Tralee & Dingle Newsletter for January 2019

 

 

Christmas fair.

The Christmas Fair was a wonderful success and inspite of the bad weather it exceeded all expectations. Mona has reported that the total amount raised  is €11,225! This will be of great benefit to the Tralee, Ballymacelligott and Ballyseedy end of the parish.

The parish is blessed to have so many people who gave so generously of their time, energy and talent to make it such a positive event.

The funds raised will help with the financing of the parish and will go some way towards closing the gap between expenditure and income.

Occassions such as these are also important community building events as they bring the parish family together. The wider community were very supportive with good crowds attending throughout the day.

We are very thankful to all our sponsors and customers and supporters. We were happy to give the bric a brac ,Toys and books which were not sold to the Adapt shop which raises funds for the Adapt womens refuge in Tralee.              Well done everyone. 

Christmas Services:

It was a delight for me to be present at so many lovely service over the Christmas period, It all began with the telling of the Christmas story through song by the children of St John’s on the 9^th December. The children and their Teachers can be so proud of themselves.This was followed by a lovely time in Teach an tSolais at which we enjoyed seasonal refreshments that were supplied by the Parents Council. Santa also arrived with a present for all the boys and girls.

The Christmas carol service in Tralee went off very well on the 16^thDecember, This was an evening service which was a blessing as it allowed all those who worked so hard on Saturday at the fair to have a little rest in the morning. The surprise element was the contribution from Samuel, Anna, Elton, Billa and Newland and their friend Ida who created a bit of magic for us with their wonderful singing.

The Carol service in Camp was a community and ecumenical event,Maura Begley played the organ and the Village Voices and St. Mary's RC choir led the singing.  Refreshments were served after the service in the Old School Rooms - many thanks to all the ladies for the tea & coffee and lovely cakes .

St. James, Dingle Ecumenical Carol Service was 'standing room' only! The Choir from St. Mary's RC Church, Dingle and the Dingle Gospel Choir helped make it a memorable occasion. Fr Anthony O'Sullivan took part in the service.  The collection was divided between Kerry Hospice and The Bishops' Appeal.

Christmas eve and Christmas day services were well supported through out the parish with good crowds in all the churches from Ballymac to Dingle.

The heating in Tralee failed for the Christmas service but thankfully the day was not so cold. We may have to look a bit more closely at the heating in St Johns which is costly and does not always heat the building adequately.

Many thanks to all those who in so many ways helped to make our Christmas Liturgies special.It was lovely to welcome family members who were home for the holiday season.

Thanks to those who prepared and decorated the churches, organised and served the teas , reads the lessons sang in the choir and played the organ and to the church wardens for their commitment,presence and assistance.

This Sunday is the Feast of the Epiphany which marks the end of the Christmas season, Services will revert to the normal Sunday times, with the exception of Kilgobbin, when there will be Candlelight Epiphany Service at 5pm which will involve members of Camp ICA, followed by The Little Christmas meal at Ashes' pub.
Sympathy:

To Margaret Rogers and her sons Stan and Fintan and their families on the death of Derek , a much loved husband, father, brother, grandfather and great grandfather.His removal and funeral services were held in Ballyseedy Church followed by burial in the church grounds.

To Francis and Dawn Darcy and their family on the death of Francis brother Joseph. His funeral took place in Cloughjordan.

To Aidan and Linda Butler on the death of Aidan’s Father Jim, His funeral was held in Rathass church in Tralee.

Sustentation.

The Select Vestry would like to thank all those who contributed to the sustentation fund for 2018. The Treasurers would like to give a gentle reminder that there is still time to those who may have not already done so for 2018.

Contributions can be put in an envelope on the collection plate or can be sent to the treasurer, C/O Teach an tSolais.  

Also, if anyone would like to join the envelope scheme or donate by standing order, please contact church wardens, treasurers or clergy.

Newyear,

Wishing you every blessing in 2019 and with particular  love and prayers to all who are unwell, especially those receiving treatment and their families.Be assured that you are on hearts and in our prayers.

 

I came across the following message by the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe on the Church of Ireland web page.

www.ireland.anglican.org/news/8535/new-year-message-for-2019