November 2024 Newsletter

The November edition of the Parish newsletter.

Table of Contents

Rector’s Address

The year is marching on. Here we are in November- fast approaching the end of another (calendar) year whilst at the same time preparing to mark the beginning of a new (Church) Year. Each Sunday in November is now a particular Sunday ‘Before Advent’ as we approach Advent Sunday itself on 1 December.

November is a time when we remember – when we remember all the Saints who have passed through this mortal life – both the ordinary and the less than ordinary. It is also the time when we remember the futility of war and conflict- not just in the two World Wars but in the many – too many – conflicts since 1945. It is a time to remember the contribution of the very many Irish men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice, by laying down their lives in order that others may enjoy freedom.

Last month I had the great privilege of being invited to participate in a ceremony organised by the Irish United Nations Veterans Association. 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the exiting of Irish troops from The Congo whilst on active duty with the United Nations. 26 Irish Soldiers died in that Mission. 60 years later with so many wars and conflicts currently raging in the world – the question again arises- Have we as humankind learned anything?

Remembrance Day Services will be celebrated on 10 November 2024 – as detailed in this Newsletter. It is appropriate that “At the going down of the sun, and in the morning – We will remember them”.

We look forward to seeing you during our worship throughout November.

Harvest Thanksgiving We are most fortunate in Ireland and in this Parish to witness the bounty of God’s creation. During October we gave thanks for God’s goodness and loving kindness to us in the celebration of Harvest Festivals in:

We are most grateful to all our preachers for travelling to be with us and for the giving of their time to share their Harvest sermons with us. We thank all involved in decorating each of the churches so magnificently for Harvest. A special word of thanks goes to Gordon Hudson for so generously providing amazing decorations especially the sheaves of Wheat, Oats and Barley- a particular favourite of the Rector!

Thank you also to all who prepared the wonderful Harvest Suppers. A final thank you goes to all who supported these services both in person and by way of donations of non- perishable items for the local work of St Vincent de Paul.

image A new Purr-ishoner at Cloughleagh Harvest!

image The Rev'd Suzanne Harris with the Rector in St John's Cloughleagh.

image Archdeacon Ross Styles and the Rector

image One little Harvest Mouse amidst the grain and the grapes

image Thabi Madide and the Rector

Niall
Rev’d Niall Stratford

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November Services

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December Services

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Candlelight Walk in Russborough

We are delighted that this very popular community event proceeded once again this year as of Sunday 27th October in the grounds of Russborough House. We are most grateful to Russborough for so kindly providing this most wonderful venue for this event. Whilst the weather was not perfect- the very many brave souls who braved the elements had a really good time. Proceeds will be divided between the Irish Cancer Society and St. Mary’s Church, Blessington.

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Sympathy

We offer our deepest condolences to the Ruttle family on the tragic death of Jordan Doran whose funeral and burial took place on 26 October 2024 in St John’s Cloughleagh.

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Christmas Raffle

On Sunday, 15th December there will be a raffle held in aid of St. Mary's Church. It will take place at 12.00 in St. Kevin's Hall.

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Monster Table Quiz Report

On Saturday 28th September we gathered in St Kevin’s Hall for our first Parish Social Gathering since Rev’d Niall arrived.

A strong team of volunteers organised a very enjoyable table quiz.

It was fantastic to see so many familiar faces & have such a positive gathering of parishioners from all corners of the parish.

The hall was full to capacity & the atmosphere was amazing. An incredible sum of €2,250 was raised towards the Irish Cancer Night Nurses who are not government funded. This is a very worthy cause and close to many hearts.

Special thanks to Grania Glancy and her daughter Isa who were the question masterminds. Also thanks to Simon Cully who was our wonderful MC on the night & Ian Hamilton who was our scorekeeper.

Our committee worked tirelessly to create a fun filled evening for all. A huge thank you to all who supported the event & to all who helped out. We have had very encouraging feedback from everyone and queries of when our next event will be. So just watch this space to see what we will do next!!!!

Many thanks The Committee

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Monster Table Quiz Photos

image Ian Hamilton & Simon Cully

image Our masterminds behind the scenes: Grania & Isa Glancy

image A full house !!!!!

image Behind every good Rector is a good Parishioner!!!!

image Karen & Graham Coe, John Tarr & Katie Darling

image The Beattie Cousins

image Kevin & Martina Gilmore, Ben & Hilary Phipps

image Mike & Gill Beckett, Ken & Heather Darker

image Rob & Lorraine Darker celebrated their 23rd Wedding Anniversary on the night

image

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