Issue
94
CSNL NEWS May/June, 2026
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 ..
I write these words as I prepare for a funeral of a dearly loved
parishioner. This is one of many in
recent weeks and months (it has been a particularly difficult and painful time
for so many people in our parish) and in a small community such as is the
Church of Ireland these losses are acutely felt. This sense of loss is of course not to be
compared with the loss faced by the families who have been bereaved but as a
church family we also grieve and apart form that there are very few of us who
have not had to deal with personal grief at some point in our lives. And yet this is the season of Resurrection
when we focus on the Hope given to us by what Jesus did on the Cross and the
Resurrection which followed. And that is
our faith but that does not mean that we suddenly stop feeling our loss and
grief. We cannot turn it off like a
tap. It is something that both
individually, as families and as a church family we live with and perhaps grow
more accustomed to but it does not go away.
There is a brokenness that comes through grief and that will always be a
part of us. We may stick ourselves back
together but the cracks remain. We are
in a sense like cracked pots with visible repairs and patches, inherently
fragile. Perhaps if we could all learn
to see that in each other we would be kinder to each other. Lets all remember that we are surrounded by
cracked pots (not crackpots).
Yours Stephen
Confirmation
- 24th May - Christ Church Cathedral
This year we are combining with Lucan/Leixlip for
Confirmation classes due to the vacancy in that parish. Our Rector is conducting these classes
in Lucan Parish Centre. The Confirmation
will be on Pentecost Sunday, 24th
May in Christ Church Cathedral at 3.30 p.m.
Please pray for the candidates especially those from this parish: Julia Lipson, Zara Moss-Weir, Eva Beattie
& Eva Ruddy.
On Going Events
Craft
& Chat: The group continues to meet in the Slip
Hall at 2.30 p.m., on Tuesdays for crafting, chat and coffee. All welcome.
Wednesday Night Prayers: These are now being held from 8 p.m., to 9
p.m., in the home of Dee Huddleston in Straffan. If anybody would like details they can
contact Rev. Stephen or Dee Huddleston. Everyone is very welcome to come along. The emphasis is on prayers for healing and
support for those facing particular challenges.
Let them know if there is something you would like them to pray
about.
Whist Drives: They continue to be very popular with good
turnouts in both March and April, with the last of the season in aid of the
RNLI. Thanks to all who supplied prizes
and provided the lovely suppers.
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 31/05/26. Trinity Sunday
Service
of Word Holy Communion Service
of Word
*Services will continue in Newcastle at 10 a.m., on
the 1st Sunday as a permanent change in the Sunday timetable.
World
Day Of Prayer - Friday, 6th March
The service was held in the Slip Hall and was well supported by the
local Christian Churches despite clashing with a major sports event. The focus this year was on Nigeria and there
were some very moving and challenging stories shared in the liturgy It was good to be joined by all the local
clergy from the Roman Catholic parish of Celbridge & Straffan including the
PP Fr. Philip Curran and assistant priests Fr. Peter Nwigwe & Fr.
Jonathan Nwankwo who are from the Diocese of Abakaliki, Nigeria and for
whom the stories resonated greatly.
After the service a lovely supper was served and the participants had
the opportunity to share some enjoyable fellowship. €462.60 was collected and sent to the Irish WDOP committee.
Bereavements
Sincere condolences to the Gately family of
Celbridge on the death of Anne Gately, Wadelai, Glasnevin, mother of the
late Liam, mother-in-law of Valerie and grandmother of Ciara,
Darragh, Sinead, Emmet & Caoimhe and all the grandchildren and extended
family. May she rest in peace and rise
in glory.
Elizabeth Burbridge Waldron of Newcastle parish died on 16th
March in the arms of her loving husband Tony and surrounded by her
family after an illness which she fought with dignity and courage. Elizabeth was a very faithful
parishioner who deeply loved her church where among many and numerous duties
she served as warden and parochial nominator.
Many have said that she made them so welcome when they first attended the
church. She will be greatly missed and
we extend our prayers to Tony and to Damien & Sarah, her
children, grandchildren Caoimhe, Kate, Eabhin & Orlaith, son-in-law Denis
and her four brothers Peter, Paul, John & Simon and sister Jane
and all the wider family. Her funeral
took place in St. Finian‘s Church,
Newcastle-Lyons on 20th March and the burial in Newcastle Graveyard.
