Thursday, 11 May 2023

CSNL News May June 2023

 

Issue 77  CSNL NEWS         May/June, 2023.

Parish Of Celbridge & Straffan with Newcastle-Lyons

Church of Ireland United Dioceses of Dublin & Glendalough

By the parishioners - for the parishioners

 

From Our Rector - Dear Friends ..

Summer is fast approaching and indeed some say it starts on 1st May and with it our minds turn perhaps to holidays and leisure time, to outdoor activities and all those pastimes we associate with the warmer days and long evenings.  This period of refreshment and renewal is very important and not something we should neglect no matter how busy we may think we are or need to be.  Jesus spent a lot of time alone and often went away for some quiet time.  He had an important mission to accomplish but part of that was looking after his bodily and mental health.  It might sound strange but we all have to be a little bit selfish if we are to be any use to others - we cannot continually give and serve and provide if we do not feed our own souls and bodies.  So please look after yourselves so that you can better look after one another and may you all experience rest and refreshment in the months ahead.          

                       

Yours.                                                                                                               Stephen

 

                   Church Services

Sunday Newcastle 9 a.m*   Straffan 10.15 a.m.    Celbridge 11.30 a.m.

1st        Holy Communion  Service of Word       Holy Communion

2nd        Service of Word    Holy Communion     Service of Word

3rd        Holy Communion  Morning Prayer        Holy Communion

4th        Morning Prayer      Holy Communion    Morning Prayer

 

*Services will continue in Newcastle at 10 a.m., on the 1st Sunday as a permanent change in the Sunday timetable.

 

WhatsApp Groups

WhatsApp group continues to be very active.  There are also groups specifically for Newcastle and another for Straffan notices together they provide a very effective means of contact in the parish.

 

Ash Wednesday, St. Patricks Day, Mothering Sunday, Holy Week & Easter

There was a service of Holy Communion in Christ Church, Celbridge on Ash Wednesday.  It was lovely to have an organist and the pupils and staff of Primrose Hill National School.  Thanks to Geoffrey McMaster for conducting the Service of the Word on St. Patricks Day also in Christ Church, Celbridge when Aaron Neill was in hospital.  Thanks to Geoffrey McMaster, Cynthia Lang & Dee Huddleston who took the services on Mothering Sunday when Aaron was in hospital. 

 

Thanks to all who read The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew at the services on Palm Sunday.  A Compline service was held in St. Finians Church, Newcastle-Lyons on the  Wednesday of Holy Week.  A service of Holy Communion concluding with the stripping of the Altar took place on Maundy Thursday in Straffan Church.  Good Friday morning ecumenical walks - The Way of the Cross - took place from or to all three churches in the parish.  Thanks again to all who took part and read.  It was a lovely sunny morning.  Rev. Stephen & Fr. Patrick (Parish Priest, Newcastle), led the walk in Newcastle, Rev. Stephen, Fr. Joe, Fr. Jacob & Fr. Peter led the walk in Straffan and Dee Huddleston & Fr. Joe led the walk in Celbridge. 

 

Thanks to all who decorated the churches and those who provided the music.  On Holy Saturday, the Eucharist of Easter Eve was held in Straffan Church following the Easter Candle being lit from the Easter fire and brought into the church.  The birds joined in when the fire was lit and also in the ecumenical dawn celebration of the Resurrection at Castletown gates, Celbridge at 6 a.m., on Easter Sunday morning.  There was a large crowd of over 50 - young and old, led by our Rector & Father Joe.  A cold, dry and windy morning with a beautiful red sky.  This was followed by refreshments in the Slip Hall, enjoyed by all.  Thanks to all who helped.  Holy Communion was celebrated in all three churches on Easter Sunday morning and it was the first time since Covid that parishioners had the option of receiving the wine and bread, which was a welcome return to normality.

 

On Going Events

Craft & Chat:  The Group continues to meet on Tuesday afternoons at 2.30 p.m., in the Slip Hall.  All are welcome to craft, chat and have a cuppa!

