Parish of Celbridge & Straffan with Newcastle-Lyons: September 2025

Issue 90 CSNL NEWS September/October, 2025

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 ..

This summer I had the opportunity to visit Berlin for the first time. On that trip I spent a number of hours visiting the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall which had divided East and West Berlin between 1961 and 1989. This section is now referred to as the Eastside Gallery as it is painted with over a hundred murals which cover 1.3 kilometres in total. They are incredibly varied and capture in their art so much of the troubled history of this beautiful city.

Many of them spoke to me but this one painted by Rosemarie Schinzier really made me think about the nature of Peace and the process of achieving Peace, something which is very urgent in the times that we live in. The first thing that struck me was not one dove but two doves of peace! For me this suggests that peace is something we must build together? And then the wire that they are holding in their beaks which may be barbed wire and seems to be bloodied - it appears that this blood is from the beaks of the doves, injuries inflicted as they held the barbed wire in those same beaks? Does this suggest the pain, the hurt and the sacrifice that is part of the process of peace-making? And why are they lifting up the Brandenburg Gate? It was not part of the wall but was in no mans land between East and West and had become a symbol of division and so in lifting it up the doves are perhaps releasing it from its isolation to be a sign of the new unity of the city and ultimately the nation. I am sure there is a lot more symbolism and meaning in this mural but for me it did emphasise that peace and peace making is a very active and intentional process.

Peace is much more than the absence of conflict and war but a coming together (like the two doves) to overcome our divisions and build a new future together. Ironically it strikes me that where we often talk about building bridges not walls that sometimes even walls can become bridges. There are a lot of people building walls in our world today and somehow as the Berlin Wall fell and was transformed so we must work to tear down and transform the walls that impede the work of peace-making.

Yours Stephen

Church Services

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

1^st Holy Communion Service of Word Holy Communion

2^nd Service of Word Holy Communion Service of Word

3^rd Holy Communion Morning Prayer Holy Communion

4^th Morning Prayer Holy Communion Morning Prayer

*Services will continue in Newcastle at 10 a.m., on the 1^st 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.

Pet Blessing & Harvest Thanksgiving Services

The Harvest Festivals will be held in Straffan on Sunday, 5^th October at 3.30 p.m. The following Sunday, 12^th October is the turn of St. Finian’s Church, Newcastle-Lyons to celebrate the harvest at 3.30 p.m. Finally, Christ Church, Celbridge will hold their Harvest Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 19^th October at 11.30 a.m. Thanks in advance for all those who will decorate the church, provide the music and refreshments. The Pet Blessing Service will be held in Christ Church, Celbridge on Saturday, 27^th September at 3 p.m. The Collection will be for KWWSPCA. There will be refreshments for pets and their people. All pets are welcome or bring a photo of one you can’t bring or has died to remember them.

Chuckle Time

Notice: Tuesday Group: Speaker will talk on “Drugs & Drug Abuse”. There will be a Bring and Buy Stall.

On Going Events

Craft & Chat: The group has resumed after the summer break and visit to the Steam Museum. All are welcome to join in the Slip Hall at 2.30 p.m., each Tuesday for crafting, chat and coffee.

Wednesday Night Prayers: From 8 p.m., to 9 p.m. At present, they are held in the home of Tony & Elizabeth Waldron in Newcastle. If anybody would like details they can contact Rev. Stephen or Dee Huddleston. Everyone is very welcome to come along or to let them know if there is something they would like them to pray about.

Whist Drives: The season returns on Friday, 26^th September at 8 p.m., in the Slip Hall. All are welcome. Thanks to all who arrange the drives, provide refreshments and raffle prizes. Please put the following dates in your diary also - 31^st October and 28^th November.

Straffan Market & Car Boot Sales

Thanks to all who have helped in any way to-date especially over the summer - checking in, ground control, taking bookings, baking and manning the tea stall, setting up and taking down afterwards. The final two are on 20^th September and 4^th October. There was no Car Boot on Saturday, 6^th September due to The Irish Open at the K Club. In the next issue of CSNL NEWS, there will be a full report of the season.