June Gleeson (nee Knowd),
of Celbridge, died peacefully in the loving care of the staff at Maynooth
Community Care, where she had lived for a number of years due to illness. June
was also both a churchwarden and parochial nominator and a very committed
member of the Healer Prayer Group which met every Wednesday for prayer for the
sick and those in various need. A
theatre sister in earlier years this was a natural continuance of her work in
the caring profession of nursing. She
was predeceased by her husband Albert and is deeply missed by her sons James
(Jim), Peter & John, grandchildren Richard, Leanne, Nicole &
Ashleigh and daughters-in-law Judith & Colette and the wider
family to whom we extend our prayers.
Her funeral took place in Christ Church, Celbridge on 2nd
April and was followed by cremation at Newlands Cross.
Sincere condolences to his beloved wife Gwen, much-loved
daughters Lorna & Alison, granddaughters Ruby & Molly and
all the family on the death of Tom (Sonny) Watkins after a short
illness. Tom was a very dedicated
Straffan parishioner and was warm and welcoming to
everyone he met. He will be
dearly missed in the parish and by his brothers John & Ernest,
sister Mary, sons-in-law Mark & Peter and the wider
family. His funeral took place on
Wednesday, 6th May in Straffan Church and cremation followed in
Newlands Cross Crematorium. May all who
died rest in peace and rise in glory.
Straffan Roof
Fundraising Event & Launch - Saturday, 16th May.
As many people will be aware Straffan Church has some major issues that
require urgent attention. Following a
recent and extensive survey it was determined that remedial and restorative
works are needed to ensure the future integrity of the building. These works involve among other things
substantial roof repairs and renovation of the valleys, gutters and
downspouts. This will be a 7 figure
project and presents a major challenge to the parish. It is obviously something we cannot do
without fundraising and grant support.
To that end we are launching the project on Saturday, 16th
May with a concert in Straffan Church at which the Dublin Welsh Male Voice
Choir will perform along with a newly formed Straffan Community Choir. There will be a presentation of the project
on the night to an audience of parishioners, friends and invited guests. While there is a fundraising element to this
launch the main purpose is to highlight the project as we start the journey to
raise the necessary funds to ensure that this beautiful church which we hold in
trust for the whole community will be there for generations to come.
Tickets are available at €25 from Dee
Huddleston, Jos Evertsen & our Rector. Doors open 7.30 p.m., for 8 p.m.
Explore
Your Vocation - 27th June.
Crinken Church, Bray.
Organised by Dublin & Glendalough’s Directors of
Ordinands, the day is designed to support those who feel a wish to serve God
bur are not sure where to start. For
more information and to book a place - email rector@crinken.ie. All are welcome.
Newcastle-Lyons
Quiz - closing date 15th May.
Draw - 17th May.
Don’t forget the above
deadline! The Editor has enjoyed
it.
Chuckle
Time
From a parish newsletter - not this one. “When it comes to giving, some people stop
at nothing.”
Newcastle-Lyons
Easter General Vestry - Report By Maggie Harris
The EGV for Newcastle-Lyons was held on 14th April in St.
Finian’s Church. Rev. Stephen opened the meeting with
prayers and by thanking everyone for attending.
The passing of another year brings a lot of changes some of them very
painful. As we meet tonight we are all
very conscious that there is someone very dear to us all who is not among us, Elizabeth
Burbridge Waldron. We also think of
other parishioners who have also lost a family member over the last year. There has also been great celebrations held
in this church, the wedding of Lauren & Ivan. Amid these highs and lows the life of the
parish has gone on and at this point I want to formally thank a few people in
particular but this is not exhaustive so if I don’t mention you please do not feel excluded. Firstly to thank our Hon. Secretary, Maggie
for her oversight of the parochial administration and especially her
preparations for tonight’s meeting. Thank
you to our Hon. Treasurer, Sandra, who as always brings us the accounts
in a very clear and digestible form and presents a realistic picture of where
we are and the challenges we face. To
our Churchwardens, Vivien and remembering Elizabeth, your
colleague, thank you for all that you do and have done. Thanks too to Peter Hildebrand who is
retiring from the Vestry after many years.