 

Whist Drives:  Friday 31st March marked the return of our Parish Whist Drive in the Slip Hall.  It was the first one for three years and it was lovely to see so many familiar faces after such a long break.  There was a very good attendance and the supper was as good as ever.  Thanks also to those who donated prizes of which there were an abundance. Thanks to Rebecca Taylor, James Taylor & Esther Lougheed for organising everything and we look forward to one more Whist Drive before the summer break on Friday, 12th May at 8 p.m.  New players are always welcome.

 

Time Of Prayer For Healing: The Wednesday morning services in Christ Church, Celbridge are not resuming at the present.

 

World Day Of Prayer - Prepared By The Women Of Taiwan

The service was held on Friday, 3rd March in the Slip Hall, Celbridge and attended by almost 50 people - women and men.  Many took part in the readings, and the leader was June Galligan.  Thanks to all who arranged the evening, the visual presentation, the props, the music, the readers, those who provided the refreshments and set up and cleared up afterwards.  This was an ecumenical event with participants from both the Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic parishes and attendees from Newcastle-Lyons, Straffan & Celbridge.  Father Joe McDonald & our Rector gave the final blessing.  The collection raised 380 for World Day of Prayer charities. 

 

Confirmation

Please remember in your prayers four young people from our parish currently preparing for Confirmation in Christ Church Cathedral on Pentecost Sunday, 28th May.  They are Anni Leach, Kaelan Brooks, Robyn Kerins & Olivia Lanigan. 

 

Castletown Wanderers

Plans are afoot for another event in late May.  It will be announced on the parish website and social media.

 

Easter General Vestries

The EGV for Celbridge/Straffan took place on Thursday, 20th April in Primrose Hill School.  The meeting opened in prayer and apologies were noted.  Rev. Stephen read a letter from John Lougheed, who has resigned from the Select Vestry due to health reasons.  This was noted with sadness and appreciation for all he has done for the Vestry and parish and wished him well with his recovery.  The Minutes of last years EGV were adopted.  There were no matters arising. 

 

In his report, our Rector noted that it was the first almost normal year since Covid.  The parish faces a challenge as the numbers attending in Celbridge have dropped catastrophically.  Those present were asked to pray about the situation.  Tributes were paid to both Bill Nicholson, who has departed to a rural life and to John Lougheed for all they contributed to the parish over the years.  Rev. Stephen then went on to thank all the Select Vestry members, the Treasurer, Gordon Bass, the lay ministers, Dee Huddleston, Cynthia Lang & Geoffrey McMaster.  He also paid tribute to our organists, James Pasley, Jenny Shaw & Dorothy Evertsen, noting how much music added to worship.  He thanked the Church Wardens, Paula Howard, Dee Huddleston & Shirley Dunlop and all who assist, the Glebewardens, Kenneth Denner & Thomas Hardy and all who help in maintaining the grounds of the churches, the Editor, Lilian Webb, for her means of communication with the parish newsletter.  In addition, he thanked the church cleaners, flower arranges, car boot team, headed up by Jos Evertsen & Robert Moody who set up work parties, Rebecca Taylor for organising Craft & Chat & Rebecca & Esther Lougheed for the return of the Whist Drives. Linda Daly was thanked for taking the minutes.  Rev. Stephen then announced that his Churchwarden for Celbridge is Paula Howard and for Straffan, Dee Huddleston and his Glebewarden is Kenneth Denner.

 

Gordon Bass presented the Treasurers Report and commented on each aspect of the income and expenditure.  The Income from Sustentation/Standing Orders/Envelopes/Subscriptions were down.  The Parish benefit from this means for those who contribute over 250.  A Tax Rebate was received over 13,000.  The Plate Collection increased.  There was an increase in both the rental income from the  parish properties and the car boot sales over the previous year - this is as a result of Covid restrictions being lifted.  The utilities have doubled since last year.  The Diocesan Assessment remains the same.  Repairs and maintenance attributed to 50,000 between the halls, both churches and the Rectory.  There was a great amount of discussion on how to get more parishioners to contribute, due to the high dependency on fundraising and rental income.  There are always repairs and maintenance that will need attention.  Lots of ideas were discussed in how to get more parishioners involved with the parish - social events, special services involving the children etc.  The age profile is a serious issue.  Rev. Stephen then undertook to summarise and forward a document and circulate to those attending, look for comments and proceed from there.  Finally, Gordon Bass was thanked for the great amount of work he does as Treasurer.