Come & Sing - Songs Of Praise With Amy Ryan

Information at info@churchmusicdublin.org. Saturday, 11^th October. St. Stephen’s Church, Dublin 2. Registration 1.30 p.m. Workshop 2.00 p.m. Service 4.00 p.m. Cost - €15.00 per participant.

From The Editor

The closing date for the next Issue of CSNL NEWS will be on Monday, 3^rd November for distribution on Sunday, 9^th.

Room At The Inn Leaflet Produced by Belonging With Borders

This is a new leaflet, available to download, to prompt Christians to consider their role in welcoming those who have arrived on this island. which is supported by the Church of Ireland’s Commission for Christian Unity and Dialogue. Hard copies can be made available by emailing dcodublin@gmail.com.

Baptisms

William Damien Caldwell, son of Alison & Philip was baptised in Christ Church, Celbridge on Sunday, 22^nd June. His Godparents are Lily McDaid, Emma Kerr & Richard Caldwell.

Richard Alexander Fitzgerald Jones-Nguyen, son of Philip Jones & Nguyen Hong Tran and grandson of Iris Jones was baptised in Straffan Church on Sunday, 20^th July. The Godparents are Stephen & Caroline Kincaid & Wayne & Tiffany Timmons.

On Saturday, 2^nd August, Archie James Vincent Houlihan, son of Harriet Bond & David Houlihan was baptised in Straffan Church. The Godparents are Thomas Bond, Michael Malone, Geraldine Morrin & Rachael Duncan.

Everett James Murphy, son of Calvin & Suzanne Murphy, was baptised in Straffan Church on Sunday, 17^th August. The Godparents are Nathan Murphy & Barbara Jackson.

On Saturday, 6^th September, Oscar Ethan Slevin, son of Emily Shattock was baptised in Christ Church, Celbridge. The Godparents are Ethan Shattock & Aisling Carrig.

We wish William Damien, Richard, Archie, Everett & Oscar every blessing in their journeys in faith and life.

Summer Fair & Barbeque - 21^st June - Primrose Hill School

The event took place from 11 a.m., to 3 p.m., on a lovely sunny day. This was a joint venture between the Parish and the School PA. There were the usual stalls, games for the kids, teas, barbeque and of course a raffle. Thanks to all who organised, attended, and supported in any way. It was a most enjoyable and successful day. Between the efforts of the school and parish community just under €3,000 was raised which was divided equally between the parish and the school.

Slip Hall

With the closure of the Montessori School there is now some availability for morning hires in the hall. Please send enquiries to email:csnparishhall@gmail.com.

Primrose Hill National School

The children and staff are settling in well and looking forward to a busy year. There have been a lot of staff changes over the past year and in particular we were very sorry to say goodbye to Jacqui Kerr after over 30 years of service to the school. We wish her a very happy and healthy retirement and thank her for her considerable service to the school community. Below is the current school staff.

Junior & Senior Infants:: Ms. Ella Shaw.

First Class: Mrs. Philippa Whale.

2^nd & 3^rd Classes: Mrs. Jessica Graham, Asst. Principal 2

3^rd & 4^th Classes: Mrs. Naomi Van Ginkel.

5^th & 6^th Classes: Mrs. Tamara McCarthy, Dep. Principal.

Learning Support: Mrs. Caroline Flood, Principal.

Ms. Fiona Sneyd.

Special Needs Assistants: Ms. Brigid Ralph. Ms. Stacy Drumm.

Office: School Secretary: Mrs. Patricia Dunne.

We welcome the new pupils and hope that both pupils and staff had a good break. We also wish all those well who have progressed to secondary school and that those who have received their Leaving Certificate results are happy with the next stage of life’s education.

