This is the last newsletter of 2018. It has been an extremely busy year and also, for a number of families in our parish, a sad time with the demise of so many of our parishioners. A number of families have left the parish because of work/other commitments.

Please note the change of landline number for the Rectory – still best to ring my mobile!

At the moment there appears to be no candidates for Confirmation in 2019. The dates have been set for the diocese; so if anybody wishes to be confirmed you need to speak with me.

There will be a number of weddings in 2019 and we wish those preparing for their weddings well.

One of my best moments was when children in our school became concerned because, for a number of reasons, we did not have school participation on the 4^th  Sunday!

My big concern is for the reluctance on the part of parishioners to attend 5^th Sunday Services or, indeed, those Sundays/weekdays when there might be a central Service for a particular reason. It also concerns me that, apart from a few, there is a reluctance to come together and to worship together. We have been a “union” of parishes, officially, for 30yrs!!! I hope I am not alone in wondering why some have never been at worship in any other church in the parish apart from the one they regularly worship in! This lack of enthusiasm to be together worries me.

It’s time to leave the past behind. We have five beautiful churches within a reasonable distance of each other – if I were to ask you to describes the inside of each of them – could you?       Barbara

Bereavements –

Henry Jeffrey (Harry) Ponsonby died peacefully at home, on 5^th November 2018, after a very long illness, borne with fortitude. He was cared for with love and diligence by his wife, Rosemary, family and carers. His Funeral Service took place in Holy Trinity Church, Fethard in the presence of a capacity congregation of family and friends. As was his wish; burial took place in Kilcooley Churchyard after prayer in the church in which he was Baptised. Our sincere sympathy goes to Rosemary, his children and grandchildren, relatives and friends.

Brian Sayer’s ashes were interred in Duhill cemetery in the presence of his widow, Maria, and son on 9^th November 2018.

Colin Warren, Fethard died on 21^st November 2018. His Funeral Service took place in Holy Trinity Church, Fethard on 9^th November 2018. Cremation took place at the Island, Cork.

Sunday Life – This Christian programme on Tipp Fm is broadcast from 7 – 8am on Sunday mornings and is presented by clergy of South Tipperary. 

Concerts –

Clonmel Rugby Club will hold a concert in Old St Mary’s on Wednesday, 19^th December 2018 @ 8.00pm. It is important to book your tickets for this event well in advance!

Hospital/Nursing Home Plea – The rector is not informed of the admittance of parishioners into nursing homes/ hospitals or care centres by staff. It is those close and familys responsibility to tell me when a family member has been admitted to any such facility.

 I receive a printout of “Protestant” patients when I visit the hospital in Clonmel. Those on the list have indicated their religion/faith when admitted. I usually visit the local hospital twice a week. I only visit nursing homes etc., when I know a parishioner or somebody from another parish has been admitted. Please keep it in mind to keep me informed!

Whist Drives –   

Friday,   14^th December 2018  in the Sister of Charity Hall, Mary Street, Clonmel.

Fundraising – The core group who support fundraising on everybody’s behalf is small. This is also true in many aspects of parish life. We no longer have a debt; but we struggle to stay afloat!! We completed the payment of our Assessment in October 2018 and 2019 Assessment is due on 1^st January 2019.

The time has come for us to come together, to work together and to do what a parish is supposed to do, be together and know each other.

The envelope scheme is working well , however it might be noted it is designed for the envelopes to be filled every week whether you are in church or not. The envelopes are not just for the “Sunday Collection”; They are meant to also contribute towards both maintenance of the Fabric(buildings including the Rectory), the clergy stipend; which does not come from central funds but you, charity donations (such as Bishops Appeal). This is supplemented by “Thankofferings” for Baptism, fees for weddings, funeral/burials in our graveyards and fundraising. The said fundraising has a “social” aspect in that it bring us together!!

We need to complete the repair of our hall and regain the use of it. We own it and, so, are not eligible for Church grants for it. The difficulty with other grants is that payment of grant is subject to presentation of receipts. Our parking donations are our mainstay at the moment.

For those who subscribe and give €250 or more over the year, there is the Tax Relief scheme if you pay tax  – this works in the parish’s favour in that for subscriptions of €250 or more you can apply for the relief which goes, not to you, but to the parish/charity. We have a number of parishioners who take part in this scheme and it would be great if more could consider doing so – it is a revenue way of supporting Charities – we are an independent charity – We upload our parish accounts unto the CRA where anybody can view them!! All is open and transparent nowadays.