 

The following were duly elected to the Select Vestry:

Peoples Churchwarden - Celbridge                   Esther Lougheed

Peoples Churchwarden - Straffan                     Shirley Dunlop

Peoples Glebewarden                                      Thomas Hardy

Ordinary members:

Gordon Bass               Caroline Cummins      Linda Daly

Dorothy Evertsen        Liam Gately                Robert Moody

In the Triennial Elections, the following were elected:

Parochial Nominators   Debbie Kelly                Jos Evertsen

Supplementals              Caroline Cummins      Kenneth Denner

Diocesan Synodspersons  Tom Hardy               Robert Moody

Supplementals              Paula Howard             Dee Huddleston

 

The meeting ended with The Grace.

 

St. Finians Church, Newcastle-Lyons was the venue for the EGV on Tuesday, 25th April  This will be reported in the next issue, which will be out 18th June.

 

Thanks

Thanks to all those who turned up on Saturday, 25th March and 15th April to tidy the grounds of Straffan Church and provided refreshments.  Also to the work party, organised by June Galligan in Celbridge.  They did a great job of clearing the flower bed at the Slip Hall which had become totally overgrown.  Special thanks to James Pasley who brought his strimmer to great effect! 

 

Bereavements

Our sympathy goes to Tony & Debby Kelly on the death of Tonys Dad, Thomas, who died peacefully on 9th March and whose funeral mass took place on 14th March in St. Cocas Church, Kilcock followed by burial in Kilcock.  Deepest sympathy also to Declan Burke and his wife Claire on the death of his brother, Niall Burke and to Malachy Mackenna and his wife Sarah-Lyn on the death of his mother Phyllis Mackenna.  We remember all who grieve in our prayers at this time.

 

Straffan Car Boot Returns On 20th May!

Due to a wedding and two Holy Communion services in the village, this is the reason for the later than usual start.  We will have a total of 10 events, the same number as last year.  A Volunteers Team Meeting was held on 29th March in Straffan Hall.  Looking forward to seeing you all again.  The dates for your diary are:-

 

May, 20th.  June 3rd & 17th.  July 1st, 15th & 29th.  August 12th & 26th.  September, 9th & 23rd.                                                        

Wedding

We wish James Huddleston & Rebekah Forster every blessing on their marriage in Straffan Church on Saturday, 29th April.

 

Organisation Focus - Church In Chains

Their Global Guide was launched by Rev. Trevor Sargent, who appealed to Christians not to ignore the plight of persecuted Christians, but to be a voice for those who cannot speak or seek justice the way we can.  David Turner, director of Church in Chains explained that the new Global Guide documents how persecution of Christians is increasing right across the globe from Latin America to some countries in Europe; from the Middle East to a growing number of countries in Sub-Saharan Africa; from the former Soviet states of Central Asia through the religiously diverse countries of South Asia to the communist-led countries in East Africa.  Every TD and Senator were sent a copy of the Guide and they were asked to sign a petition seeking the reversal of Pakistans blasphemy laws.  www.churchinchains.ie.

 

Church Of Ireland General Synod - Wexford, 12th & 13th May

Please remember all those who have decisions to make.

