January 2025

 

Date	Ballyseedy 9.45 am	Tralee 10.45 am	Ballymac 12 noon	Kilgobbin 10.00 am	Dingle 12 noon
5th January	MP	HC	MP	MP	No Service
12th January	HC	MP	No Service	HC	MP
19th  January	MP	HC	HC	No Service	HC
26th January	No Service	MP	MP	HC	MP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December was a busy and uplifting month in the life of our parish with many highlights.

It was a really wonderful month and it will keep us going through the darker months that lie ahead.

We began on the eve of December with the Jesse tree service in Tralee with some of our young people as we prepared the Jesse tree for advent.

The following Sunday in St Johns an Apple tree was presented to those who were confirmed earlier in the year. The Rector suggested during his homily that the parents should buy another tree for their young person as sign of their support and the cross fertilization of ideas and knowledge that they exchange as they nurture and encourage them.

That weekend Altan played their first concert in St Johns and again it was a success and lovely to see our church used and enjoyed by so many.

The Wednesday Group held their second Christmas meal in  The Ashe Hotel at which over twenty of us gathered. We meet every Wednesday in St John to share holy communion in the church and then we share the bread of fellowship in the Ashe afterwards, all are welcome.

The school held their Christmas concert in Teach an tSolais the week before Christmas, Congratulations to all the children in the school and to the staff who prepared them for producing such a lovely event.

What can I say about the Christmas Fair, it was another phenomenal success, the result of so much hard work and planning. Much of which is done generously behind the scenes.

Thanks to all who contributed, donated, attended and supported it in any way and to Susie who coordinated it. It raised around €16,000. It’s a mini miracle in Teach an tSolais, whilst the Money is important, it’s not just about the money, it’s about the community coming together, working hard, having a good time, welcoming neighbours and friends, connecting with and serving the wider community in our area and we had such great support.

All those involved can be very proud of themselves. As Rector I am also so proud of them and what they achieved. It was just a great day for our parish. Many thanks and congratulations to one and all.

Our Christmas services began with Carols in Kilgobbin followed by refreshments in the old school in Camp.

The Village Voices in Castlegregory brought another dimension to the sense of celebration. Later that evening we had carols in Tralee, While the sound system was not at its best, it was still a joyful time made all the more joyful by the mulled wine that was served by Linda, Olive and Vivienne afterwards in the vestibule.

All our services were well attended and it was always good to welcome visitors and family members home for Christmas and a joy to see them in Church.

Many thanks to  Canon Warren and Margaret groves who led the service in Ballyseedy on the Sunday following Christmas. This was a united service for the parish and good to hear that a good crowd attended.

 

Thank you to all who took the time to prepare and decorate our five churches for Christmas, they were all so tastefully decorated. It’s really appreciated and adds so much to our worship.

Thank you also to all who took part in the various services, our readers, singers, choirs. musicians and the Church Wardens who ensured that everything went so smoothly.

 

Sympathy

To Dr Tom Johnson and his wife Mary on the death of Tom's brother John in Dublin.

John’s funeral was held in St. Brendan’s Church, Cloghane followed by burial in St. Brendan's Cemetery, Dingle.

To Michael and Sue Latchford on the death of Michael's brother Bruce in France in December.

 

Holy Strollers

The next stroll is planned for Saturday January 11th.  This will be a morning walk and will take place in the Killarney area. More details nearer the time.  For now, just keep the date in your diary.  Everyone welcome

 

Parishioners in Hospital

Due to privacy rules and GDPR it’s not possible to ask in hospitals anymore for a list of C of I patients. I am happy to visit any parishioner in any of the hospitals and care homes in the wider parish area. The provision of pastoral care to Church of Ireland patients in the hospitals such as UHK and the BONS is part of my role. I work  closely with the full-time chaplains, but please let me know if you or a loved one would like a visit or indeed if anyone known to you would like a visit.

 

Connections,

I mentioned in my homily at Christmas, That Christmas is a time for connections and reconnections  with both God and neighbour, so let us continue to reach out, connect, welcome and build relationships with the child in the manger and with those in our parishes and community, It’s a task for all.

 

Prayer as we begin another year

Grant, O Lord, that as the year changes, that we will continue to trust in your unchangeableness.

May we meet the new year bravely, sure in the faith that while life and circumstances change, that you are the same, guiding us with your wisdom and protecting us with your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

 

Baptism

Congratulations to Charlotte Blennerhassett from Castlegregory who will be welcomed into the Christian family at her baptism this Sunday in Kilgobbin. Charlotte is the daughter of Rowland and Hazel from Stradbally.

 

Classic Film Society

The film society will screen the classic film ‘The Kingdom of heaven’ in St James Dingle on the 16th January at 8pm.Some of the proceeds will go towards the restoration of St James Church.

 

Happy New Year to you all

 

 

Email: stjohns.ashestreet@gmail.com

Rev Jim Stephens @ 087 0529107

Rev Willa Goodfellow @083 3864483

http://www.traleedingle.ardfert.anglican.org/

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