St.

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AUTUMN

2015

From the Rectory...

Dear Friends

I hope this St Patrick’s Press drops into a home where there is peace and life is good! In ministry it is poignant to share with so many the ups and downs of life; it always reminds me not to take anything or anyone for granted. If I don’t always say it – my grateful thanks to all of you who support the Parish in whatever way great of small… without you I would be struggling!

One of the challenges of my job is that on the one hand I want to be an easy going, approachable, ‘nice’ guy... But this has to be balanced with a greater responsibility - telling the truth... about this world, our lives and the world to come. The solution is one of the great joys and challenges of min-istry, as I shared recently: We wear many hats in ministry –none more important than the ‘Jester’s Hat’. The jester, it is interesting to remember, was the one who, in medie-val court life, was pushed forward to tell the King and his courtiers, in lyric and jest, the truths that others were afraid to tell.

One episode from recent history is worth mentioning here: In the Ukraine in 2004 attempts at the country’s democratic elections ran into trouble. Victor Yushchenko – a young politician ran for President but while the state news anchor man announced that the ruling old guard candidate Viktor Yanukovitch had won the election by a landslide and returned to power, the young lady delivering the news to the deaf in sign language (on the bottom corner of the TV screen; one ‘Natalia Dmytruk’) simultane-ously broke from the script and added (in sign language) “don’t believe a word they are saying, the election was rigged, meet in the town square tonight!” This kick-started the ‘Orange revolution’ which swept Yush-chenko to power within a month! “Without telling anyone, I just went in and did what my conscience told me to do”, she later said. Sadly, as histo-ry relates, they didn’t all live happily ever after. However it was and is a powerful, enduring image of truth triumphing over lies.

In ministry we are called to do the same. To name the elephant in the room; to point out that the emperor has no clothes; to put truth before preferment or personal loyalties… to tell it like it is. Why ? – because it’s the TRUTH and the truth sets us free! Desmond Tutu once said, “one word of truth out-weighs the whole world”, especially the “Word made flesh who dwelt among us full of grace and truth.” The jester’s hat represents the fool who tells the truths that others are afraid to tell.

“Preach often, use words only when necessary ” St Francis used to say. Natali Dmytruk certainly did this. ‘Fools for Christ’ is what St Paul calls us to be (I Corinthians 4.10); the jester’s hat marks this great calling in ministry and in Christian service.

The tension of ministry is this: I want to announce, like a spiritual anchor man, that everyone and every-thing is just fine, grand... and we can all meet in church to affirm this. If you don’t come to church that’s grand also because we’re all grand and every-thing’s just grand - but this is where the difficult part kicks in: I know that this is not true: you know that this is not true - so every now and then I have to break from the script and try to announce that the above is nonsense and delusion. I have to scream silently for people to head for the town square where the truth will be known and revealed. The ‘town square’ in my case is church where we stand under the cross and remember what happened when God tried to live and speak among us. The Good News is that there is a way out of here... but the more you shout it the less people listen so you have to put the jester’s hat back on again and announce that everything’s grand in the hope that people will follow again at a safe dis-tance.

We are all being called to head for the ‘town square’ where there are prepa-rations for a revolution. Pride, denial and innocent delusion will prevent many from heading there because the script that says everything is fine is much easier to listen to… it took deaf people to hear the truth first in the Ukraine. I’m just the fool who tries to pass on the message!

Thank you for reading my ramblings! Please see my other article in this Press, ‘A Millionaire and a Caterpillar’. I have also included information about ‘ALPHA’ – our course is starting on Wednesday 30th September in the church. It is a simple call to visit or revisit the Christian faith. See you anon.

Yours in Faith

Thoughts

on Alpha

W hen I was a kid I owned a Raleigh BMX bike. I loved it. I remem-ber it clearly. It was red, blue and yellow and I had Kellogg’s

Frosties stickers all over it (they were bike themed). Any opportunity I had I was on my bike. But this was no ordinary bike, it was a stunt bike. My friends and I would cycle to the park, set up jumps and other obstacles and have hours of fun. Every now and again, either a friend or I would have an epic fall, but it would stop the joy being on the bike would bring. My favourite jump was going downhill real fast and using part of a log as a ramp that would help get me across a little ravine. Every time I did the jump it scared me, but I loved the feeling I had when I made it (which was every time!)

At this time of year, life is a little bit like that. We approach a new season, with either new or familiar obstacles and we have to respond in certain ways. Our response or attitude impacts not just us, but those around us too. When I was on my BMX I knew it well. If something wasn’t right (like a faulty break, or loose nut) I’d know just by how it felt while riding it. How well do we know God in our everyday lives? What impact does He have on you and on those around you? One of the reasons for the Alpha Course is to encourage all of us to have a better understanding about God, Jesus, Church etc and the role they have in our lives. Just as I’d be scared riding my bike towards the jumps, we can have that fear coming towards new situations in our lives or a course like Alpha. The challenge is how we face the jump. What pushes us through. When doing all the stunts, I was with my friends, they’d cheer me on and hope I’d make it. Be that friend to someone or look for that friend in your life.

In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

All of us need people around were the relationship is dependable. This is God’s heart and desire for us and He wants us to listen to him and know his ways as He has our best interests at heart. Do you believe that? What stops you believing that? Bring those questions to God (and/or the Alpha Course) and listen to what God may have to say to you.

Blessings, Rev. Alan Breen

Meet our new

Deacon Intern:

Ross Styles

“I grew up in the parish of Ballynure,

County Wicklow, part of the Baltinglass

group of parishes, from the year I was

born (1977) until I went to secondary

school in Kilkenny College. After school, I moved to Dublin and studied

horticulture, which has been the focus of my working life in various private

and public sectors. As a mature student I graduated from UCD with a degree

in History and Economics. I am married to Fiona and we live in Clonskeagh

with our children Ben (4) and Ava (2).

