Post on 10-Jul-2020
money management and goal-setting skills.
Finally, a big CONGRATULATIONS to Xiao Yin Redmond who was recently
presented with her National Guide Trailblazer Award at a ceremony in Croke
Park, along with 107 guides. This is the highest award a guide can get. Xiao Yin
is continuing her guiding journey as a member of Galway Senior Branch and as
part of the leadership team with St Nicholas Guides.
ST. NICHOLAS’ COLLEGIATE SCOUTS: It is sad to report that following
many years of activities for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts these units have closed
due to a lack of volunteer leaders.
PARISH CONTACT INFORMATION
Rector Archdeacon Gary Hastings 091 521914 rector@stnicholas.ie Schola Cantorum: Mark Duley , 0876712301 info@scholacantorumgalway.ie Churchwardens-: Gráinne Walsh 087 0323602 Ann Walton 087 2176799 Glebewardens Maria Murphy 086 2416826 Anne Nethaway 087 2668380 Sunday Club Sally Cunningham, (087 779 1227) Mothers’ Union: Sally Cunningham, (087 779 1227) Irish Girl Guides: Catherine M. Temple 089 4220259 Flower List: Gráinne Walsh 087 0323602 Coffee Rota: Olive Maher 087 7476506
Treasurer: Heather Pope 086 8336666 treasurer@stnicholas.ie Secretary: Ann Walton, 087 2176799 info@stnicholas.ie Concerts/Church Bookings: Catherine M. Temple 086 3898777 bookings@stnicholas.ie School: 091 569233 Wendy Walsh, Principal, Email: galwayschool@gmail.com Hall Lettings: Olive Maher 087 7476506 Social Committee Heather Martin 086 8070258 Grounds Maintenance Ray Plummer 087 9428857 Parish Website: www.stnicholas.ie Email: info@stnicholas.ie
The Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas Lombard Street, Galway www.stnicholas.ie
Regards,
The Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas Lombard Street, Galway www.stnicholas.ie
Regards,
Gary Hastings
Rector: Archdeacon Gary Hastings The Rectory, Taylors’ Hill, Galway Ph: 091 521914 rector@stnicholas.ie
November 3rd 2017
Dear Parishioner,
Another year nearly over, but unlike the old song, not deeper in debt! Due to the
untiring [hopefully] work of many volunteers in our parish, we’ve kept our
head above water, and been able to initiate some very necessary repairs and
conservation work to the building. Half the railings and our gates have been
cleaned down and repainted, and the steeple [which we found wasn’t actually
attached to the tower] has been ‘nailed down’ just in time for Ophelia’s recent
visit. Heritage funding has been a great help towards this work, and we have
further projects planned, hopefully in time for our 700+ anniversary in 2020.
The fundraising we do isn’t just about money, handy stuff though it is. It’s part
of the community of our parish. The Welcome Desk isn’t there just to extract
entrance fees, it’s to welcome people, and provide a living human face for
visitors to our church. This isn’t just a tourist venue, it’s a living place of
worship, and nothing shows that more than someone who worships here.
The Garden Fete and Christmas Fayre draw many shy and retiring parishioners
out of the woodwork where they muck in and get involved and do a long day’s
work alongside everyone else. And they enjoy it. Hard work it might be, but
people take a lot of fun out of it, and enjoy working alongside each other. You
might even consider getting involved yourself? Your help in any form would be
greatly appreciated. The Christmas Fayre is on 25th November, and there are
Raffle tickets with this Newsletter, and further details within its depths!
Contact any member of the Fayre Committee (listed below) if you can offer
some help.