Peter always looked after our heating and lighting issues, Dave
& Sandra have now taken over that role.
To our Glebewardens, Mervyn & Tony thank you for your
oversight of the church property. And as
always thanks to Geoffrey McMaster who is a tremendous support in
ministry and a very important local presence here in Newcastle and of course
his wife, Angela.
Sandra presented accounts within the formats prescribed by the charities
regulator. We incurred a small surplus
for the year which was very welcome bun unlikely to continue. The accounts were approved by all at the
meeting. Many thanks as ever to Gordon
Bass for reviewing the accounts on our behalf. Finally, to all parishioners past and present
who have supported and continue to support the witness to and worship of
Almighty God.
Annual Elections:
Churchwarden - Rector’s Vivien Bond.
Churchwarden - People’s Tony Waldron.
Glebewarden - Rector’s Mervyn Eager.
Glebewarden - People’s Devon Beattie.
Select Vestry:
Michael Lowery Avril
Kerr Olive Roache
Sandra Doble Maggie
Harris Andrew Jordan
Claire Burke Willie
Harris
Parochial Nominators: Vivien
Bond. Claire Burke.
Parochial Nominators - Supplementals: Maggie
Harris. Tony Waldron.
Diocesan Synodsperson: Geoffrey
McMaster.
Diocesan Synodsperson - Supplemental: Maggie
Harris.
Celbridge &
Straffan Easter General Vestry Report By Naomi Pasley
The annual EGV meeting for Celbridge & Straffan took place on the
evening of the 21st April.
This important meeting provided an opportunity for all parishioners to
come together to reflect on the year that is past and to be involved in the
planning and priorities for the year to come.
In addition to the election of the Select Vestry, who will manage the
practical management of the parishes for the coming year, this year marked the
triennial elections for our representatives to Diocesan Synod. As we welcomed the incoming members the Rector
took time to reflect and thank those who have served in the past years and are
now retiring. The transcript of Rev.
Stephen’s address is shared
here:
“Friends - Thank you for another year of support and
journeying together as a parish. I
remain happy and committed to my role in this parish but I am I hope always
open to suggestions and criticism where required. As is always the case another year brings
change and not all of that change is easy and least of all that of bereavement
and loss. I want to take this
opportunity to recall those from our parish who have died in this past year, we
remember Anne Lambe, Martha Howard & June Gleeson. On a happier note we have had some good
events with Summer & Christmas Fairs and the recent plant sale and it is
good to see the new Parish social group get up and running - thanks to Judith
Gleeson for making this happen. The
car boot sales are back next weekend and they not only bring income but more
importantly build and nurture community and that is central to what we as
Church are about. So thank you to Jos
Evertsen and all the team of stewards and the tea crew and all those who
make this happen. The after church
refreshments in Celbridge continue to mean a lot to people and actually make
the worship that precedes them more meaningful when it happens in the context
of hospitality which is central to the Gospel. It is good to see that this is
now happening in Straffan too. The
Straffan Work parties organised by Robert Moody are an ongoing success
and are always well supported and great fun.
Also in Straffan we are now on
the verge of launching the Restoration appeal and it will be challenging but I
think also a very positive project for the parish to gather around.
I have some additional words of thanks.
Firstly again to you as Vestry members for your ongoing commitment and
support. Naomi Pasley, our
Secretary, whose diligence is a great help and support to the parish. Gordon Bass, our Treasurer, for his
ongoing and as always efficient management of parish finance. Thank you to Dee Huddleston & Geoffrey
McMaster, Diocesan Lay Ministers based in our parish. In this past year we marked the retirement of
Cynthia Lang after many years of faithful service and record our thanks
for all she contributed to the life and work of the parish. Organists, Jenny Shaw, Dorothy
Evertsen, James Pasley (and occasionally Zoe Lipson) and the choirs
in both churches. Churchwardens: Paula
Howard, Trish Pasley, Dee Huddleston & Shirley Dunlop. Glebewardens: Edward Manta & Ken
Denner and sincere thanks to Thomas Hardy who is stepping down this
year. Thank you to Ken & Val
Denner for their hard work in maintaining the church and hall. Lilian Webb, our Magazine Editor,
Church Cleaning & Flower Arranging rotas, Rebecca Taylor and all the
Craft & Chat members, Dee Huddleston & Ken Denner for the Whist
Drives. And finally to all our
parishioners - Thank You.