For many years I had felt a calling to ordained ministry, but the preoccupa-

tions of education, work and young adult life presented plenty of opportuni-

ties to postpone responding to it. My grandfather was a clergyman in County

Wicklow, so ordained ministry was not alien to me. Eventually, I began to

explore my calling and the late Canon Mervyn McCullough and Canon

Charles Mullen were very helpful to me.

I began the foundation course in the Church of Ireland Theological Institute

in 2010 and in the following year I passed selection and joined the part–time

Masters in Theology course. The experience gained through that course, to-

gether with wonderful placements in Howth, Booterstown and Mount Mer-

rion parishes, in St. Patrick’s Cathedral and also Holy Trinity, Rathmines,

have been personally very rewarding. My training for ordained ministry has

been a hugely enjoyable and uplifting experience. Pastoral care is an area of

ministry that has always been of great interest to me. Growing up in a rural

area, and now living in a large city, has reinforced the importance of effec-

tive pastoral care for any parish community.

I eagerly await the commencement of my deacon internship with the Revd

David Mungavin and the people of St Patrick’s Church, Greystones.”

What is ALPHA?

I have spent my life running from what I might describe as ‘sales pitches’ which come in a Christian packaging. They seem to be too

good to be true. So whenever a series of talks or meetings aimed at re-newing faith comes down the line I know from past experience that people like myself run for cover.

However maybe I’m going soft as the years go by but I believe I can recommend a course that is tried and tested, sane and sensible that will result in you rediscovering or renewing your faith.

A vicar from London, Nicky Gumbel, introduces several sessions which have changed many peoples lives. He is modest, normal, humor-ous, open minded and also a very good, gentle teacher of the faith.

The sessions begin with a DVD presentation by Nicky then a time to reflect and discuss.

Put simply ALPHA is a call to rediscover that the stuff that goes on in church may be far more important than you ever imagined and that the central claims of Christianity may be the most important message you will ever receive.

I hope that anyone reading this might consider trying ALPHA ; its free, its safe - what have you got to lose ?

Please let me know if you would like more information or might be interested in trying ALPHA (email davidsmungavin@gmail.com) I will be leading the sessions with Alan our Curate starting Wednesday 30th September, 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm.

Rev. David Mungavin

PARISH FAIR: CAN YOU HELP?

We need items for the stalls

If you have anything to give please contact the relevant stallholder or bring it to

•church on any Sunday morning •the church car park 8.30 am—9 am on

Weds. 7th, Thursday 8th or Friday 9th October •to the school between 7 and 9 pm, Friday 9th

October - the night before the Fair.

Books: Clear out those bookshelves!

We take all types of books in good condition.

Claire Evans 086 150 0125

Bottle Stall: Anything in a bottle—minerals,

wine, spirits, beer, large or small—all very much

needed by Flo Fennell 086 826 0761

Cakes: Any type of home made cakes or

biscuits. Mary Brooke-Tyrrell 087 695 1184

Bags, shoes & clothes for women, men &

children: Any style in good condition,

including school uniform.

Also –does anyone have a clothes

rail we could borrow?

Caroline Keating 087 940 6649

Country Larder: Preserves & chutneys

Ruth Handy 287 5161

Home Produce: Quiches, lasagne, mini

pizzas, sausage rolls, Scotch eggs, pies,

vegetables breads, yoghurt etc

Sylvia Thompson 087 6488 274

Nearly New & Unwanted Gifts: (PLEASE

NOTE: NO BRIC-A-BRAC) Give us any unused

and unwanted purchases or gifts.

Eoin Condon 087 221 6213

Toys & Children’s Books: Please, only

toys in good saleable condition.

Mo Gahan 201 7655 / 087 668 6129

Teas/Refreshments: A dozen scones, a loaf

of homemade bread or a large pot of soup

would be gratefully received by

Pauline Mungavin 287 4077

Raffle: For tickets or to donate prizes

please contact

Richard Lowe 086 234 7145

If you would like to help in any way on the

day or for set-up or clear-away,

please contact the relevant stallholder

or Claire Evans on 086 150 0125

Mac Sherry’s Pharmacy

Whitethorn Centre, Kilcoole

Tel 287 0400

9 am-6.30 pm Mon-Fri 9 am-6 pm Saturday

Prescriptions &

Medical Supplies

Cosmetics & Perfumes

Ear Piercing by Appointment.

JEAN TAYLOR M.C.S.P., M.I.C.S.P., M.A.C.P.

Chartered Physiotherapist

APPLEWOOD PHYSIOTHERAPY Roche’s Pharmacy,

Blacklion, Greystones Specialising in: •Neck, back & joint pain •Sports injuries •Joint Replacement Rehabilitation •Nerve irritation •Muscle and ligament strains Services include: •Manual therapy •Exercise rehabilitation •Orthotics •Core stability training •Ergonomic assessment •Home visits

TELEPHONE: 01 287 3232

Hill’s Garage Greystones Servicing & repairs to all makes of cars at our premises on

Hillside Road,

Greystones.

Tel: 287 4510 / 287 4507 Fax: 287 6473

Bugle Club Restarts 30th September!

Our abiding aim is for a mix of Fun, Games and Fellowship.

The club is for 7 to 12 year olds - boys and girls, meeting on Wednesdays

at 6.30pm in the Swann Hall during term time.

Enrolment for the year is in September.

Contact Des at 087 250 3482 for further details.