    CHURCH SERVICES

2018 Nov - Dec	St Pauls Cahir 9.30am	Holy Trinity Fethard 9.30am	Old St Marys Clonmel 8.30am 11.00am	Tullaghmeelan 11.00am
2nd Dec Advent 1	M.P.	H.C.	H.C.        H.C.	Worship in other church
9th Dec Advent 2	Carols   @ 7.00pm	M.P.	H.C.        M.P.	H.C.
16th Dec Advent 3	M.P	Carols   @ 7.00pm	H.C.        H.C.	Worship in other church
19th Dec Wed	Carol Service in Tullaghmeelan Church @ 7.00pm
21st Dec Friday	Carols in Old St Mary’s, Clonmel @ 7.30pm
23rd Dec Advent 4	8.30am – H.C. Old St Marys, Clonmel                       9.30 am – M.P.  Holy Trinity, Fethard                     11.00 am – M.P. – Old St Marys
24th Dec Christmas Eve	1st Eucharist of Christmas in St Paul’s, Cahir
Tuesday  25th Dec Christmas	No Service	H.C.	H.C. H.C.	Worship in other church
30th Dec	Service of Thanksgiving, Remembrance and @11.00am Dedication in St Patrick’s Church, Inishlounaght (Marlfield)

Select Vestry – Will meet in Old St Mary’s, Clonmel on Friday, 30^th November 2018 @ 8.00pm.

Much of the Agenda will relate to our Safeguarding Trust and Data Protection responsibilities.  Our Risk Assessment has been sent to Canon James with our Parish Statement of Compliance. Much time will be given by the new Safeguarding Committee, in the coming months, to compliance. I am a member of this new committee.

Safeguarding Trust – There are policies required for all aspects of this. Every                                                                                                                 aspect of Church life is covered! The one regarding photography is that none of us may take a photograph of a minor (under 18yrs) without the permission of a parent/guardian. The publication of photographs is covered under Data Protection. Yes, the world has changed and we must also change!! It’s not something dreamed up by “the church” or any other organisation; it is for the protection of minors and vulnerable adults and seeks to ensure the safety of all!! In the coming weeks and months there will be further information.

Sunday School/ Childrens Club – I would like to try again to introduce some form of children “youth “club” in the parish. It would involve an input of once a week or so. If we were lucky enough to have a really good response it might not be an every week input! I would like to have a conversation with possible volunteers after Christmas if I get positive responses to this idea. Training, vetting and all that is required under Safeguarding Trust will, of course, apply.

Refreshments – We have tea/coffee and some biscuits/buns after church in  Clonmel most Sundays. We also have refreshments after special Services. The goodies traditionally come from parishioners. Your contribution will always be gratefully received. 

Bio-Diversity – This project is ongoing and we welcome plants & bulbs to fill the beds. The rose bed is progressing really well. 

Congratulations to the Rev James Mulhall who has been made a Canon of St Canice’s Cathedral. Congratulations are also appropriate for the Rector of Tinahely, Co Wicklow who has become our new Archdeacon. Both James & Ruth will be install in St Canice’s & Ferns in the near future. 

This is the time of year when, traditionally, parishioners would give the Treasurer their Assessment/Sustentation. This “giving” goes towards maintaining ministry in your parish and to enable the diocese to provide clergy to conduct worship, visit those who are unwell, baptize, marry and do a host of other things on your behalf day by day and, sometimes, at night. 

Many of those who once gave generously are not with us anymore. The Treasurer will be happy to accept your offering and you will receive a receipt. So, we all need to take up their mantles and enable us to continue worship etc in the this part of God’s kingdom.

Some prefer to join the envelope scheme. You put a contribution an the envelope each week; whether you go to Church or not! It’s important to fill each envelope for this to work!!

                             Barbara

Bereavements –

Brian Palmer, Fethard died after a short illness on 4^th October 2018. Due to his nephews coming from Australia for the funeral; his funeral Service took place on 11^th October in  Holy Trinity, Fethard. He loved Fethard. He was a devout member of the Church of Ireland who particularly loved the Evening Offices.  Our sincere sympathy goes to Caroline, his nephews Tom & Bob and a very large circle of friends. Cremation took place at the Island, Cork.

Pearl Martha O’Keeffe, nee Deacon, died peacefully, surrounded by family, in Rathkeevan Nursing home after a protracted illness, she bore with patience and courage, on 26^th October 2018. She was a talented organist, loved to dance and is remembered by colleagues and students as an inspiring teacher. Pearl was a native of County Wexford. Our sincere and heartfelt sympathy goes to her husband, Donal and son Gavin, to her Mum, siblings and many relatives and friends. Her funeral Service took place in St Paul’s which was full to overflowing. Burial took place in Kilcommon.