The following are the Parish Officers for the coming year 2026/2027.
Rector’s Church Wardens -
Celbridge Paula Howard.
- Straffan - shared - Dee Huddleston
& Shirley Dunlop.
Rector’s Glebe Warden -
Celbridge Edward
Manta.
People’s Church Wardens -
Celbridge Patricia
Pasley.
- Straffan - shared - Dee Huddleston
& Shirley Dunlop.
The remaining members of the Select Vestry:-
Gordon Bass (Hon. Treasurer). Naomi
Pasley (Hon. Secretary).
Linda Daly Ken Denner Dorothy
Evertsen Lucy Jones
Esther Lougheed Robert
Moody Georgina
Touhy
Every three years elections must be held to elect our representatives
for Diocesan Synod and our Parochial Nominators. The following are elected for the next three
years:
Synodspersons: Robert
Moody & James Pasley.
Supplementals: Dee
Huddleston & Paula Howard.
Parochial Nominators: Jos
Evertsen & Esther Lougheed.
Supplementals: Debbie
Kelly & Ken Denner.
Celbridge &
Straffan - Treasurer’s Report - May, 2026.
The Parish Annual Financial Accounts for 2025 were presented to the
recent Easter General Vestry. The
financial outcome for the year on a stand-alone basis was satisfactory, we had
a surplus of income over expenditure, always a good thing! The following points arising from the
Accounts may be of interest:
€128,000 - total cost of
running the Parish and maintaining Parish property last year.
€58,000 - our payment to the Diocese (this
provides for our Rector and it also covers our apportioned share of
Diocesan overheads).
€32,000 - repairs and maintenance costs for all
Parish property including the Rectory.
€15,000 - cost of heating & lighting all
Parish buildings excluding the Rectory.
€13,000 - our annual insurance premium for 2025.
€11,000 - Fund Raising receipts for 2025.
€47,000 - total amount received
directly from Parishioners (excluding €12,000 Tax refunds we received on personal donations).
You will note from the above that Parishioners’ donations plus the Tax refunds on these only provided
sufficient funds to meet our obligatory payments to the Diocese. We had to raise the majority of the remaining
€70,000 of our running costs
elsewhere - eg. Fund raising; rental income from our Parish buildings etc. We did succeed in these endeavours again last
year but how sustainable this situation is in the longer term is very much open
to question. Anyone who would like
information on how they could subscribe to Parish income can contact me
(contact details below) any time and I will be delighted to have a chat (in
confidence) with you about it. My final
point is to emphasise that everyone who contributed financially to the Parish
during 2025, deserves thanks and appreciation from all of us. Our Parish could not exist without you. Thank you.
Gordon
Bass - Hon. Treasurer.
Calendar
Of Events
May
Sun 10 Christian Aid Week commences.
Thu 14 Ascension Day.
Fri 15 Closing date for Newcastle-Lyons quiz.
Sat 16 Straffan Market & Car Boot Sale.
Concert
& Launch of Straffan Restoration.
Straffan
Church. 7.30 p.m doors open.
Sun 17 Draw for quiz. St. Finian’s Church.
Sun 24 Confirmation. Christ Church Cathedral. 3.30 p.m.
Sat 30 Straffan Market & Car Boot Sale
Concert. Christ Church, Celbridge.
June
Fri 5 Social.
Slip Hall, Celbridge. 7.30 p.m.
Sat 6 Concert. Christ Church, Celbridge.
Sat 13 Straffan Market & Car Boot Sale.
Sat 27 Straffan Market & Car Boot Sale.
Explore
Vocations. Crinken Church.
July
Fri 3 Social.
Slip Hall, Celbridge. 7.30 p.m.
Tue 7 Closing date for next issue of CSNL
NEWS.
Sat 11 Straffan Market & Car Boot Sale.