Des Fox Tony Goodwin Claire Evans

Dates For Your Diary Men’s Breakfasts: 9am on the last Fr iday of the month Parish Fair: 12 noon to 3pm on Saturday 10 October

in St Patrick’s National School Church Assemblies: Lead by 5th Class at 9.30 am 21 October

Lead by 4th Class at 9.30 am on 18 November Concert: The Garda Band on Thursday 12 November

Girls’ Brigade Enrolment: Sunday 22 November

Christmas Craft Fair: 11am to 5 pm on Saturday 12 December in the Main Hall at Temple Carrig School

MOTHERS’ UNION

meets on the third Monday of the month

at 8 pm in the Garden Room.

New members are always welcome.

Why not come along?

The Role of the Mother Remains Constant Despite Huge Change in Society

M others’ Union members from all over Dublin and Glendalough filled Whitechurch Parish Church on the evening of Tuesday 15 Septem-

ber 15 for their annual Diocesan Festival Eucharist Service. The service was celebrated by the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson and the preacher was the Bishop of Limerick, the Right Revd Kenneth Kearon.

During the service two MU members were commissioned to new areas of responsibility on the Trustee Board. Amy Hourie was commissioned as Faith and Policy Unity Coordinator and Sandra Condell was commis-sioned as Indoor Members Prayer Correspondent.

In his sermon, Bishop Kearon focused on the constant role of the mother in family life despite the rapid pace of change in society. He suggested that society had undergone a paradigm shift in the last 40 years, so much so that it was hard to remember what life was like just four decades ago. How did we live without mobile phones, he wondered adding that the way we engage with the world has changed.

This is even more true of families, he said. When we hear stories about a family in the Bible, we’re probably hearing about a huge tribal gathering of people who are all related in some way. When we read that Joseph and his family went down to Egypt, it probably refers to a group of over 100 people, the Bishop explained.

Through the ages the family scenario has changed. “Today we talk about a family that is very complex. There are many ways of being family today and people cope with the different ways but they are still family. Families remain a centre of care and concern in the community… The role of the mother has been a constant figure in family life across the centuries. This is what we celebrate here tonight, the role of families as a constant centre of care and concern and the role of the mother as a constant figure who keeps that family relationship together,” Bishop Kearon said.

The service was Joy Gordan’s last as Diocesan MU President. Her term comes to an end in December. Speaking after the service, she referred to the Prayer Vigil for the People of Syria which took place in Zion during which the Archbishop issued the challenge to people to welcome the refu-gees who come here. “Mothers’ Union will be there. We have been en-gaging with other organisations and there is no better organisation that Mothers’ Union to put our faith into action,” she stated.

Joy added that MU would continue their commitment to projects world-wide and suggesting increasing their response to rising violence across the world. She highlighted the forthcoming Vigil in Christ Church Cathedral

which Dublin and Glendalough Mothers’ Union is organising as part of

the Sixteen Days Against Gender Violence campaign. It will take place on November 28 at 3.00 pm.

The evening marked the launch of a new book of knitting and sewing pat-terns by the MU and Joy praised the team who put such hard work into bringing the project to fruition. The book is available from Mothers’ Un-ion for just €4.

Joy thanked all those who had supported her over the last six years during her office of President. “It has been a privilege to be entrusted with the leadership of Mothers’ Union in this diocese. You’ve never left my side and I hope I have served you well,” she said adding that she could not have done it without the tremendous support of her family.

Lynn Glanville

The new Mothers’ Union knitting pattern book, photographed and produced by our own Daphne Townsend—and now available to buy for just €4.00.

PASSIONATE ABOUT PARENTING: “Helping you do the most important job in the world.” Are you interested

in joining a short parenting course to be held in this Parish? A taster session will be held shortly. Please contact Daphne Townsend

to find out more 086 891 7710 or 01 287 4474.

DOG MINDER AVAILABLE

Kind reliable dog lover! Twenty years experience.

Dog minded in my own home. Home from home.

May be able to accommodate with short notice.

Delgany / Greystones area. Valerie Felton 0877 655 094

Email: felton.val@gmail.com

Rodney Evans

Services

Bunk Beds, Children's Beds

Loft Beds, Mattresses and

Bean Bags

Small and Large Storage Units

for Rent

Farrankelly, Delgany

Co. Wicklow

Call Geoff on 086 600 9341

We were delighted to have afternoon tea with our indoor members in August. The chat, fun and fellowship was lovely, not to mention the “low calorie” treats! We all had a most enjoyable afternoon and look forward to seeing everyone again before Christmas.

Our outing was held on 1 September when 24 of us headed off to Kilkenny by coach early in the morning. On arrival we had some refreshments in the café in Kilkenny Design before our self-guided tour of the Castle. The tour was most interesting and the guides were very knowledgeable when telling us about the history of the Castle and it’s restoration to the wonderful historical building of to-day. The views, from the windows in the castle, of the grounds are spec-tacular. We had a lovely lunch in Langtons Restaurant and having enjoyed the short rest, we all did our own thing around the many shops in the city. Having had a lovely, busy but relaxing day and the weather was dry and warm, we arrived home to windswept and wet Greystones but the wind and rain didn’t stop us smiling after a great day.

On the first Thursday in September Greystones was one of the branches “on duty” at the MU Communion in Christ Church Cathe-dral. A group of us attended and it was a lovely service.

Our autumn schedule started with our branch meeting on 21 Septem-ber when Des Fox hosted a very special “Mosaic Workshop” which everyone really enjoyed.

•19 October: Christmas Flowers with Flo.

•26 November: Christmas Dinner (full details to follow)

•14 December: “Deck The Halls” Fun and Fellowship

•18 January 2016: AGM.

(Subs for this session are due so if you have not paid yet, please contact Yvonne.)

Daphne Townsend, Secretary

St Patrick’s Church Greystones

Mothers’ Union

“United In Prayer”

OPUS II The music shops with

the personal touch

4 High St, GALWAY

Phone: (091) 500300

Email:

opus2galway@eircom.net

131 Oliver Plunkett St, CORK

Phone (021) 427 9611.

