Newsletter August 2021

Parish website:  www.traleedingle.ardfert.anglican.org           Email: stjohns.ashestreet@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/Tralee-and-Dingle-Group-of-Parishes-680304582052423/

Baptism

Caragh Jane Fitzgerald was welcomed into the family of the Church at her Baptism in St John's Church Tralee on the 11th July. Caragh Jane is the daughter of Ashley and Barry Fitzgerald and the little sister of Fionn. We have had very few baptisms in the parish since I was appointed in 2017.So I was delighted to be able to officiate at this Happy occasion.

Baptisms are always a joyful occasion of Joy, thanksgiving and Welcome.

Deaths.

The Funeral service for Jackie Rogers took place in St Johns Ashe Street on Monday the 12th July. Jackie celebrated his 94th Birthday on the 9th July and was in his 95th Year.

He was one of a large family and we express our sympathy to his brothers, Roly, Errol and Reggie and his many nephews, nieces, grandnieces and grandnephews, sisters in laws neighbours and friends. Jackie was an easy-going man who was skilled with the plane and the lathe, he worked as a carpenter all his life and he lived in retirement in the family home at Skenhagh Tralee.

Jackies Niece Yvonne Blennerhassett passed away unexpectedly and before her time on the 19th July and we express our sympathy to her Husband Tom, Son Jonathan, Daughter in law Anmarie, Grandchildren, Sam and Isabel, Sisters, Vivien and Lorna, Sister-in-law Mary, niece nephews, relatives and many friends.

Yvonne had served the Diocese as Diocesan Secretary since 2012 retiring only at the end of June, she served the parish and Diocese as Diocesan reader for many years as well as secretary of the school board of management, she was also a leader with the Boys Brigade. She worked for many years in Kerry County Council, serving as head of HR and retiring in 2012 as Staff Welfare Officer. She was also involved over the years in a number of organisations in Tralee such as Tralee Social Action and also fund raiser for Baile Mhuire where she is remembered for commitment and hard work.

Prayer for those who are Bereaved. Grant O Lord to all who are bereaved the spirit of faith and courage, that they may have the strength to meet the days to come with steadfastness and patience, not sorrowing as those without hope, but in thankful remembrance of remembrance your great goodness in the past and in a sure and certain hope of a joyful reunion in heaven and this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen,

Confirmation

Confirmation classes began in the middle of June and the first four classes were held on Zoom with a YouTube clip of a summary of the class distributed to the young people afterwards.

I always make the point that confirmation is not something that you have to do but rather it is something you must want to do.

We have 10 candidates this year

Laura West, Lucy Giles, Christopher Knightly, Peter O’Neill -Reid, Joe Shanahan, Noel Roberts, Dorcas Roberts,

Gods favour Roberts, Jamie Tarrant and Daniel Giles.

The bishop has advised us that he will visit us, subject of course to the public health guidelines on the 3rd October for our confirmation service.

Further details will be worked out in light of the situation re covid-19 as we approach that date.

 

Honesty Table has been a great success though the years in St Johns and has contributed badly needed funds for so many projects in the Church. I have listed some of the projects as follows:
Carpet for all the Church. Cleaning tiles in Chancel and West wing, Glass for Tables.
Pots and plants at Church door. Bibles for Confirmation. Donation to Children’s party.
Post Boxes, C.D. For Church music, Painting of the Church, Upgrade to the Sound system.

These are just a small sample of what this table has funded. Generosity is what makes it happen. Firstly, its due the generosity of parishioners who bring items that are sold at the honesty table at the back of the church and it includes everything from Eggs to Books to Apple Pies to Fruit. Very recently Grace as supplied a whole range of greeting cards.

 Secondly it is a result of the generosity of those who buy and thirdly its due to the generosity and energy of Mona who keeps it going.

Items always wanted!!!!

Tours of St Johns.

These were a success and we had visitors on most days and again we are most thankful to Paddy Daly from St Johns Castle Street and his youth group who led the tours.

Recovery Haven.

We have been asked to include this notification in our parish newsletter.

Recovery Haven Kerry will run a free Webinar for professionals supporting people dealing with cancer, on Friday July the 30th at 11am. This will be facilitated by Edel Lawlor.
Please contact reception on 0667192122 to book a place!

Offertory Collection

Thank you for your continued support of the parish, we are still not allowed to pass the plate or basket, but remember there will always be a basket at the back of the church for those who normally return envelopes or contribute on the plate.

 

Bread features in the readings in Church around this time of the year. What did Jesus mean when he said that, ‘I am the bread of life’ John 6.35

We know how important bread is to us and to our lives, it’s a carbohydrate, important for energy, it helps us to grow and survive. We also believe that the teachings of Jesus feed and nourish us, helping us to survive and thrive in a different way, offering guidance and comfort, and the reassurance of his presence and love esp. when we gather around the Holy Table or Altar to receive Holy Communion.

 

For those who wish to receive spiritual Communion.

Thanks be to you, Lord Jesus Christ. For all he benefits that you have given to me. Since I am not able for the moment to receive you sacramentally, I ask that you come spiritually into my heart. O most merciful redeemer, friend and brother, may I know you more clearly, love you more dearly and follow you more nearly day by day. Amen