Newsletter August 2022
Parish website:  www.traleedingle.ardfert.anglican.org           Email: stjohns.ashestreet@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/Tralee-and-Dingle-Group-of-Parishes-680304582052423/
Rector: The Rev Jim Stephens @ 087 0529107

Changes to the service rota, August only.
There will be a service of Morning Prayer in Dingle on the 7th August,
There won’t be services in Ballyseedy or Ballymacelligott on the 21st August, this is to facilitate and encourage those who might like to meet the roses in Tralee and to support St Johns on that Sunday morning.
Dedication in Ballymacelligott on the 7th August
Parishioners in Ballymacelligott collected funds which were used to buy Umbrellas which will be dedicated in memory of the late Cyril Hoffmann who died so unexpectedly in August last year.
This will take place during the 12noon service and all are very welcome. It will be a time to show our continued sympathy to Olive, Sylvia, Stephanie and their families and indeed to all who miss Cyril.
More details next month.
Dedication of a Garden Seat in Ballyseedy 24th July.
A garden seat was dedicated in Ballyseedy Church grounds in memory of Yvonne Blennerhassett on the 24th July following a service in the Church to mark her first anniversary.
Yvonne’s served as the Diocesan secretary for Limerick and Killaloe for nine years and a collection to mark her retirement was organised by the Diocesan Council. Sadly, Yvonne died unexpectedly just before her retirement date. Following consultation with her husband Tom and son Jonathan a garden seat was then suggested by the Diocesan Council as a memorial to her.
The service and the dedication of the seat was well attended and included members of the Diocesan Finance committee and our former Bishop Kenneth Kearon who led the dedication after the service.
Months Minds Ann Fitzell.
Ann’s Months mind was held in St Johns Castle Street on the 2nd July, it was led by Fr Vitalis and the Rev Jim also took part. We continue to hold Francis, Harry, Caroline and lucy in our prayers.
Holy Communion in Toherbane,
As part of my holy communion rounds, I would have visited Billy and Annie Mai in in Toherbane. On my most recent visit which was a month after Billy’s death we were joined by Douglas, John and Barbara and it was a lovely occasion to remember and give thanks for Billy, Ann and all the Fitzell in previous generations who lived in Toherbane.
Hazel Taggart, Anniemais niece who cared so well for both Billy and Annie Mai provided a lovely tea after the service which took place in her kitchen.
Recovery Haven Kerry (Cancer Support House) will run a 6-week Building Better Caregivers online course, commencing September the 13th from 10.30am - 1pm. This course is to support a person caring for someone with cancer. Please ring reception on 0667192122, if you are interested in joining this free course or email siobhan@recoveryhavenkerry.com.

Painting of the steps and polishing of the tiles in the chancel areas of St Johns.
Many thanks to David Tough who so generously took the time to prepare and then paint these steps all in time for April’s wedding and to Samuel who put a sparkle in the tiles in the Sanctuary.
Wedding
Congratulations to April Noonan and Steven McGuane who celebrated their marriage in St Johns, Ashe Street on the 23rd July. April is the daughter of the June (nee Blennerhassett) and the late Mickie Noonan.
April was joined by her immediate Family and the wider Noonan and Blennerhassett families and friends together with Stephens family from Clare and the UK. It was a truly wonderful and joyful occasion. The service in the Church was followed by a reception in the Ballyboe Hotel. April and Steven will reside in Watford in the UK.
Sympathy
We extend our sympathy to Andrew and Ruth Demery and to the extended family on the death of Cara Rose. Cara Rose was just three and she suffered from Pallister Killian syndrome.
It was a very challenging three years for the family as they brought Cara Rose to hospitals and appointment all over the country. She received such wonderful care from the various health teams who supported Andrew and Ruth as they cared for their child.
Andrew and Ruth suspended the last three years of their lives to care for their daughter.  Love is patient and kind, it always protects, always hopes and always perseveres.
Her funeral service was held in Kilgobbin Church on the 19th July and she was buried in Camp Cemetery.
Bible Reading Notes: https://www.brfonline.org.uk
For many years I have been using ‘New Daylight’ bible reading notes supplied by the BRF.
(Bible Reading Fellowship)
They consist of a short passage for every day of the year and a little commentary followed by a prayer point. It’s a good way to maintain the discipline of bible reading.
The booklets are produced for four-month periods, Jan- April, May- August and September to December. You can check it out online at
https://www.brfonline.org.uk/pages/bible-reading-notes-at-a-glance
If you would be interested, please let me know and we can see about ordering them for next year.
The Rose of Tralee.
This festival will take place again this August in Tralee and we are looking forward to this time of celebration. This year some of the roses, their families and entourage will attend St Johns for the morning service on the 21st August at 10.45am. This will be the only service that morning, so please come and welcome the visitors to Tralee.
Concert in St Johns: The Scotia Ensemble will hold a concert in St Johns on the 21st Aug at 7 30pm.
Concerts in St James Dingle: with Eoin Duignan are continuing on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays of each week.
Ballymacelligott Church, Work will begin shortly on the replacement of the gutters in Ballymac Church and on the rebuild of a portion of the external wall following damage by a passing vehicle.
History and Tourism Project in St Johns.
As part of the history and tourism outreach project a book, a visitor map and a leaflet to advertise the Church have been produced. This builds on the work done by Donal O’Sullivan who produced a book for the Millennium. Copies can be purchased from the Rector or the Church Wardens for €5.
An External sign is in production at the moment. There will be more detail on this in future newsletters.