Palm Sunday, Holy
Week & Easter
Our Rector says “Thank you to all
who made the Holy week & Easter services so meaningful and uplifting. A special thanks to our lay ministers,
wardens, readers, organists and choirs, those who decorated our churches and
those who provided refreshments and most importantly chocolate. As always particularly inspiring were the Way
of The Cross processions between our local churches and across the
denominations. We are a Resurrection
people but the observance of the solemnity of Holy Week is vital in reminding
us of the pain and hurt that can be transformed by the Cross.”
Celebrating Success
At Girls Brigade By Naomi Pasley
On Saturday, 2nd May the girls of the Girls Brigade concluded
their session with a special showcase of their favourite activities of the year
for family and friends. This year
included a special arts and crafts event coordinated by Lucy Jones, who
joined the leadership team this year and has inspired the girls to explore
their creative abilities. The audience
were treated to a display of dancing, singing and skipping and the morning
concluded with the presentation of the awards and badges which reflect all
aspects of our annual programme and are worn with such pride. We will return in September and new members
are always welcome to join us for fun and friendship. You can learn more about the work of The
Girls Brigade in Ireland and internationally at https://www.girlsbrigadeirl.ie/ or
contact me informally at any time.
Christ
Church. Celbridge Concerts - Past & Future
The concert on 1st May by Celine Byrne
was sold out. Forthcoming concerts are
by Tom Cole on 30th May and Sean Keane on 6th
June. Tickets are available on
Eventbrite.
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.
If you are not already on a Group WhatsApp, let our Rector know.
Baptism &
Wedding Congratulations
Nathan Eli Savage was baptised in
Straffan Church on Sunday, 26th April, son of Craig & Cathy
Savage of Straffan. The godparents
are Jamie McDonald & Laura Conalty.
We wish Nathan Eli every blessing in his journey in faith and
life.
Congratulations to Nina Huddleston & Jaap Lichtendonk who
were due to celebrate their wedding in Straffan Chruch on Friday, 8th
May with family and friends from Ireland and the Netherlands as this issue was
being prepared.
Slip Hall
There is now some availability for morning hires in the hall. Please send enquiries to email:csnparishhall@gmail.com.
.Straffan Market
& Car Boot
The first of the season took place on 2nd May and the
following are the dates for the remainder of the year. Thanks to all who have agreed to help on the
teas, setting up and down and marshalling etc.
May - 2nd, 16th & 30th. June
- 13th & 27th. July - 11th & 25th.
August - 8th & 22nd. September - 5th & 19th. October - 3rd.
First Friday
Socials
These take place from 7.30 p.m., to 9.30 p.m., in the Slip Hall,
Celbridge for over 20’s only! We are an easy-going social group for adults
dedicated to fun, chats and bringing a little bit of joy. There will be games, crafts, music,
skill-sharing and more. As well as
seasonal activities. You and your ideas
are welcome! The dates for the rest of
the year are:- 5th June. 3rd
July. 7th August. 4th September. 2nd October. 6th November and 4th
December - put in your diaries now!
The group do not tolerate any form of abuse or hate speech. This social is run by Church of Ireland
volunteers for the whole community. We
are not funded. Please do not expect
miracles! Things to bring:- An open
mind. €2 for tea/coffee and biccies. A sense of fun. Curiosity. A smile! Ideas.
Mothering Sunday
& St. Patrick’s Day
Mothering Sunday was celebrated in all 3 churches on Sunday, 15th
March. A service of Holy Communion was
celebrated on St. Patrick‘s Day in Christ
Church, Celbridge and there was shamrock available to wear.
Celbridge Community Council stated that they would like to take this
opportunity to thank Stephen Neill and the Church of Ireland, Celbridge,
for their generous help and support of the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Their kindness and willingness to assist with preparations are greatly
appreciated. Community support like this
is the backbone of events such as our parade and without it, we would not be
able to bring the celebrations to the community each year.
Christian
Aid Week - 10th - 16th May - Turning Hunger To Hope
The emphasis of the above this year is on helping
people like Fridah Moraa from Nairobi join a project that enables her to
grow vegetables, enough to cook and surplus to sell on her market stall.
Who’s 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
Straffan Sunday
Services Live Streamed
https://www.churchmedia.tv/straffon-church-of-ireland and www.facebook.com/CSNLParish.
Ask, and you will receive, that
your joy may be full. John 16:24.
