Gorey Group of Parishes Gorey, Hollyfort, Ballycanew and Leskinfere Parish Notes March 2014 The Rector s ramblings: many were concerned recently at the comments made by the Minister for Education and Science with regard to the teaching of religion in our schools. Whilst his remarks were aimed primarily at Roman Catholic primary schools, we should nonetheless take note as Christians. There is a drive within certain elements of our establishment that would like to see Christian values removed completely from all facets of Irish society in the name of political correctness. Surely this drive not to offend those who do not hold Christian beliefs is in itself offensive to we Christians? If we stand idly by and are not willing to voice objections to such moves then we cannot complain when we are not permitted to observe Christian festivals in our schools, hospitals and elsewhere. Local elections are taking place this year-do not be afraid to challenge the candidates and ask them where they stand on this issue. We are commissioned at our baptism to profess our faith and to spread God s word-let us not be found wanting in this mission. The condolences of the parishes are extended to the Williamson and Davis families who were bereaved with the passing of the late Mrs Chrissie Williamson whose funeral took place in Templescobin Church on February 4 th last. Congratulations to Canon Arthur Minion, Canon Patrick Harvey and Dean Katherine Poulton who have been installed as members of the Chapter of St. Edan s Cathedral as part of the clerical changes due to the uniting of the dioceses. Congratulations to Dean Paul Mooney who has been installed as a member of the Chapter of St. Canice s Cathedral in Kilkenny. Confirmation classes are continuing for those young adults who have expressed a desire to be confirmed. If anyone else would like to talk to me about confirmation then please feel free to contact me. The service this year takes place in Christ Church Gorey on Sunday March 30 th at 3.30pm. We will be joined again this year by candidates from Tinahely/Carnew Union of Parishes.
Some candidates from Tullow Union will also be joining us for the first time this year and will be most welcome. Congratulations to the 1 st Gorey Boys Brigade who won first place in the Eastern district marching competition in Swords Co. Dublin on February 8 th last. This is a great achievement and all credit to the boys and their leaders Cliff, Niall and Ger. 2014 marks the 100 th anniversary of the Great War. This is a sensitive subject in this country given the opinions of many with regard to Irish men and women who served in the Allied forces during that conflict. Sensitivities must be acknowledged but there are many in Ireland who wish to remember and reflect the service that their loved ones gave, many of whom never returned. 91 young men from Gorey paid the ultimate sacrifice. I hope to organise a number of events in our area this coming year with the help of some very knowledgeable people. If anyone has any memorabilia pertaining to loved ones who served in the Great War I am happy to advise on valuations and insurance of these important family heirlooms. Anyone wishing to marry in the parishes or who would like the rector to attend a wedding outside of the parishes must give plenty of notice of their intention to marry. The State requires 3 months notice by law and charge 200 to provide a couple with the required paperwork. This charge has nothing to do with the Rector. The class of 2014 for Gorey Central School is now compiled. It is vital for anyone wishing to send a child to the parish school to fill out a pupil enquiry form which is available from the school office. This form does not guarantee a place as there is a strict Department of Education and Science enrolment policy that must be adhered to by the school. Gone are the days where the Rector can guarantee a place for anyone in the school system. Beware of fake water meter installers: well, beware of any water meter installer but recently a number of people have been fooled into handing over money or bank account details to individuals claiming to work for Uisce Eireann. There is no reason for any installer-real or fake- to obtain money or access to your home during the installation of the meter. The bills will come soon enough no doubt! Rev d Steven Foster and I have been working on getting a snooker league going for anyone interested. Initially this is aimed at men aged between 25-45 an age