 

New Pioneer Evangelist Appointed - St. Brigids Centre of Mission, Kildare

Kelley Bermingham, who lives in Celbridge, is a member of Celbridge, Straffan & Newcastle-Lyons parish has been appointed to the above position and we wish her Gods blessing in this new role.  St. Brigids Cathedral Centre of Mission is in partnership with Church Army.  It is being led by Rev. Philip McKinley.  Kelley previously worked as Community Officer in St. Patricks Cathedral and said that The Mission of the Church and Christian faith in action is very close to my heart.  Kelley has a long history working and volunteering in the community with people who have additional support needs.  She is passionate about social justice, connection, human rights and all this is on a foundation of strong Christian faith.  https://meathandkildare.org/news/new-initiative-for-kildare-cathedral/ 

 

Parish Outing

There will be a parish outing on Thursday, 25th May to Huntington Castle & Gardens, Carlow.  The cost of the bus is 20.00 and entrance to the castle and gardens is 12,00.  Bookings can be made with Esther Lougheed (01-6275245) & Rebecca Taylor (01-6288429 -evenings).  These outings in the past have been very enjoyable and a means of getting together socially from the different ends of the parish.

 

Chuckle Time

A lonely hearts advertisement - Widower, 52, a lonely sincere genuine man who is certainly not at the pope and slippers stage of life.

 

Calendar Of Events

May

Fri        12        Whist Drive.  Slip Hall, Celbridge.  8 p.m.

                        General Synod, Wexford.         

Sat       20        First Car Boot Sale.  Straffan Church grounds.

Thu      25        Parish Outing to Huntington Castle & Gardens.

Sun      28        Pentecost Sunday.

                        Confirmation.  Christ Church, Cathedral, Dublin.

June

Sat       3         Car Boot Sale.  Straffan Church grounds.

Mon     12        Closing date for next Issue of CSNL NEWS.

Sat       17        Car Boot Sale.  Straffan Church grounds.

 

Whos Who In The Parish

www.cs-nl.org  celbridgestraffannewcastlelyns@gmail.com

 

Rector:  Rev. Stephen Neill     01-6288231                              087-2328172

                                                www.paddyanglican.com          stephen.neill@gmail.com

 

Keep up to date on www.cs-nl.org & 

 

https://www.facebook.com/CSNLParish & www.Dublin.anglican.org

 

 

iPod?  iPad?  Try iPray . God is listening!

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, 26 April 2023

United Service 30th April

 


Note! United Service next Sunday 30th April - 11am Straffan 
No services in Celbridge or Newcastle!

Tuesday, 18 April 2023

Easter Vestry Meetings

 

Easter Vestry for Straffan & Celbridge - Thursday 20th April 8pm - Primrose Hill School

Easter Vestry for Newcastle - Tuesday 25th April 8pm - St Finian's Church 

Thursday, 30 March 2023

Holy Week/Easter Services

 


Holy Week / Easter Services


Wed 5th Compline. St. Finians Church, Newcastle-Lyons. 8 p.m.


Thu 6th Maundy Thursday. 8 p.m. Straffan. Holy Communion & Stripping of the Altar.


Fri 7th Good Friday. Way of the Cross

10am Straffan (Starting in St Bridgets)

12 Noon Celbridge (Starting at St Patrick's)

12 Noon Newcastle (Starting at St Finian's C of I)


Sat 8th Holy Saturday. 8.30 p.m. Straffan. Lighting of

Easter Fire & 1st Eucharist of Easter.


Sun 9th Easter Sunday. 6a.m. Castletown Gates/Slip Hall. Dawn Ecumenical Sunrise Service.

Holy Communion in all 3 churches at usual times.


Monday, 6 March 2023

CSNL NEWS March April 2023

 

Issue 76 CSNL NEWS March/April, 2023.

Parish Of Celbridge & Straffan with Newcastle-Lyons

Church of Ireland United Dioceses of Dublin & Glendalough

By the parishioners - for the parishioners


From Our Rector - Dear Friends ..