Beirigí buaidh agus buíochas
Fayre Committee:
Olive Maher (087 7476506) Don Tallon (085 7279743)
Anne Nethaway (087 2668380) Carol Steven (091 798860)
Ann Walton (087 2176799) Email: info@stnicholas.ie
The Collegiate Church of St. Lombard Street, Galway www.stnichola
PARISH DIARY (Services in Bold, Concerts in Italics)
NOVEMBER
Sat 4th 11am Coffee Concert—Mark Duley and Michael Finlay
Sunday 5th 9.00am Holy Communion
11.00am Sung Eucharist and Baptism sung by the Parish Choir
All Saints
Tues 7th 1.00pm Contempo Lunchtime Concert
Wed 8th 10.30am Mid Week Holy Communion
7.30pm M.U. meeting at Heather Martin’s house for Shoe Box Packing
Thurs 9th 10am Chatty Crafters 7pm Meditation
8.00pm Compline sung by the Choral Scholars
Sat 11th St. Nicholas Singers Rehearsal
Sunday 12th 9.00am Holy Communion
11.00am Sung Eucharist - sung by the Choristers
Remembrance Sunday
5pm St. Nicholas Singers’ concert
Tues 14th 6.30pm Pride of Baltimore Choir Concert
Wed 15th 10.30am Mid Week Holy Communion
Thurs 16th 10am Chatty Crafters 7pm Meditation
8.00pm Compline sung by the Choral Scholars
Sat 18th 11am Coffee Concert – David Greally organist
Sunday 19th 9.00am Holy Communion
11.00am Sung Eucharist - sung by the Parish Choir
2nd Sunday before Advent
Wed 22nd 10.30am Mid Week Holy Communion
Thurs 23rd 10am Chatty Crafters 7pm Meditation
8.00pm Compline sung by the Choral Scholars
Fri 24th 5pm Set up Christmas Fayre
Sat 25th 10am—2pm Christmas Fayre
Sunday 26th 9.00am Morning Prayer
11.00am Sung Eucharist – sung by the Choral Scholars
Christ the King
Wed 29th 10.30am Mid Week Holy Communion
Thurs 30th 10am Chatty Crafters 7pm Meditation
ST. NICHOLAS COLEGIATE LADYBIRDS:
Ladybirds now meet on Thursday at 2.45 to 3.45 pm in the Parochial School. We
welcome girls aged 5 to 7 years.
We are busy at present preparing our new Ladybirds for enrolment.
We are delighted to welcome back our Cochinella, Michelle, who was busy
studying last year for her Degree.
We are planning to do lots of work this year, we will be selling Irish Girl Guide
Cookies, doing a Happy Being Me Badge, having a Ladybird Day Out, doing
some experiments to earn our Science Investigator badges and we are planning
a Mothers’ Day Afternoon Tea Party to name but a few.
ST. NICHOLAS COLLEGIATE BROWNIES: (Tuesday 3.15pm)
Brownies meet on Tuesday at 3.30 to 4.45 pm. We welcome girls aged 7 to 10
years.
While Brown Owl is busy preparing our new girls for enrolment, Tawny Owl is
working on badges with the older girls.
She is at present working on their Science Investigator Badge and then they
hope to do their Arts and Craft Badge.
Like the Ladybirds and the Guides we will be selling Irish Girl Guide Cookies to
raise much needed funding for our unit during the month of November.
We will be going on Brownie Camp in June.
We are delighted to say that four of our former Brownies have flown up to
Guides.
ST. NICHOLAS’ COLLEGIATE GUIDES:
Four girls from St Nicholas’ Guides attended the IGGNITE 2017 international
camp in Rockwell, Co Tipperary in August. Along with 2,000 other guides from
Canada, Scotland, England, USA, Malaysia, New Zealand, St Vincent & the
Grenadines, they took part in activities focusing on climate control and global
advocacy, Free Being Me and STEM, as well as the more traditional water sports
and badge swops.
Along with St Nicholas’ Ladybirds and Brownies, the guides will be selling
cookies in November. This initiative has been given the hashtag #FutureCEOs,
which stands for Creating Entrepreneur Opportunities, and it is hoped that all
girls who get involved will develop and strengthen teamwork, communication,
and to make the most of their many talents. There is emphasis on sport, art,
music, citizenship and on the environment. We offer a wide range of extra
curricular activities including Hockey, Drama, Chinese, French, Zumba, Yoga
and Swimming every Wednesday in Leisureland for all classes. Above all, St.