group that often find it hard to have a social outlet due to work, family or financial constraints. If ladies of this age group are interested please let me know. We hope to get things going in the spring. Every blessing, Canon Mark. Contact Numbers: Rector: Canon Mark Hayden: 0539421383/0861602228 Email gorey@ferns.anglican.org Diocesan Reader: Mrs. Margaret Stephens 0539383152. Parish Reader: Mrs. Rosemary Lacey 0539428966. Diocesan Reader: Mrs Lesley Bayley. 0867914490. Parish Reader: Mr Jason Smith 0871416389 Forward Planner: Ash Wednesday March 5 th Lenten Service Gorey Methodist Church 8pm. Friday March 7 th World Day of Prayer Service Christ Church Gorey 8pm. The guest speaker is Mrs Lesley Bayley and the theme of the service this year is Streams in the Desert and is prepared by the Christian women of Egypt. Tuesday March 11 th Leskinfere/Ballycanew/Monamolin Annual Missionary Lunch in Leskinfere old school 1pm sharp. To book tickets ( 13) please contact Mrs Zilpha Furney on 0863979019, Mrs Helen Horan on 0866026954 or Mrs Valerie Copeland on 0870573656. Booking is essential. Wednesday March 12 th Lenten Service Christ Church Gorey 8pm. Wednesday March 19 th Lenten Service St. Luke s Church, Leskinfere 8pm. Wednesday March 26 th Lenten Service St. Mogue s Church, Ballycanew 8pm. Sunday March 30 th Parish Confirmation Service Christ Church Gorey 3.30pm. (Service times for the group are as normal.) Wednesday April 2 nd Lenten Service St. John s Church, Hollyfort 8pm. Wednesday April 9 th Lenten Service Gorey Methodist Church 8pm. Spy Wednesday April 16 th Evening Prayer Christ Church Gorey 8pm Maundy Thursday April 17 th Hollyfort 7.30pm. Holy Communion Service St. John s Church
Good Friday April 18 th Ecumenical Way of the Cross commencing in St. Michael s Church Gorey 10am; Way of the Cross Christ Church Gorey 3pm; Way of the Cross St. Luke s Leskinfere 7pm. Easter Saturday April 19 th Ballycanew 8pm. Holy Communion Service St. Mogue s Church Easter Sunday April 20 th Dawn Son rise Service Courtown Harbour 6.30am(Check the dawn rise time online!); Holy Communion Service Christ Church Gorey 8.30am; Holy Communion Service St. Luke s Church Leskinfere 10am; Morning Prayer Service St. John s Church Hollyfort 10am(Please note earlier times); Holy Communion Service Christ Church Gorey 11.30am. Sunday April 27 th Normal service times. Thursday May 8 th Harp recital in Christ Church Gorey 8pm-more details soon. Sunday May 18 th Songs of Praise Service Christ Church Gorey 7pm. (No 11.30am service that day.) Saturday June 21 st Annual Militaria Fair Old School Gorey 10am-3pm. August-the Cologne Chamber Philharmonic concert Christ Church Gorey-date to be confirmed but definitely sometime between the 14 th -21 st. One night only!! Baptisms: congratulations to Patrick and Anna Syme whose son Harry was baptised in St. Luke s Church on February 2 nd last; to Robert and Michelle Poole whose daughter Grace was baptised in Christ Church Gorey on February 9 th last. The Old Graveyard: I am delighted to say that I have secured the support of Tús-an initiative of Wexford Local Development- to clean up and maintain the Old Graveyard at the Market Square in Gorey. This means that the anti-social dumping that has been going on will be stopped and also that the weed growth can be kept in check during the spring and summer months. Clough Mother and Toddler group will meet on the second Saturday of each month from now until June in Leskinfere Old School 10am-12pm. All are welcome. Parenting in Modern Times: an information evening on parenting skills in modern times will be given by parenting coach Ms Marian Byrne on Tuesday
March 18 th at 8pm in Leskinfere Old School. The cost is 10. If anyone is interested in attending this talk please contact Mrs Iris Stephens on 0876658674 Congratulations to Robin Copeland who has been called up for 6 Nations duty with Ireland. Fingers crossed he will get his long overdue cap for his national team.