Email: opus2cork@eircom.net

www.opusii.ie Yamaha Instrument Specialist-

NATIONWIDE MAIL ORDER

Roofing & Gutter Repairs

New Roofs; Attic Insulation Chimney cleaning & Repair

Flat Roof Specialist Gutters Cleaned & Replaced

Fully insured and registered Free quotations

All areas covered 24/7 emergency callout Mobile: 085 156 1457

Tel: 01 6972015

A. Ailesbury

SONIA APPELBE RGN Registered Chiropodist

Clinics at:

Roches Chemist, Greystones

Rathmichael Rectory Ferndale Road, Shankill

The Resource Centre St Anne’s Church, Shankill

To make an appointment call 01 282 5267 or 087 679 8876

Email: sonia-styles@hotmail.com

Hard Work Pays Off!

M y granddaughter is Nikki Symmons - most of you will not know her! We are a very proud family at present as she has just won a Gold

Medal in London for twelve years as an International Irish hockey player and is now in the Hall of Fame. She is the only Irish person—male or fe-male—even to win 200 caps for Ireland! She says every time she put on the Irish shirt it gave her great memories “good & bad”. Her grandfather and mother inspired her and pushed her to be the ‘best’ she could. She is just a natural athlete who also played tennis and cricket for Ireland! She is amazed to be recognised and inducted into the Hall of Fame. She said, “It means the world to me and my journey through life.” Nikki is now work-ing for the E.H.F. (European Hockey Federation) in Switzerland. “Hard work pays off—as well as learning to win and lose!”

Rhona Booker

Parish Register Baptisms

26 July 2015 Robert Michael Herbert Lowe

Zoe Ash Kemp

16 August 2015 Molly Anna Aherne

30 August 2015 Olive Tess Jacqueline Pritchard

Wish these little ones every blessing for the future.

Funerals

20 July 2015 Iris Schoeppler

18 August 2015 Leni McCullough

Our sympathy goes to the families and friends of these two special ladies.

Iris Schoeppler was a long-time member of Mothers’ Union in

Greystones and in only recent years had become an indoor member.

Sadly Iris passed away in July and she is greatly missed by all

her friends in Mothers’ Union.

Iris always brought lovely supper treats to our meetings and joined

us on our annual outings, she was fun to be with and a faithful

and much loved member.

Temple Carrig School

~ Updates from two students ~

O n my First Day of school I was very nervous; I was also very excited. I walked in the doors with my two friends and saw lots of people I

knew, and lots that I didn’t. We were all in groups, people who went to St Patrick’s, people who went to Delgany N.S, and people who went to St. Kevin’s etc. I had to check what house I was in so walked over to a crowed of people and I looked through the names to find mine under: AVONDALE. Mr Cox told us to go up to our Form Rooms. I walked in and sat down next to one of my friends from my old school. I didn’t know many other people. We didn’t do much that day except spend the time getting to know other people. I met my form teacher, Mrs Andrews. She is really nice. The next day was different. We did go to classes but did no work, we just got to know our teachers and other people in our form. My first class was Maths. Our teacher’s name is Dr. Fitzroy and I really liked her; she was very nice. My next class was Irish. I don’t really like Irish but I do like my teacher Mr ò Briain. The next class was English. I like English but I some-times find it hard. Then it was break time. It was madness there were so many people who didn’t know where to go or what to do. Time was very short and then it was back to class. Then we had History with Mr Crean who is also our Year Head. I really like History and our teacher. After we had double business with Mr Hurley who is really funny which makes it more enjoyable. After that it was home time; I don’t think I had ever been so tired in my whole life. Until the next day...

Rebecca Burke

C oming to Temple Carrig was a big step from primary school but in the first few days I made a lot of new friends and I found my way around

the school with the help of the staff. It was very different and strange at first but I got into a routine fairly quickly of being organized. I really enjoy assembly every morning because I think it’s a great start to our day. It’s also great that we have Rev. Alan Breen around in the school a lot because I know if I have a problem with anything I could always got to him or I could go to my form teacher Mr Sheridan.

The building is very big and modern and it also has amazing science labs and the classrooms are very large and spacious. It took me a while to get used to moving from classroom to classroom but now I have no problem moving around. The school also has a great room for woodwork and they have all the supplies. Personally I really enjoyed the woodwork and I think I will be taking it up.

I like the idea of the taster system where we get to try everything on the school curriculum. I’m enjoying learning the tasters for all the languages at the moment and so far Spanish is one of my favourites.

All of the teachers are very friendly and extremely helpful and I’m looking forward to getting to know them throughout my secondary years. Cathe-rine the school secretary is a great help in the school as well.

The sports and the after school activities are fantastic. There is so much to choose form (Drama, hockey, rugby, running, debating) they are just a few available at Temple Carrig. Ms. Heggy and Mr Crean are great sporty coaches for P.E. and they are also a lot of fun. In P.E. we are also taught about all of the different muscles that we stretch, so the sports lessons are also educational. P.E. is mostly about t4eamwork so we all have to help and support each other through talks and challenges.

I’m happy that I am a part of Temple Carrig school and I look forward to the future as the school grows.

Jennifer Barker

ST PATRICK’S PARISH GREYSTONES

CHRISTMAS CRAFT MARKET To be held at: The Main Hall

Temple Carrig School, Greystones

11 AM TO 5 PM SATURDAY 12TH DECEMBER 2015

A wide range of wonderful crafts for special & unusual gifts. Refreshments & light lunches available.

Free admission — all welcome!

For more information call Joanne at 01 201 0648

Clockwise from top left:

MU making their mosaic;

Nikki Symmons; Des Fox & Pat

Feldwick; the MU Indoor Members Tea

Party; Alan & Ruth

Breen & family

Luke Kemp lends a hand planting the tree to mark the end of our 150th year

The MU’s very enjoyable outing to Kilkenny comes to a blustery end!