Nicholas’ Parochial School is a family, and our vibrant school community is
welcoming and inclusive.
If you would like to make an appointment to meet with the school principal,
Wendy Walsh, please contact us on 091-569233 and visit our website at
www.galwayschool.com. We would also like to thank all of the parents in our
school, for their continued support, dedication and involvement in the school
community. Thank you for all you do.
This year, our Christmas Carol Service will take place on Thursday evening, 7th
December at 7pm in St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church, you are all very welcome to
attend.
DECORATING THE CHURCH FOR CHRISTMAS: The
church will be decorated on Saturday, December
16th starting at 10a.m. As well as decorating and
flower arranging there will be jobs of cleaning,
coffee making etc. so do please come along and
help if you are available.
COMMUNICATIONS: We know that communications in a
parish could always be better. It can be hard to keep up to
date if you are not in church regularly.
Website and Facebook: Most events
happening in the church are posted on
the Parish Facebook page. It is our
ambition to have a new website in the near future which
will be easier to update. Currently it is updated but not as often as we would
wish. www.stnicholas.ie.
There is also a parish mailing list so if you would like to receive information by
email please send an email to info@stnicholas.ie and we will add your name to
that list.
DECEMBER
Friday 1st 7.00pm Aids West Concert
Sunday 3rd 9.00am Holy Communion
11.00am Sung Eucharist – sung by the Choristers
Advent Sunday
5.00pm The Advent Procession sung by the Parish Choir
Tues 5th 1.00pm Contempo Lunchtime Concert
8.00pm Concert
Wed 6th 10.30am Mid Week Holy Communion
Mothers’ Union Outing to Cinema
Thurs 7th 10am Chatty Crafters
7.00pm Parochial School Carol Service
Friday 8th 8.00pm Kiltulla Community Choir Concert
Saturday 9th 11am—1pm Mothers’ Union Vigil
8.00pm Marine Institute Choir Concert
Sunday 10th 9.00am Holy Communion
11.00am Sung Eucharist – sung by the Parish Choir
Second Sunday of Advent
Wed 13th 10.30am Mid Week Holy Communion
Thurs 14th 10am Chatty Crafters 7pm Meditation
Sat 16th 10am Decoration of the church for Christmas
8.00pm Cois Cladaigh Choir Concert
CHRISTMAS SEASON DATES
Sunday 17th 9.00am Holy Communion
11.00am Sung Eucharist – sung by the Parish Choir
Third Sunday of Advent
4.00pm Civic Carol Service— sung by the Schola Cantorum combined choirs
Mon 18th 8.00pm Carol Service in Kilcummin
Wed 20th 10.30am Mid Week Holy Communion
Sunday 24th 9.00am No Service
Christmas 11.00am Sung Eucharist – sung by the Parish Choir
Eve 4.00pm Christmas Eve Carols around the Christmas Tree
9.00pm The First Eucharist of Christmas— sung by the Parish Choir
Mon 25th 11.00am Christmas Day Sung Eucharist – sung by the Parish Choir
Christmas Day
Wed 27th 10.30am No Service
Sunday 31st 9.00am Morning Prayer
11.00am Service of the Word
NEWSLETTER
HARVEST THANKSGIVING SERVICE AND POT LUCK SUPPER
As we head towards Advent and Christmas it would be remiss of us, first of all,
not to thank those who decorated the church so beautifully for our Harvest
season, the choir and Mark for leading the wonderful singing and to thank the
Social Committee for organising a most enjoyable Pot Luck Supper after the
service. Moving the Harvest to a Friday evening was a new venture for us and
one which was enjoyed by both young and those not so young. There may well
be a request for this to be repeated.