Gig For Gaza

Thursday night, 31^st July saw Christ Church, Celbridge packed out for a fundraising concert in aid of The Palestinian Childrens’ Relief Fund. The acts who all gave of their services were from the traditional music scene both locally and nationally and included Eddie Kane, Brian Crehan & Liam Winnett, Maynooth Comhaltas, Ger Furlong, The Roost Crew and others. It was a great and emotional night and in excess of €2,500 was raised for this worthy cause. Thanks especially due to the instigator and organiser Brian Crehan & Breda Konstantine who provided and worked the lights on the night.

Straffan Sunday Services Live Streamed

https://www.churchmedia.tv/straffon-church-of-ireland and www.facebook.com/CSNLParish.

Wedding

16^th August in St. Finian’s Church, Newcastle-Lyons was the venue for the marriage of Lauren Burke (daughter of Claire & Declan Burke) and Ivan Arceo Diaz. It was a beautiful day and a joyful occasion. However there was much more to come. The celebrations continued in Lanzarote a fortnight later (30^th August) where friends and family from Ireland & Spain gathered in the spectacular surroundings of Bodega Stratvs surrounded by the beautiful volcanic landscape in an outdoor ceremony to celebrate with Lauren & Ivan and of course their beautiful daughter Lola. We wish Lauren & Ivan every blessing and happiness in their marriage.

Thanks

.. to Geoffrey McMaster for taking the services in all 3 churches on Sunday, 13^th July and for taking the services in Newcastle-Lyons & Celbridge on 10^th August. Also to Dee Huddleston for taking the services in Straffan on 6^th July, 3^rd August, 10^th August, 31^st August & 7^th September. Thanks also to all who maintained the church grounds over the summer around all three churches.

United Service - 29^th June - Christ Church, Celbridge.

Following the service, our Rector was taking part in saying farewell to Fr. Joe from St. Patrick’s Church, Celbridge & St. Brigid’s Church, Straffan.

The Royal British Legion, Irish Metropolitan Branch

This is a charitable organisation that represents the needs and provides assistance to Irish men and women and their dependants who were in the British Defence Forces. IMB would like you to become a member of our branch and help us commemorate the 80^th anniversary of the ending of the Second World War and the 100^th anniversary of the formation of the RBL in Ireland. The cost of membership is €25 per annum and we have a number of meetings a year to meet and to socialise and remember those Irish men and women who fought so bravely to protect our freedom. Further information at rblirishmetro@gmail.com. Remembrance services will take place on Sunday, 9^th November in all three churches and there will be an opportunity to support the Poppy Appeal.

Diocese Of Dublin & Glendalough - Chaplaincy For Everyone

Do you feel called to Chaplaincy in the Healthcare Sector? At the heart of Chaplaincy is spiritual and emotional support for people of all faiths and none, offering prayer and support for patients, families and staff. There is a Chaplaincy Quiet Day & Information Day in the Church of Ireland Theological Institute on Saturday, 15^th November from 10 a.m., to 4 p.m. There is no charge. info@taneyparish.ie.

Team Hope Shoe Boxes

This is the time that collection begins for the above and there will be boxes in all 3 churches closer to the time. Remember the 4 W’s - something to Wear, Write, Wash & Wow!

Ecumenical Service Of Prayer & Reflection.

An evening of prayer and reflection united in hope for peace in the Middle East. All are welcome. Sunday, 19^th October. 7 p.m. Christ Church, Taney, Dundrum, Dublin 14. Organised by Christian Aid.

Calendar Of Events

September

Sat 20 Car Boot Sale. Straffan. 8.45 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.

Fri 26 Whist Drive. Slip Hall. 8 p.m.

Sat 27 Pet Blessing. Christ Church, Celbridge. 3 p.m.

October

Sat 4 Car Boot Sale. Straffan. 8.45 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.

Sun 5 Harvest Festival. Straffan. 3.30 p.m.

Sat 11 Come & Sing. St. Stephen’s Church. 1.30 p.m.

Sun 12 Harvest Festival. Newcastle-Lyons. 3.30 p.m.

Sun 19 Harvest Festival. Christ Church, Celbridge.

11.30 a.m.