Deacon Intern Ross Styles and Curate Alan Breen

Many hands make light work of the MU mosaic

Barbara Donnelly School

of Dance Greystones Ballet school for students from Tiny Tots to Adults.

Established for 25 years.

Annual Show in professional

theatre.

Royal Academy of Dance exams

For enquiries or bookings:

Contact Barbara 087 240 8589

Email: donnellydance@yahoo.ie

Website: www.donnellydance.com

Big Red Box Media

produces quality videos

to demonstrate and promote

your products and services.

We’ll bring your website to life.

www.bigredbox.ie 087 951 3490

St Andrew’s College is an independent, interdenominational,

co-educational preparatory and secondary school, catering for

students of all nationalities.

For further information please contact the Admissions Office, St Andrew’s

College, Booterstown Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin.

Telephone: 01 288 2785 Fax: 283 1627

Email: information@st-andrews.ie

FELTON McKNIGHT

SOLICITORS ‘Thorough & expert service; courteous & confidential.’

Wills and estate planning

Enduring Powers of Attorney

Wards of Court applications

Transfer of Property

Mental Health Law

Re-mortgages

Property sales and purchases

Call us on 01 2874341

or visit us at

www.feltonmcknight.ie

a tradition of legal excellence

ACTION ARTS GREYSTONES Building confidence through

Drama, Song & Dance.

Activities include Musical Theatre, Drama, Songs, Modern dance,

Theatre Games, Speech & Drama Exams.

Venue: Swann Hall, St Patrick’s Church, Greystones.

Day: Wednesday afternoon.

Children aged 4 – 12 welcome. Come along and try it out or secure

your child a place by calling Hazel Lowry A.I.B.S.D

on 087 686 9329

End of year show will be held at the Mermaid Theatre, Bray

SALES, SERVICE,

BODY WORK

PROMPT PERSONAL ATTENTION

Farrankelly, Delgany, Co. Wicklow

TELEPHONE: (01) 287 4224 FAX: (01) 287 7188

rodneyevansmotors@gmail.com

ENROLLING SEPTEMBER 2015

An imaginative journey in learning

Tel: 086 849 4529

smileysunflowers@rocketmail.com

St Patrick’s National School Grounds

ECCE PLACES

Weekly Art Classes

(5-12 yr olds)

Join Artzone and unleash your creative side!

Fully Qualified Art Teachers work to a structured curriculum

producing new and exciting portfolios every term.

Fees: €88 per 8 week term. St. Patrick’s Parish Centre,

Greystones

Mondays @ 4.30 pm

To book call: 01 4990614 / 086 8159073

or see www.artzone.ie.

Keep Your Faith

I went to a Church of England school. I attended church services every day as part of the school curriculum. The school motto is: “Garde Ta Foy” ,

which means “Keep your faith”. It is the same school, Felsted, once attended by Oliver Cromwell and sons - but I shouldn’t mention that in Ireland! The motto was emblazoned on our school blazers and in various places around the school. Sadly this did not mean an awful lot to me at the time, growing up. It was only when diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of twenty six that this saying began to mean some-thing to me. When I received the news my first reaction was to go to a church - I spent four hours in a church in Covent Garden. This helped me come to terms with what I had. I got back to the office and everyone thought I had been on a very long lunch break or in the pub! In actual fact “keep the faith” has helped me get through the trials and tribulations that we all call “life”. I now attend St Pat-rick’s every week.

I am soon to celebrate my 46th birthday so I have now had twenty years to come to terms with my MS– any whingeing or complaining is utterly inexcusable! Luckily I have a silly sense of humour . For example , one day when I first came to live in Greystones a gentleman with white hair and a red sweater came to visit me. My mother pointed out “Darragh there’s a chap like Santa Claus at the door!” (The Ven. Edgar Swann!) Ever since I have been attending St Patrick’s on a Sunday morning. I have got to know the congregation and it is a regular and valued part of my life now. Everyone understands my needs and the fact that I have incredibly shaky hands and cannot hold a cup. My cousin Michael calls me “Shakin’ Stevens!” This makes me laugh as it is rather funny!

My faith has got stronger, firmer and has really helped me deal with life. Thank you all for the great support and kindness I receive. I would like to confirm my vows and with David’s help be Christened again.

Darragh Moore

Darragh – thank you for your inspiring story. I have asked Darragh to join me to renew his Baptismal vows on 18th October.

His request – out of the blue – has inspired me to invite anyone in the parish to renew their vows as a way to “Keep your faith”. D.M.

William J. Harte

Building Contractor

HEATING & PLUMBING SPECIALISTS

For Personal Attention Call:

Billy - Mobile : 086 2702892

David - Mobile : 086 8386513

Email : hartewj@eircom.net

PADDY FITZPATRICK & SONS

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

JOHN 087 6846520 BRIAN 086 8188139

15 La Touche Close, Greystones, Co Wicklow

Phone: 287 4247

Don’t just contact any electrical contractor. Make sure you select a contractor who is RECI regis-

tered for safety’s sake.

Your local RECI Registered Electrical Contractor is: Pad-

dy Fitzpatrick & Sons

DALY’S SuperValu

Real Food, Real People

CHURCH ROAD GREYSTONES

OPEN

MON-SAT : 7am-10pm SUN: 8am-8pm

PHONE: 287 3900

2 MUMS ON A MISSION

Aisling 087 773 4935 & Wendy 085 773 3032

Family Health Series at Kilcoole Community Centre

Thursdays 7:30 - 8:30 pm in Room 3

&

Mondays 9:00 -10:00 am, join us in the kitchen for Cuppas & Questions;

Smoothies & Solutions

Thursday 8 October: Don’t be a Breast Cancer Statistic

Thursday 5 November: Are you at Risk of Diabetes?