MEN’S SOCIAL GROUP
The setting up of a Men’s Social Group is another new venture in the parish.
Many thanks for the wonderful response to the recent questionnaire concerning
the starting of such a group. Most respondents preferred the day trip and hill
walking options, but bowling, sea fishing and swimming/rowing also proved
very popular. In fact, all the suggestions on offer for getting together were
chosen to different extents, and I'll explore the lesser preferred activities as
well. I'll be contacting the respondents with further details and soon we'll be on
our way! If you haven't yet expressed your preferences and would like to do so
please let me know. Don Tallon (tel: 085 7279743 and dontallon@eircom.net)
FROM THE TREASURER:
Thanks to everyone for their continued support of the parish finances. As the
Rector has mentioned we have lots of work to do, but with your help we're
managing to keep on top of it all. You'll probably have noticed that the
Conservation of the Railings Project got underway at the end of August - with
the stretch of railings from the South Tower to the main Gates (including all
three sets of gates) being tackled first. Less visible, but essential works to the
Tower (tying down the "cap") have also been completed. The cost of these two
jobs totalled some €45,000 with a grant from Galway City Council BHIS Fund
(Built Heritage Investment Scheme) of €15k received against these costs, last
week. We hope to continue with Phase 2 of the Railings conservation next
year.
You may recall that we had also applied for financial assistance to the GCC
Structures at Risk fund for help with repairs to the Clock Faces and surrounding
timbers. We were not successful under this scheme at that time but in recent
days, have been advised by the City Council, that some funds remain available
and so we have been given the go ahead to have one Clock Face treated to some
December, and of course the big Christmas services later that month. The choir
recently sang at the wedding of Karen Kelly and our assistant organist Ronan
De Burca. Ronan is a valued member of the St Nicholas community, whose
involvement goes far beyond playing for services, and it was a great pleasure to
be involved in the happy occasion.
The Choristers have recently taken on eight new probationers, who will start
training in November with a view to being admitted as full members next year.
The NUI Galway Choral Scholars' ensemble currently numbers sixteen singers,
and will be singing the atmospheric candlelit service of Compline on three
Thursdays in November (9th, 16th, 23rd) as well as a Sunday morning Eucharist
and a concert performance with the NUI Galway Concert Orchestra.
St Nicholas Singers appear in concert at 5pm on Sunday 12th November,
performing Dvorak's lyrical and enchanting Mass in D. All are welcome to
participate as members of the choir - the perfect opportunity for those who'd
like to give choral singing a try but have never had the opportunity! Details
from info@scholacantorumgalway.ie
.
A new St Nicholas Schola Cantorum musicianship syllabus has been drawn up
and is now operating at four levels, it gives members of the various choirs the
chance to improve their sight-singing skills and theoretical knowledge, and at a
level appropriate to their experience and ability.
MEDITATION: Weekly meditation sessions continue on Thursdays. Come
along 7-8 pm. Beginners are always welcome!
CHATTY CRAFTERS: Meet in the side chapel on Thursday
mornings 10—12.30. All Crafters are very welcome.
ST. NICHOLAS’ PAROCHIAL SCHOOL:
St. Nicholas’ Parochial School is now taking enrolments
for all classes. The school has a low pupil teacher ratio,
large spacious classrooms and high tech IT facilities. The
school aims to create a safe and secure learning
environment where children feel valued and happy.
Children are offered support and opportunities to develop life skills that will
help them to engage with further education and personal development
throughout their lives. We encourage them to try as many activities as possible
Christmas Cafe – if you would like to make soup, scones etc. please contact
Olive.
Book Stall – books of all description. Magazines and journals generally do not
sell well.
Toys – in good condition please – do please check that jigsaws contain all the
pieces!
There will be fun activities for all the children (as well as Santa Claus’ grotto) so
it will truly be a day-out for all the family.
There is another Quiz this year (Christmas theme) Quiz Sheets €3 (2 for €5) will
be available from Marjorie McCamley (086 1073661) every Sunday in church.