Ann Savage, died peacefully on 2^nd November in Clogheen Care Centre in the presence of her family. She was a nurse in St Joseph’s Hospital, Clonmel for many years after coming here, with her family from England.  She was an active member of the parish; especially as the provider of sausage rolls. Our sincere sympathy goes to her husband Bob, her sons Christopher and Andrew, daughter-in-law Tanya and grand-daughter.

May they rest in peace and rise in glory!

Sunday Life – This Christian programme on Tipp Fm is broadcast from  7 – 8am on Sunday mornings and is presented by clergy of South Tipperary. 

Concerts – 

Ceoltas Ceoltoiri Eireann will perform in Old St Marys on the afternoon of 4^th November 2018

Clonmel Rugby Club will hold a concert in Old St Mary’s on Wednesday , 19^th December 2018 @ 8.00pm. It is important to book your tickets for this event well in advance!

Grant Application Seminar – I attended an evening seminar on how to successfully fill out application forms. It was very well explained and a very well attended session. Hopefully the next time we attempt to seek a grant we will do better!

Hospital/Nursing Home Plea – I am not informed of the admittance of parishioners into nursing homes/ hospitals or care centres. It is your responsibility to tell the Rector when a family member has been admitted to any such facility. I receive a printout of “Protestant” patients when I visit the hospital. Those on the list have indicated their religion/faith when admitted. I usually visit the local hospital twice a week. I only visit nursing homes etc when I know a parishioner or somebody from another parish has been admitted. Please, keep the Rector informed!

Preaching Rota – As the Treasurer of St Canice’s Cathedral, I am required to preach at the main Sunday Service once a year. Last Sunday it was my turn! The choir were in full voice! It’s good to see young children and teenagers singing their hearts out!

Remembrance Sunday – The 1th November 2018 is the 100^th anniversary of Armistice Day 1918. In Ireland it can be quite difficult for some people still to cope with poppies and remembrance events. Old politics still operate in quite a number of homes. County Tipperary Protestant families suffered the loss of an enormous percentage of their young men. It left this county practically devoid of any succession on the remaining estates and big houses. In St Patrick’s Cathedral Dublin there is an amazing exhibit of 36,000 “paper” leaves hanging from the ceiling. You may have seen it on television – it’s even better close up!! Please, be sensitive to those who take a different view of  Irish men and women fighting for a cause they believe not to have been appropriate to at that time and who take a similar view of the remembrance of it.

Whist Drives –   

Friday,   9^th November 2018

Friday, 14^th December 2018

8pm in the Sister of Charity Hall, Mary Street, Clonmel.

Old St Mary’s – The Junior members of Stag, which is the art “club” in Clonmel, have been using the church for some of their art classes. Fifty-four teenagers and younger spend their Saturday mornings under the direction of Maureen Purcell; a talented artist in her own right. They obviously love it!

Harvest Thanksgivings – All have now taken place! Thank-you to all our contributors, decorators, those who provided the lovely afters, our organists and choirs.

CRA  Seminar – I attended in Waterford. It was very helpful.

Diocesan Synod – This annual meeting took place in Enniscorthy, Co  Wexford on 17^th October. 

This annual gathering of representatives from every parish in our diocese passes bills relating to the business of Church life. We review the work of our Diocesan Council and other committees. We begin and end with worship and about halfway through have dinner. It’s good to meet old friends, listen to others’ point of view.  The venue is in different parts of the diocese year by year. And once again our Diocesan Information Officer, Margaerat Hawkins, sang her resume of events and gatherings of the last year.

CHURCH SERVICES

2018 Nov - Dec	St Pauls Cahir 9.30am	Holy Trinity Fethard 9.30am	Old St Marys Clonmel 8.30am 11.00am	Tullaghmeelan 11.00am
11th Nov	H.C.	M.P.	H.C.        M.P.	H.C.
18th Nov	M.P.	H.C.	H.C.        H.C.	Worship in other church
25th Nov	H.C.	M.P.	H.C.        M.P.	Worship in other church
2nd Dec	M.P	H.C.	H.C.       H.C.	Worship in other church
9th Dec	Carols @            7.00pm	M.P.	H.C. M.P.	H.C
16th Dec	M.P.	Carols @     7.00pm	H.C. H.C.	Worship in other church
Wed 19th Dec	N/A	N/A	N/A	Carols @ 7.30pm
Friday 21st Dec	N/A	N/A	Carols@ 7.30pm	N/A
23rd  Dec	H.C.	M.P.	H.C. M.P.	Worship in other church