Just last Sunday we had the inaugural event for the Castletown Wanderers which is mentioned elsewhere in this issue. It was as an opportunity to connect and reconnect with the wonder and beauty of Creation of which we are a part. Sometimes despite all our modern technologies, devices and apps while we are connected to people throughout the world we are often disconnected from our immediate surroundings and are not truly present to one another and the deeper reality of God which underpins our lives. This Lent can I suggest you try and put your phone/tablet/laptop aside for a moment and be truly present to the beauty of the ordinary and everyday. I say this as one of the worst offenders who is regularly horrified when my phone gives me the weekly stats on my screen time! How much better could I have used that time and how much better would I feel if I had just turned it off? I know the answer - I think we all do - We find it hard because ironically we fear disconnection when what is on offer is the greatest connection possible. Just do it.


Yours. Stephen


Church Services

Sunday Newcastle 9 a.m* Straffan 10.15 a.m. Celbridge 11.30 a.m.

1st Holy Communion Service of Word Holy Communion

2nd Service of Word Holy Communion Service of Word

3rd Holy Communion Morning Prayer Holy Communion

4th Morning Prayer Holy Communion Morning Prayer

5th (30/04/23) United Service. 11 a.m. Straffan.


*Services are continuing in Newcastle at 10 a.m., on the 1st Sunday until April when it will re-assessed.


Select Vestry & Easter General Vestries

After recent illnesses we wish John Lougheed of Celbridge/Straffan Select Vestry and Sandra Doble of Newcastle-Lyons Select Vestry health and recovery. We also will miss Bill Nicholson (following his move to Carlow) from Celbridge/Straffan Select Vestry where he has served for many years.


The Easter General Vestries, which elect officers for the coming year and hear the reports from our Rector and Treasurer can be attended by parishioners, but only those on the Register of Vestrypersons can be elected or can vote. The Register is revised each January. The Easter General Vestry for Celbridge/Straffan will take place on Thursday, 20th April at 8 p.m. The venue is to be confirmed. Newcastle-Lyons EGV will be held on Tuesday, 25th April at 8 p.m., in St. Finians Church.


On Going Events

Craft & Chat: On Tuesday, 10th January, the group met and had a very enjoyable Afternoon Tea. All are welcome to the Slip Hall on Tuesdays at 2.30 p.m.


Whist Drives: Friday, 31st March, at 8 p.m., will mark the return of our parish whist drives after a long break due to Covid. Hopefully we will see many friends returning for this enjoyable and sociable event.


Time Of Prayer For Healing: The Wednesday morning services in Christ Church, Celbridge are not resuming at the present.


St. Patricks Day

There will be a service of Holy Communion in Christ Church, Celbridge at 11 a.m. The Service will also be live streamed) on the parish Facebook page.


Chuckle Time

A newspaper error - His mother died when he was seven, while his father lived to be nearly a centurion.


Confirmation

Classes commence on Tuesday, 7th March and Confirmation will be in Christ Church Cathedral on Pentecost Sunday afternoon.


Calendar Of Events

March

Tue 7 Confirmation classes commence.

Sat 11 Winter Madness. Holy Trinity, Rathmines. 7.30 p.m.

Fri 17 St. Patricks Day. 11 a.m. Christ Church, Celbridge.

Holy Communion. Also Live-streamed.

Sun 19 Mothering Sunday.

Wed 29 Car Boot meeting. Straffan Hall. 8.30 p.m.

Fri 31 Whist Drive. Slip Hall. 8 p.m.


April

Wed 5 Compline. St. Finians Church, Newcastle-Lyons.

8 p.m.

Thu 6 Maundy Thursday. 8 p.m. Straffan. Holy

Communion & Stripping of the Altar.

Fri 7 Good Friday. Way of the Cross walks. All

3 churches. Times to be confirmed.

Sat 8 Holy Saturday. 8.30 p.m. Straffan. Lighting of

Easter Fire & 1st Eucharist of Easter.

Sun 9 Easter Sunday. 6.30 a.m. Castletown Gates/Slip

Hall. Dawn Ecumenical Sunrise Service.

Holy Communion in all 3 churches at usual times.

Thu 20 Easter General Vestry. Celbridge/Straffan 8 p.m.

Location to be confirmed.

Tue 25 Easter General Vestry. Newcastle-Lyons. 8 p.m.

St. Finians Church.

