Tralee and Dingle Group  October Newsletter 2026

Email: stjohns.ashestreet@gmail.com

Rev Jim Stephens @ 087 0529107

Rev Willa Goodfellow @083 3864483

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

Date	Ballyseedy 9.45 am	Tralee 10.45am	Ballymac 12 noon	Kilgobbin 10.00 am	Dingle 12 noon
4th October	MP	HC	MP	Harvest @3pm	No Service
11th October	HC	MP	No Service	HC	HC
18th  October	MP	HC	MP	No service	MP
25th October	No Service	MP	HC	HC	HC

 

Sympathy:

To Myrna Beardsworth on the death of her brother Dennis Theck who lived in Alberton, Gauteng in South Africa. Myrna travelled to his  funeral which took place in St Therese Catholic Church, Alberton on 20th August 2026.

 

To Ernie and Alfie Boyle and their families and to the extended Boyle families on the death of their brother Richie in Castlemaine.

Richie’s funeral service took place in St Cartachs church, Kiltallagh and he was buried in the adjoining burial ground.

 

To the families of Rev Declan Smith, Patrick Smith and Christine Marshall whose ashes were buried on a very stormy afternoon in Killiney church grounds.

The weather was so bad that following some prayers at the graveside a service was held in their rental home in Castlegregory, Ciaran accompanied the hymns with his guitar.

Rev Declan was well known in Camp as his father was the Rector there for a number of years and they maintained a holiday home in the parish until his mother Elizbeth died some years ago.

Declan was CMS missionary in Zambia for many years and often assisted in Kerry parishes when on holiday. He was well known for playing lively tunes on his guitar on those occasions.

His Brother Patrick lived in the UK and Christine Marshal was his sister in law.

 

Congratulations:

To David McMahon of Caherleheen Tralee and Emer O’Callaghan who were married in the Church of St Mary and St John in Ballincollig on the 4th September.

David is the son of Lorna and Kevin McMahon. David and Emer will reside in Cork.

 

Harvest Thanksgiving in Tralee

Our Group Harvest Thanksgiving service took place in Tralee on Sunday the 27th September.

It was an ecumenical occasion and we were joined by Bishop Ray Brown and many local and neighboring clergy from the churches in the town and the pastoral area. Bishop Michael was also present and pronounced the blessing at the end of the service.

We were honored to have as our preacher The Archbishop of Armagh, The Most Rev John Mc Dowell.

We are also thankful to Bishop Michael who hosted a meal on the eve of the service in the Ashe Hotel in honor of the archbishop's visit. He was joined by the Wardens, Clergy, Readers and the Officers of the Select Vestries.

It was also a civic occasion and we were joined by many people from the political and Civic life of the town.

The churches were wonderfully and generously prepared and decorated for the celebration.

We are blessed in the parishioners that we have, in the talents they possess and their willingness to share those for the benefit of our churches.

Parishioners and members of the Tralee flower club went all out and produced a wonderful spectacle of color and creativity and for that we are truly thankful.

The service was followed by tea and fellowship in Teach an tSolais afterwards, many thanks to those who cleaned and prepared the hall, baked and provided the tea and buns.

It was a wonderful and uplifting occasion and it shows what we as small parishes can do when we use our collective talents.

 

Kilgobbin Harvest 4th October at 3pm

For as long as anyone can remember the Harvest Thanksgiving service in Camp has been an ecumenical celebration, It is always celebrated in Kilgobbin.

This year it will be held on the 4th October @3pm, which is the feast of St Francis. The preacher will be Fr Eamonn Mulvihill PP

We look forward to welcoming friends and neighbours from St Mary’s.

It will be followed refreshments in the Old School.

Many thanks to all who are worked so creatively to prepare and decorate the Churches.

They were a sight to behold. Many thanks to you all once again.

The collection at our harvest services is for Christian Aid.

 

School Harvest.

On Wednesday the 30th September the Parish School celebrated their harvest service where they sang, led the prayers and did the readings. We were also joined by the first communion class from CBS which is a long standing relationship and a sign of welcome and friendship.

 

All Saints tide service of remembrance.

This will be held in St Johns on the 1st November. In preparation for this service, we will have cards available near the memory tree where anyone can write the name of those they wish to remember.

Candles will also be available in St Johns on that Sunday.

 

Select Vestry meetings October.

Camp and Dingle on the 22nd at 7.30pm in St James Church.

 

Rural Social Schemes

We are very fortunate to have the help of a RRS scheme in Tralee, Ballymacelligott and Ballyseedy over the past number of years.

Two of the men on the scheme have either retired or are about to retire and the scheme supervisor is seeking to replace them.

The scheme is open to people between the ages of 50 and 66 and involves some part time work on community projects while retaining state benefits and the option to do other paid part time work.

Contact either Olive or Myself if you know of someone who might be interested, or speak directly to  mikecrean@newkd.ie  087-1217561.

The scheme and other such schemes have been a blessing to us and they provide many opportunities to those who serve on them.

 

4th October, Feast of St Francis of Assisi

'Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light and where there is sadness, joy.' ~St. Francis of Assisi

Very appropriate at this time.