Newsletter September 2022

Date	Ballyseedy 9.45 am	Tralee 10.45 am	Ballymac 12 noon	Kilgobbin 10.00 am	Dingle 12 noon
4th September	HC	HC	MP	MP	No Service
11th September	MP	MP	No Service	HC	HC
18th September	MP	HC	MP	No Service	MP
25th September	No Service	MP	HC	MP	MP

The bishop is currently in the process of visiting all of the churches in the Diocese. As part of that process, he spent the 24th August (The feast of St Bartholomew) in the parish.

We began in Tralee with Tea and Coffee in the vestibule. We then travelled to Kilgobbin where he played hymn 623 on the organ, this hymn based on the Lords Prayer was composed by The Rev Patrick Stephens who served in Kilgobbin, no relation of the present Rector, which the group who had gathered then sang. We went to Dingle where he met a group of pilgrims who had just finished the Kerry Camino.

On our return trip we stopped at Killiney Church before making our way to Ballyseedy and Ballymacelligott to meet parishioners who had waited so patiently and faithfully for us.

It was evident to me how delighted people were to meet the bishop in this informal setting and how proud parishioners are of their Churches. Everywhere looked so well and many thanks to all those who were able to be there and for giving him the welcome that you did.

Every day is a school day as they say and I learnt that all of our organs work as the bishop played all of them.

It was great that the festival was back as good as ever for the town of Tralee and equally wonderful that some Roses, their escorts and families joined the congregation in St Johns for the morning service. The service was led by the Rev Phyllis as The Rector was on holidays. Thanks to Phyllis, the choir, singers and readers and church wardens for making it such as lovely occasion.

Thanks again to all those who kept St Johns open for visitors during the festival, it’s always surprising at the number of people who come and more surprising again are the number of locals who arrive and have never had the opportunity to visit before,

To our neighbours in the Kilcoleman Union of parishes as they celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the consecration of St Michaels in Killorglin and we wish them every blessing as they gather to celebrate on the 18th September.

To Heidi, Daniel, Rosy, Billy and Evie Giles on the death of Heidi’s grandfather, Eric Schiller in Cloyne. It was always lovely to see both Erich and Else in Tralee Church at confirmations.

It will begin at 12noon at the Bernard Collins Memorial Car park at Glenageenty wood. Donations can be made online, or on day or to Rev Jim. It is hoped that we might ajourn to O’Riada’s afterwards for refreshment and anyone who doesn't feel like doing the walk can join us for the tea.

The first of our Harvest Thanksgiving services will take place in St Johns on Sunday the 16th October. This will be a united service. The speaker will be Mr Sean Lyons.

We wish all those starting school, college or beginning a training course or employment every blessing as they make a new start.

Loving God, our creator, our friend, our companion, bless the journey of the new academic year that is just beginning. Bless our teachers, lecturers and friends as they make their way back to the classrooms and lecture halls for another year. Help everyone to feel the excitement and joy in the promise of a new start. Amen

As part of the history and tourism outreach project a book, a visitor map and a leaflet to advertise the Church have been produced. This builds on the work done by Donal O’Sullivan who produced a book for the Millennium. Copies can be purchased from the Rector or the Church Wardens for €5.

An External sign is in production at the moment. There will be more detail on this in future newsletters.

Congratulations to Brian and Sarah Dennehy (nee Drew) on the baptism of their daughter Rose Karen in St Johns on the 13th August. Sarah is originally from the Askeaton and Brian is from Tralee and they reside in Lixnaw.

See Change is an Irish organisation working to reduce the stigma attached to mental health problems. For the month of September they are running the Green Ribbon Campaign to help raise awareness and encourage open discussion. To help support this important initiative, green ribbons will be available in our churches during September and anyone wishing to learn more about the campaign and the organisation can do so at https://seechange.ie/green-ribbon/

Focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses. Focus on your character, not your reputation. Focus on your blessings, not your misfortunes.' ~Roy Bennett