Monday 16 November: 30 Day Cleanse & Detox

Thursday 3 Decemberrrr: Tips for a HEALTHY Christmas Season

Monday 7 Decemberrrr: Cold & Flu Busters

Airport Afterthoughts

Meetings and greetings, hellos and goodbyes Some have a laugh and others a cry!

Hustle and bustle and trolleys and bags Long straggly queues to stick luggage with tags

Couples and families and people alone Ready for flying or just having flown,

Oh what a broth of turmoil and ease, As some rush about and others take teas!

But someday in heaven we’ll arrive one by one, And there’ll be no departures ‘cause Jesus says “Come!”

By Jean Wallace

A Millionaire and a Caterpillar

“We live in an age where there is a false glare on the things of time and a great mist over the things of eternity...”

L ike many other successful men, Titus Salt began life poor. A hard worker with an inventive mind he developed a process for using

coarse Russian wool and became a very wealthy wool manufacturer. Later he invented ‘Alpaca’ and became a multi-millionaire. He was elected to Parliament and was made a Baronet by Queen Victoria for services to commerce and industry.

One Sunday Sir Titus heard a preacher tell how, while sitting in his gar-den, he had watched a caterpillar climb a painted stick which had been stuck into the ground as a decoration. The caterpillar slowly climbed to the top of the stick, and then reared itself, feeling this way or that for some juicy twig or leaf on which to feed, or for some way of further progress. But the caterpillar was disappointed. Groping around, it found nothing. Slowly it returned to the ground, crawled along until it reached another painted stick and did the same thing all over again. This happened several times.

“There are many painted sticks in the world,” said the preacher. “There are the painted sticks of pleasure, of wealth, of power, of fame. All these call to men and say, “Climb me and you will find the desire of your heart. Climb me and you will find the purpose of your existence. Climb me and you will find satisfaction.” But, continued the preacher, “they are only painted sticks.”

The very next day the preacher had a visitor. It was the wealthy Baronet, who said, “Good preacher, I was in your congregation yesterday and heard what you said about the painted sticks. I want to tell you that I have been climbing them and today am a weary man. Tell me, is there rest for a wea-ry millionaire?”

The preacher had the pleasure of pointing him in the right direction by say-ing from scripture “Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11.28). Sir Titus, who had been seek-ing satisfaction from this world and never found it, laid his heavy burden down and began to climb towards a different goal. That was the day the caterpillar discovered he was meant to be a butterfly…

Titus Salt was a good man waiting to discover life’s greatest calling … But it has been said that good things are the enemies of great things. People do many ‘good things’, Churches do many ‘good things’…

It’s good to come to church regularly… but it’s only great if that leads to a living faith

It’s good to have your children baptised and confirmed…. But it’s not great if you do not lead by example in bringing them up in the Christian faith and have a meaningful belonging to the Christian community.

It’s good to give money to church and charity or to fundraise… but it’s not great if this satisfies your conscience or replaces the real mission of the church…to make disciples and to teach the Gospel, to wake people to real-ity and the truth.

It’s good that our children play sports and keep healthy … but it’s not great that they do so at the one time in our cluttered lives that God has asked us to meet together to answer a higher call. And so, it’s good that Templecarrig School will soon host hockey games at all levels on its astro pitch– but it’s great that this will NOT be on a Sunday morning

It’s good that we have parishioners who are top class at senior level sports – it’s great when one makes a sacrifice to serve God and church first.

It’s good that most or all of you are baptised into the family of faith: it will be great if any of you respond to my invitation in the coming months to renew these sacred vows of baptism

Yes, we do many good things here – but we may be called to replace them with great things! What good things are blocking the way to great things in your life?

Are you a good person? Then be worried… It’s worth remembering that Jesus reserved His harshest criticism not for thieves, bandits and crooks but for ‘good’ people … too comfortable, too satisfied with their respecta-ble lives to be bothered with doing great things! “What will it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul” Mark 8.36

The man who profited the whole world may have been a good guy… but he loses his soul because he failed to re-spond to the call of greatness.

Titus Salt was a ‘good’ man but, as he realised, he was a weary caterpillar who through grace was shown that he was really called to be a great butterfly!

Jesus tells the story of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16.19) … when the good, respectable rich man dies and finds that his home is not in heaven , like an irate passenger demanding a 1st class seat, he demands to know what’s going on. “Why wasn’t I told?!”

he shouts. The reply is that the prophets, the faithful, the poor beggar Lazarus, the man on the cross had all tried to tell him about reality. For many of us our conversion will take place a few moments longer than our lifetime... by then it may be too late.

This is not a message for millionaires – for no one is rich without God – it is a cry to us all to move from contentment or the safe distance we keep from God, to stepping a little closer to where He calls us.

Please consider saying this prayer:

Heavenly father, As I read these words, I recognise that I am

the good person mentioned above. Help me to move from the good things

which have cluttered my life to the great things you call me and all to achieve in our lives and in your service.

Amen. Rev. David Mungavin

In the church at 9am on the last

Friday of the month:

30 October, 27 November…

December and so on!

All men of the parish welcome for the good food and craic.

Let Adrian know if you are coming so he knows how many

rashers to cook. Just send a quick text to 086 817 0530.

Come hungry!

~ €5.00 suggested donation ~

NURSE R.G.N. “Care, Compassion & Dignity”

I am available to look after you in our own home:

•Day/Night Duty

•Post Surgery Care

•Alzheimer Care

•Terminal Care

~ Greystones Area ~

Phone:

Heather Burgess 01 287 6687

Registered with N. M. B.