SUNDAY CLUB:
St. Nicholas’ Sunday Club is back during the
Sunday service, every Sunday during school
term. Our Sunday Club caters for children and
young people of national school age and meets
in the vestry. Sunday Club has also resumed for
children of primary school age. This is a very important part of the ministry of
this church on a Sunday morning— allowing young people to hear and
experience the Word of God in a way that is appropriate to them. Thank you to
the leaders and helpers for all the work they do. If anyone would be interested
and willing to give a hand, as a leader or helper, please get in touch with the
Rector or with Sally Cunningham. (087 7791227).
YOUNGER CHILDREN
The side chapel has toys, books and games suitable for
children under school age. Parents can take their younger
children there if the service proves too long for the little ones.
There is a speaker in the side chapel which means the service
can be followed from there.
Schola Cantorum:
All of the Schola Cantorum ensembles
have got off to a roaring start this term.
The Parish Choir has taken on another ex-
chorister as Junior Choral Scholar - Sorcha
Carrick, who was last year's head chorister
and is now enjoying singing with the adults every Sunday morning. In the
Parish Choir's sights are the beautiful Advent Procession service on 3rd
TLC. These works will have to be completed by mid-December.
The recent Diocesan Architect's Report on the Glebe (i.e. the Rectory)
highlighted various maintenance jobs to be done - the most pressing being the
trees along Taylor’s Hill which need approximately €11,500 spent on them. This
sum will have to be factored into the 2018 budget. Other plans include the
enhancement of concert, catering and storage facilities in the church, works to
the side chapel and painting the whole interior in preparation for our 700th
Anniversary in 2020. We must always be mindful too, that our Organ is on its
last legs and an alternative instrument will have to be found at some stage.
As you can see, we have a lot going on, on top of the more usual running costs
of the parish - your continued support makes tackling these tasks possible. If
you'd like to contribute by monthly Standing Order or the Envelope Scheme
please contact me to make arrangements. We can give the finances a boost by
claiming back tax on any individual's yearly contribution over €250.
With Thanks,
Heather Pope,
Hon Treasurer (treasurer@stnicholas.ie, 0868336666)
SHOE BOX APPEAL: For the past few years, we have
been taking part in the Christmas Shoebox Appeal
run by Team Hope. Shoeboxes are filled with small
items and sent as Christmas gifts to children in under
-developed countries, mainly in Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe. These children
would otherwise receive no gift at Christmas and this is our opportunity to
extend a small Christmas blessing to them. Sunday 12th November will be the
last day for collecting filled boxes in this church. The children in our Sunday
Club and the Mothers’ Union will be assembling boxes too. The MU will meet at
Heather’s House on Wednesday November 8th to fill boxes. Contact Heather for
details at 086 807 9258. Information on what should be put in boxes is available
on leaflets in the church or at www.shoeboxappeal.teamhope.ie/christmas/
shoebox-appeal.
MOTHERS’ UNION
Advent Giving Tree: As usual in
December the Advent Giving Tree will be in the church - in aid of Waterside
House for Homeless Women and Children, the Fairgreen Men’s Hostel and
Osterley Lodge Women’s Hostel as well as the Friendship Club, Galway. Please
select a tag from the Giving Tree, purchase the item and bring it back into the
church. There will also be a collection of non perishable foods for a hamper for
the Poor Clares.
Wednesday 6 December MU Christmas Outing film followed by a cocktail in
the g Hotel Contact Sally for details 087 779 1227
Saturday 9 December at 11.00-1.00 The Galway Branch will host a Vigil in the
church in support of those affected by domestic violence. This is a MU Diocesan
event and will be part of the ongoing Mothers’ Union All Ireland 16 Days of
Activism Against Gender-based Violence. Contact Olive for further details at 087
747 6506.
