9th th Sunday 9 Sunday 9th Sunday 9th Sunday 9th 10.00am 11am 9.30am

5.00pm

DIARY DATES 2013

The January 2013 newsletter will be distributed at the Group Service on 30th December. However, please note the following diary dates for 2013 Tuesday 8 Jan: Mothers Union Festive Dinner, 7pm, venue TBA Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is observed from 18th to 25th January (the days between the feasts of St Peter and St Paul).. The 2013 theme is What does God require of us?

Week Commencing 16 December (3rd Sunday of Advent)

Creggan Parish Church Christmas Carols St Marys Ballymascanlan Morning Prayer St Andrews Rathcor (Bush) Eucharist St Pauls, Heynestown St Nicholas, Dundalk Morning Prayer Sunday 16th Sunday 16th Sunday 16th 9.30am 10.45am 12 noon 10.00am 11.00am

Clermont Chorale Festive Concert

With special guests Soprano Sadhbh Dennedy and the Elise Elise Quartet Sunday 16 December 7.00pm St Nicholas Church Dundalk

Morning Prayer w/ Christmas Carols Sunday 16th

Sunday 16th

Week Commencing 23 December (4th Sunday of Advent)

Creggan Parish Church Morning Prayer St Marys Ballymascanlan Eucharist with Christmas Carols St Andrews Rathcor (Bush) St Pauls, Heynestown Morning Prayer Order 1 St Nicholas, Dundalk Morning Prayer Order 1 Sunday 23rd Sunday 23rd 9.30am 10.45am 12 noon 10.00am 11.00am

Tickets 10, available on the door

Creggan Parish Hall News

Luncheon Club (In partnership with Cross Square Hotel) Will run again on Tues 4th Dec at 1pm and will run bi-weekly. A special Christmasthemed Lunch will then be laid on at the Hotel on Tues 18th Dec. There are places still available for those aged 60 years and over to join the Club at any time. Participants are asked to contribute 3 (payable on the day) towards each session which will include a main course and dessert. Flower Arranging classes are currently running on Weds & Thurs nights. Art Classes (10 weeks x 2hrs) start on Mon 7th Jan. Cost: 30 per pers. Computers Course (12 weeks) start on Tues 8th Jan. Cost - 15 for each 4 week module: MS Word, MS Excel and PowerPoint. Basket Weaving Class (working with Willow) start Sat 19th Jan for 3 weeks (9am - 5pm each day). Price 40 per person Digital Photography (6 weeks x 2 hourly sessions) starts on Wednesday 20th March (7pm-9pm) Cost = 20 per person) The initiatives as detailed above are funded via The Big Lottery Funds Awards For All Grant Scheme, the Southern Health and Social Care Trusts Older Peoples Scheme and Lloyds TSB Foundation N.I. Please contact Muriel Donaldson if interested in registering for any of the activities detailed above on 028 30 861025.

Morning Prayer w/ Christmas Carols Sunday 23rd

Sunday 23rd Sunday 23rd

Christmas Services
St Nicholas, Dundalk Christmas Eucharist Tuesday 25th 11.00am

Week Commencing 30 December (The Naming Of Jesus)

The 11am service in Dundalk is a Group Service - there will be no th Sunday service in the other four churches on 30 December. St Nicholas, Dundalk GROUP SERVICE -Eucharist Sunday 30th 11.00am
.A list of visiting clergy taking the services in each church is available from the church wardens or displayed in the church porches. Please note that during the interregnum Thursday services at St Olivers and monthly services at Dealgan House will be suspended

GOSPEL READINGS FOR DECEMBER

2nd December: Luke 21:25-36 9th December: Luke 3: 1-6 16th December: Luke 3: 7-18 23rd December: Luke 1: 39-45,46-55 30th December: Luke 2: 41-52 These are provided for those of you who may find it helpful to read the gospel at home in preparation for Sunday worship

In the absence of a Rector, the newsletter will only be viable if all parishioners can ensure that any events, services and notices are communicated to The Reverend Richard or to me. Thank you. Rev Richard Moore: 0416851327 Brigitte Nelson: 0429322981 To join our newsletter mailing list or submit any notices for inclusion in future newsletters, please email dundalkCOInewsletter@gmail.com.