Holistic Massage

Therapy Specialising in

Facial Massage including

Upper Back & Shoulders

“Holistic therapy promotes

wellness in mind & body”

Patricia Burrell N.C.V.A. The Burnaby, Greystones

Tel: 087 279 7768

Welcome To The “No Bucks Café”

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Matthew 25:35-36

O n any given Thursday night, a large green coach sits in Marlboro Street, Dublin, opposite the Pro Cathedral. The awning is

outstretched to provide temporary shelter from the rain. A ramp extends from the bus doorway onto the sidewalk. Inside, the bus is well-lit and warm. Gone are traditional bus seats instead, there are booths and tables and a small kitchen area. The rear of the bus incorporates a u-shaped booth that can accommodate perhaps twelve people and is conducive to conversation. From 8pm on, volunteers start making tea and coffee and people start arriving, seeking a bit of warmth and maybe a sandwich and hot drink. Other volunteers don hi-vis vests in preparation for venturing out into the streets. The vests are marked, “Tiglin Outreach Volunteer” and their motto, “Life Beyond Addiction.” The exterior of the bus is emblazoned with “No Bucks Cafe.” This is the outreach program of the Tiglin Challenge organisation. Tiglin Challenge is modelled on Teen Challenge - the Christian-based program founded in New York City in 1958. Currently, there are over 500 Teen Challenge centres in 90 different countries.

Back on the bus, the volunteers fill flasks with hot water and pack backpacks with sandwiches and milk and coffee granules and teabags. They head out into Temple Bar and over Ha’penny Bridge, around Henry Street and down Grafton street and beyond. Many of the men and women who have found refuge in a doorway or on a bridge accept a tea and possibly a sandwich. Some are happy to engage in conversation and reveal how they ended up in this situation. Others kindly reply, “Thank you.” and no more. There are as many different stories as there are homeless. Some have ended up on the streets due to alcohol or drug-related issues. Some are battling mental illnesses. Some are foreign. Some prefer “sleeping rough” to the idea of living in an apartment.

For the volunteers who remain on the bus, a steady stream of visitors must be looked after. The same drinks and sandwiches are offered to visitors of the bus as well as clothing and sleeping bags. Phone calls can be made on behalf of visitors in search of beds in hostels (of which there never seem to be enough). If a visitor is interested in the Tiglin Challenge residential program, there are always young men on board, graduates of the program themselves, ready to explain the organisation. These graduates are amazingly transformed; once trapped in alcohol addiction or drug use, they now have hope and a future and they are

eager to share their stories. They now exude a passion and a zeal for helping those that are where they were.

Around 10.30 pm, the bus begins to wind up activity for the night. Every-thing is tidied and the visitors are helped off the bus with handshakes and promises to visit the following week. Rodney and Audrey Evans and I have become quite fond of some of the “regulars” on the bus. There are some characters and there are some truly tragic cases and there are the stories that are hard to forget even after we've arrived back home. But, we try to be good listeners; we strive to show empathy. We’ve just been fortunate, perhaps, that we are volunteers on the bus and not visitors. Rodney usually goes out with the “street groups” while Audrey and I stay on the bus and visit with the guests: the blind man, the former nun, the Romanian, the dealer and his pregnant girlfriend.

As the weather grows colder, the homeless are requesting gloves, hats and warm outerwear. Rodney, Audrey and I would like to ask for donations of the aforementioned, in gently-used condition. (Also, any socks, jumpers and sleeping bags would not go unused.) We will have a collection basket located in the church in the following weeks.

Jennifer Darcy

For more information regarding Tiglin Challenge and their outreach,

visit Tiglin.ie “The staff at Tiglin strive to offer the hope of life beyond

addiction. People who go through their programme become mentally sound,

physically well, emotionally balanced and spiritually alive. Tiglin Challenge are tackling one of the greatest social problems facing our nation.”

ARCHERS WINDOWS

Your local glazing specialist Composite Doors

Sliding & Bi-Fold Doors ‘A’ Rated Double & Triple Glazing

Casement Windows Sliding Sash Windows Conservatory Solid Roof Conversions

Replacement ‘Fogged’ Glass Units Tel: 2876668 email: info@archerswindows.ie

www.archerswindows.ie

Peter McKiernan Personal Travel Counsellor

Tailor made to suit you—and great prices too!

• Summer/Winter holidays • City Breaks • Cruises • Group Travel • Travel Insurance • Flights & Accommodation worldwide • Ski Holidays • Honeymoons or Weddings abroad • Hen / Stag weekends away

Available evenings and weekends

01 667 8703 or 087 6666 102

or email peter.mckiernan @travelcounsellors.com

www.travelcounsellors.com/peter.mckiernan

Travel Counsellors is Licensed and Bonded by the Commission for Aviation Regulation in

Ireland number TA 0622

The 28th Company

St Patrick’s Greystones

was founded in 1976 so

next year we will celebrate

40 years in this

community!

In that time, due to the hard work of many people, GB has sought to transform girls’ lives and enrich God’s world.

Here are some important dates for your diary:

Sunday 22nd November 2015 Enrolment Service at 10.30 am in the church

Saturday and Sunday 16th and 17th April 2016 Annual Display and 40th Anniversary Celebrations.

We hope during this special year to welcome back many old friends and make many new ones along the way!

“Seek, serve and follow Christ”

GB meets in the Swann Hall from 4 to 6 pm on Saturdays. New members are always welcome!

For more information please contact: Anne Fitzsimmons (Captain) 086 826 9630

St. Patrick’s Indoor Bowling Club

Hello all,

For anyone who is reading about our Club

for the first time, or other more knowledge-

able parishioners, let me cordially invite

you to visit us on Tuesdays and Thursdays

from 7.30pm till approx. 10pm throughout

the winter months. Although Bowling is a

central theme we do consider the social side

of the club very important and if you are of international standard or a

compete novice we can guarantee you a very pleasant evening out.