Closing date for next issue of CSNL NEWS.

Sun 30 United Service. Straffan. 11 a.m.


May

Sat 20 First Car Boot Sale. Straffan Church grounds.


Homeless Outreach Collection For The Month Of February

In response to our Rectors request for ideas as to how we could reach out to the homeless community, Judith Gleeson got in touch with local Celbridge Hidden homeless activist Pat Grant and with his guidance drew up a list of items that would be useful for the homeless community. 5 drop off points were set up including the 3 churches, the school and the rectory and in less than a week so much had been collected that we had to deliver it for distribution to allow space for more items. Warm clothing, bedding, toiletries, chocolate and vouchers were the main items needed and there was no shortage of generous donations. At the time of writing we are preparing for a second drop off. Thanks to all who donated and all who came together to sort in Christ Church, Celbridge on Sunday, 12th February.


Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not take care of you? Then He will answer them, Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me. Matthew 25:44-45. Lord help us to respond to the strangers in our midst - May we be aware that everyone matters and is loved by you and so may we be agents of that love in action. We ask you to bless our efforts to reach out to our sisters and brothers and help us to recognise that we are all one in you and when one hurts we all hurt. May we serve you by serving one another. Amen.


Castletown Wanderers - A New Initiative - Sunday, 26th February

Join the Castletown Wanderers as we learn to slow down and connect with ourselves and with something bigger than ourselves - nature; community; and for those who have faith, God.


What? Who? Why?

This is a wander for the whole community and offers gentle grounding and meditative exercises and supports to move from doing to being to help us be in the moment and enjoy what is around us. It is a collaboration between Christ Church, the Anglican church on the grounds of Castletown and the Churchs Ministry of Healing, Ireland (CMH:I) which uses nature connection to support peoples mental health, spiritual health and whole health. And of course the biggest partner is Nature and the beautiful grounds of Castletown House. Did you know that just 2 hours per week in nature boosts your immune system, resets your nervous system, reduces your feelings of loneliness and increases your sense of wellbeing? What a gift! Lets accept it.


Who is it for?

This is a welcoming space for everybody. Nature is free, we simply want to provide some nature connection opportunities. Young and old are welcome - noisy people are welcome, quiet people are welcome, tired people are welcome, energetic people are welcome, people who love getting muddy are welcome, people who have dirt aversions are welcome, people with a faith, with no faith, with a strong sense of spirituality, with a desire to build community, all welcome. We wont pretend to be anything other than who we are, but we also wont impose anything or expect anyone to come as anyone but who they are and as they are.


An example of what you can expect:

Well meet on the grounds of Christ Church and do some simple grounding exercises - noticing the sounds around you and becoming present. Then well walk to Castletown House together - some with mobility passes may drive there. Anyone who needs bathroom breaks and coffee stops can head into the café. Then well head to the woods just beyond the House and invite people to engage with nature in whatever way suits them. This is completely participant led, once a few health and safety measures have been put in place. Here are some examples of options:

1. Free play.

2. Nature art and mandalas.

3. Sit spots under trees with ideas for breath work (we may even have a hammock!)

4. Working with clay and loose nature parts to explore process and creativity.

5. Mindful wander prompts - these include postcards of things to spot or journey sticks that you can add to as you wander.

6. Blind fold walk (along ropes!).


Thanks to everyone who despite the very cold weather came along on Sunday, 26th February to our first event. It began in the church grounds at 12.30 p.m., with a short time of grounding meditation to quieten ourselves and to become present to Creation and each other and then a walk up the avenue of Castletown House and into the forest for lunch and some activities which were designed to help us connect with the beauty and diversity of Creation. These included journey sticks, bug frames (thank you Linda) and a nature mandala (thank you Lucy). Thanks to Lydia Monds of CMH:I who led us and gave us a taste of some of the possibilities of engaging more intimately with the natural world and in that discovering beauty, peace, healing and even a sense of the Divine. Watch this space for news of our next event!


United Service - 29th January - Christ Church, Celbridge.

