The Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas The Collegiate Church of...

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 [email protected] Schola Cantorum: Mark Duley , 0876712301 [email protected] 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 [email protected] Secretary: Ann Walton, 087 2176799 [email protected] Concerts/Church Bookings: Catherine M. Temple 086 3898777 [email protected] School: 091 569233 Wendy Walsh, Principal, Email: [email protected] Hall Lettings: Olive Maher 087 7476506 Social Committee Heather Martin 086 8070258 Grounds Maintenance Ray Plummer 087 9428857 Parish Website: www.stnicholas.ie Email: [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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


11.00am Sung Eucharist - sung by the Choristers

Remembrance Sunday

5pm St. Nicholas Singers’ concert

Tues 14th 6.30pm Pride of Baltimore Choir Concert




Sat 18th 11am Coffee Concert – David Greally organist


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


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



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 [email protected] 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


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


11.00am Sung Eucharist – sung by the Parish Choir

Second Sunday of Advent



Sat 16th 10am Decoration of the church for Christmas

8.00pm Cois Cladaigh Choir Concert

CHRISTMAS SEASON DATES


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


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 [email protected])

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 [email protected]

.

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 ([email protected], 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

([email protected]). 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.

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