The craic is first class and we will throw in a cup of tea and biscuit to

compliment the evening. The Club is supported by the church and all are

welcome, so why not come along and judge for yourself. If you would

like any further information please do not hesitate to contact me at either

085 272 5142 or dougie.m.thomson@hotmail.com. Hope to see you soon.

Dougie Thomson

A Friend

A friend should be radical, They should love you when you’re unlovable,

Hug you when you’re unhuggable, And bear you when you’re unbearable.

A friend should be fanatical; They should cheer when the whole world boos Dance when you get good news, and cry when you do too.

But most of all, a friend should be mathematical, They should multiply the joy, divide the sorrow, Subtract the past, and add to tomorrow, Calculate the need deep in your heart, And always be bigger than the sum of their parts.

Anon.

Services at

St. Patrick’s

Church,

Greystones

1

st Sunday in the month

8.30am Holy Communion

10.30am Parish Eucharist

5.00pm Evening Prayer

2nd Sunday in the month

8.30am Holy Communion

10.30am Morning Prayer

5.00pm Holy Communion

3rd Sunday in the month

8.30am Holy Communion

10.30am Parish Eucharist

5.00pm Evening Prayer

4th Sunday in the month

8.30am Holy Communion

10.30am Family Service

5.00pm Holy Communion

5th Sunday in the month

8.30am Holy Communion

10.30am Family Eucharist

(followed by coffee and scones in aid of Bishops’ Appeal)

5.00pm Healing Service

Coffee is served after every 10.30 am service on Sunday and Wednesday.

There is Holy Communion every Wednesday morning at 10.30 am followed by coffee in the Church.

Everyone is welcome to coffee whether attending the

service or not.

CONTACT US:

Rector: Rev. David Mungavin Telephone 01 287 4077 Curate: Rev. Alan Breen Telephone 086 805 4818 Deacon Intern: Ross Styles Telephone Lay Minister: Frank Connolly Telephone 087 1211 575 Parish Office: Joanne Douglas, Administrator Telephone/Fax 01 201 0648 Email stpatricksparish@eircom.net

Many thanks to all our contributors. If you wish to place an advertisement or an article in this magazine, please contact Joanne in the Parish Office at 201 0648

or email her at stpatricksparish@eircom.net. You also can email the editor at stpatricksnewsletter@gmail.com

Clubs & Classes taking place in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre

*Choir 9.30am Sundays in church: Jacqueline Mullen 087 232 9269

*Sunday Seekers 10.30am, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Suns: Rev. David Mungavin

* Sunday Crèche 10.30am, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Suns: Melanie Chipperfield 087 283 2373

*Parent & Toddler Grp Mon. 10.30am – 12noon Swann Hall: Parish Office 201 0648

*Mothers’ Union 3rd Mon 8pm Garden Rm: Daphne Townsend 086 891 7710

*Bible Study Group Weds. 8pm Quiet Room: David Evans 287 4256

*Healer Prayer Group 2nd Weds/month 3.30pm Quiet Room: Lesley Kemp 287 5155

*Bugle Club Wednesday 6.30—7.45 pm Swann Hall: Des Fox 087 250 3482

*Soup & Sandwiches 3rd Tues/month 12.30 – 2pm: Ruth Handy 287 5161

*Select Vestry Meeting 4th Mon/month 8pm Quiet Room

*Girls’ Brigade Sat. 4 – 6 pm: Anne Fitzsimmons 086 826 9630

*Badminton Club Tues. & Thurs. 8pm Swann Hall: Cyril Finney 087 246 4674

*Social Badminton Club Weds. & Fri. morns Swann Hall: Lucy Mulcahy 086 8322 570

*Table Tennis Club Weds. 8.30pm Swann Hall: Alberta Kemp 287 5332

*Bowls Club (play in the National School) Dougie Thomson 085 272 5142

*Tennis Club (play in the National School) Audrey Warnock 087 205 3838

*Hill-walking Group Contact Billy Markham 086 6837169 for details of next walk.

*Men’s Breakfasts 9am, last Friday/month: Adrian Goodrich 086 817 1530

Irish Childbirth Trust Playgroup, Tues. am Swann Hall: Orla Anderson 086 373 2795

Meals on Wheels Delivery, Tues. & Thurs.: Geraldine Mooney 287 4741

Brownies & Guides Mon. 6 – 7.30 pm Swann Hall: Angela Wojnar 086 259 7636

Delgany ICA 1st Mon./month 8pm Garden Room: Maureen Beirne 287 1227

Greystones Montessori Mon. – Fri. 9 am – 12.30pm: Lucy Jones 087 963 9679

Naionra Phádraig Mon. – Fri. 9 am – 12.30pm: Ciara Watson 087 926 1318

Speech & Drama Weds. 3 – 7 pm Upper Room: Theresa Casey 087 908 3157

Action Arts Weds. 3 – 6 pm Swann Hall: Hazel Lowry 087 686 9329

Limelight Stage School Sat. 9 am – 12 pm: Karen Dunne 086 774 2080

Adult & Children’s Ballet Thurs. eve & Fri. 2 – 6 pm: Barbara Donnelly 087 240 8589

Yoga Tues. Weds. & Thurs. eves Upper Rm: A. Renger 087 217 6068

Pilates Mon. eves: Jean Taylor 087 233 1962

Gymboree Fri. 10 am – 12 pm: Gervaise Landy 087 205 7194

Artzone Mon. 4.30 – 5.30pm Swann Hall: 01 4990614 www.artzone.ie

French & Spanish Classes Georgia Gallagher 087 232 4664

Weightwatchers Thursday, Quiet Room: Louise Dunne 087 299 1268

5 Rhythms Dance Friday eve Swann Hall: Sherron St Clair 086 8788 311

Rhythm & Line Dance Sunday eve Swann Hall: Helen O’Malley 087 679 4356

* denotes parish organisation