It was wonderful to see a large congregation at the above with James Pasley at the organ, a choir and some lovely hymns, which I believe were chosen by Bill Nicholson! At the end of the service of Holy Communion, led by our Rector, Paula Howard and our Rector made a presentation to Bill on behalf of the parish with flowers for Anne, who was visiting her mother. The service was live streamed. Rev. Stephen thanked Bill for all he had done for the parish, vestry, current Churchwarden, school chair, Board of Primrose Hill School, on Car Boot committee, Slip Hall management etc., and to him and Anne for spending such a wonderful amount of time keeping the grounds of the church clean, which was by no means an easy task. Last, but not least, our Rector said we would all miss him in being such a good friend. Bill thanked everybody and said it was hard to believe they were 40 years in the parish, coming when Clive was 4! We wish Bill & Anne every happiness in their new home in Carlow and hope to see them from time to time. There was a wonderful spread of refreshments served in the Slip Hall afterwards and thanks to all who contributed.


At the service, saw the launch of the parishs Homeless Outreach Collection, which was initiated after our Rectors words in CSNL NEWS. For the month of February, there were reception areas in all three churches, the Rectory and the school opening hours. In consultation with Pat Grant of Support the Hidden Homeless Group, a plea was made for various items of clothing, sanitary items, vouchers etc.


From The Editor

The closing date for the May/June issue will be Tuesday, 25th April, and it will be available at the United Service on Sunday, 30th in Straffan.


Prayers

We remember all those who are sick at home, in hospital or nursing homes, those who care for them, the bereaved, for the citizens of Ukraine both here and in their own country, for the homeless and all others in need of our prayers as a result of war, famine and other disasters.


World Day Of Prayer 2023

The service is being held in the Slip Hall, beside Christ Church, Celbridge on Friday, 3rd March. This year the service is compiled by the women of Taiwan and the theme is “I have heard about your faith”, based on Ephesians 1: 15-19. There will be a report in the next issue.


Holy Week & Easter

Wed 5th April Compline. 8 p.m. St. Finians, Newcastle-Lyons.

Thu 6th April. Holy Communion & Stripping of the Altar. 8 p.m.

Straffan Church.

Fri 7th April Good Friday. Way of Cross in all 3 churches. Details

to be confirmed.

Sat 8th April Holy Saturday. 8.30 p.m. Straffan. Lighting of

Easter Fire & 1st Eucharist of Easter.

Sun 9th April Easter Sunday. 6.30 a.m. Castletown Gates/Slip

Hall Dawn Ecumenical Sunrise Service.

Holy Communion in all 3 churches at usual times.


Car Boot Returns

We are starting on the 20th May. This is somewhat later this year as we have a wedding in Straffan Church on Saturday, 29th April. On 6th May, there will be two Holy Communion events. The added traffic that our event does bring, would make traffic management in the village near impossible. We will have a total of 10 events, the same number as last year. On Wednesday, 29th March at 8.30 p.m., we will have a Volunteers Team Meeting in Straffan Hall. Last years meeting proved to be of great help in running the events last year. Details will follow at a later stage. We will be looking to add some new volunteers as we were sparse on the ground last year. Some of the younger generations and newcomers to Straffan would be very welcome. Looking forward to seeing you all again. The dates for your diary are:-

May, 20th. June 3rd & 17th. July 1st, 15th & 29th. August 12th & 26th. September, 9th & 23rd. Jos Evertsen


WhatsApp Groups

WhatsApp group continues to be very active. There are also groups specifically for Newcastle and another for Straffan notices together they provide a very effective means of contact in the parish.


Whos Who In The Parish

www.cs-nl.org celbridgestraffannewcastlelyns@gmail.com


Rector: Rev. Stephen Neill 01-6288231 087-2328172

www.paddyanglican.com stephen.neill@gmail.com


Keep up to date on www.cs-nl.org &


https://www.facebook.com/CSNLParish & www.Dublin.anglican.org



iPod? iPad? Try iPray . God is listening!