Mothers’ Union Women’s Weekend 2017 A report by Jean Tallon
About a hundred ladies from all over Ireland and the UK gathered together for a
night away in the Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa at Rosses Point Sligo, enjoying
each others company and the lovely food and facilities of the hotel. Mary Good
was our conference leader. She is the wife of Bishop Ken Good and it was lovely
to hear about her life’s journey. Another young lady from England shared how
she had overcome postnatal depression and how knitting and now running
marathons has kept her well on course! We had two more workshops before
lunch . The first being a Gospel Choir workshop run by Richard Mitchell and an
African lady ...and boy could she sing ! We rocked and clapped along singing
three part harmonies! The next class was a Zumba class which I must say was the
highlight of the weekend for me!! The young polish girl who gave the class had
such energy. We danced and smiled and kept going! The heavy music wasn't
really my cup of tea but we all enjoyed it! After lunch and a closing session from
Mary Good we went happily on our way. The small details of party bag with
butter mint teabag and Twix bar making us feel very valued indeed! After
all isn't that what it is all about! All I can say is—Ladies keep your diaries free for
next year!!
THE WELCOME DESK:
During the Summer months some of you will be aware that we again had a
Welcome Desk in the church. This was manned by a team of volunteers so ably
and kindly organised by Mary Liddy. They welcomed visitors to the church,
distributed information leaflets and generally answered questions for visitors
and made them feel welcome. This effort raised €20, 000—a wonderful effort. At
the end of the season all these volunteers were invited to a reception hosted by
the Select Vestry when refreshments were enjoyed and then there was a chance
to exchange feedback as to ways to improve the effort next year. All those
involved enjoyed their opportunity to engage with the tourists so perhaps next
year when the call is out you might consider giving a couple of hours if you can
to this effort which presents the friendly face of the church and at the same time
raises essential funds for the maintenance of the parish. See www.tripadvisor—
there was a simply wonderful docent there that I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with, and
that really enhanced the visit. !!
CHRISTMAS FAYRE:
The Rector has already mentioned the plans for the Christmas Fayre which will
be held in the church on November 25, 10 - 2. We are very grateful to local choirs
who have already committed to come and sing during the event—along with
our own choirs —this adds so much to the ambience in the church.
There are lots of ways for people to help as this is a big undertaking – those of
you who have been there before will know all the work that goes into making
this a successful venture both socially and financially.
There are four ways in which we would ask you to help - by producing items for
the various stalls listed below, by volunteering to help sell raffle tickets in the
market on Saturday mornings and at Nestors Supervalu on Father Griffin Road
on November 10th and 11th. By trying to sell the raffle tickets enclosed—none of
us are fond of this activity but the income received contributes a large % to the
total income. Lastly we will also need help with setting up on Thursday Nov
23rd 8.30pm and Friday morning. The Organising Committee (as listed on the
front of the Newsletter) would love to hear from you by phone, or by email
(info@stnicholas.ie). If you add your name to the list which the churchwardens
have at the back of the church we will get in touch with you.
The Bake Stall - As the Fayre is earlier than usual this year we would be
delighted if people would start their Christmas baking early. We would
appreciate all home baked goods especially Christmas cakes both iced and
uniced (1/4 cakes seem to be very popular) also plum puddings, mince pies etc.
But we would also love to have any other baked items e.g. brown bread, scones,
cakes (all flavours and sizes) all types of home baking very welcome.
Home Produce with Plants and Christmas arrangements – would love
contributions of jams, chutneys, pickles, plants, etc. etc.
Olde Curiosity Shop – high class bric a brac! Unfortunately we are not allowed
to sell anything electric unless brand new in original box.
Gift Stall – new items, unwanted gifts etc., etc.
China and Collectibles – there is a market for unwanted china – not necessary
to be full sets.
Vintage – handbags, jewellery, hats, gloves, etc.
Homemade Sweet Stall – fudge sells well but all contributions of homemade
sweets welcome.
Craft Stall – all handmade items very welcome.