Issue 89 CSNL NEWS May/June/July/August, 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 ..
As we move into the warmth and light of summer (we hope!), it’s impossible to ignore the turbulence that surrounds us. News headlines speak of conflict, injustice, and uncertainty on every continent, and many of us feel caught in a whirlwind of worry and despair. Yet, in the midst of such chaos, the Feast of Pentecost reminds us that God’s Spirit is ever-present, breathing life, hope and unity into our fractured world.
On that first Pentecost, the disciples were gathered in fear and confusion - yet suddenly they heard a mighty wind and saw tongues of fire that did not consume but empowered them. In that moment of apparent turmoil, the Holy Spirit brought clarity, courage and a message of love that transcended borders and barriers. Today, the same Spirit is poured out on us, guiding our feet along paths of compassion, equipping us for service, and bringing us together in the bonds of peace.
This summer let us seek out signs of the Spirit’s presence in unexpected places. Perhaps it will be in a shared meal with friends from different cultures, in fresh acts of kindness to those in need, or in the simple stillness of prayer by the sea or in the mountains. Wherever forces of chaos swirl around us, God’s Spirit is also there and can transform our fear into faith. Together, let us be witnesses to God’s life-giving power in the world, shining as beacons of hope amid the storm.
Yours Stephen
Straffan Sunday Services Live Streamed
https://www.churchmedia.tv/straffon-church-of-ireland and www.facebook.com/CSNLParish.
On Going Events
Craft & Chat: An entrusting group of parishioners and friends enjoyed a delightful lunch at the Steam Museum, Straffan on Tuesday, 3rd June. They were very fortunate to receive a guided tour of the beautiful 18th century walled garden led by Mrs. Guinness. On display were exotic climbers, fruit trees and roses, along with other vibrant shrubs and flowers. Despite the damp weather, the afternoon was thoroughly enjoyed by all and finished with refreshments. The group will meet on Tuesday, 24th in the Slip Hall at 2.30 p.m., before having a break for July and August.
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.
Saturday Night Services: These will resume in the autumn.
Whist Drives: The season’s last was held on Friday, 28th March. This was a special fundraiser for the RNLI and was very well supported. Proceeds went towards the provision of a new lifeboat for Wexford to be named the Cill Dara. Thanks to all who organised, provided refreshments, raffle prizes and attended the last season‘s drives.
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.
Primrose Hill National School
School closes on Wednesday, 25th June with a closing service in Christ Church, Celbridge at 11 a.m. We wish all the children and staff a good break and a safe return. We are however saying goodbye to our longest serving teacher in the school, Jacqui Kerr who has played a huge part in the life of our school for many years and will be greatly missed. We wish her a long and happy retirement. We are also saying goodbye to one of our newer teachers Sarah Nagle who is moving to Cork and we wish her well in her new appointment.
Sympathy & In Memoriam
Deepest sympathy to the family of Patricia Ann Long (nee Keays), late of Newcastle, who died on the 11th May in Lisheen Nursing Home (Rathcoole) surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late Davis and loving mother to Jean, Vivienne, Ann & David. She is sadly missed and forever remembered by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sons-in-law Tony, Nigel & Willie, daughter-in-law Helen, her loving brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. The funeral took place in St. Finian’s and burial followed in Esker Cemetery, Lucan.
Anne Lamb of the Gate Lodge, Castletown Gate died on 28th May. We express our deepest sympathy to her beloved daughters Celia, Stephanie & Fiona and all the family in their loss. Her funeral took place in Christ Church, Celbridge on 6th June and was followed by cremation in Mount Jerome.
Deepest sympathy to Averil Larke and her brother Ian and the wider family on the death of their mother Joan on 18th May in Lisheen Nursing Home. Joan was a committed parishioner and organist in her home parish of Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary where our Rector served before coming to this parish. Her funeral took place in St. Kieran’s Church, Cloughjordan followed by burial in Modreeny Graveyard where she was laid to rest with her late husband Harry.
Deepest sympathy to Dorothy Evertsen and her husband Jos and the whole family on the death of Dorothy’s mother, Audrey Nicholson, who died on 7th June in her 103rd year. Her funeral took place in St. Peter’s Church, Bandon, Co. Cork on Tuesday, 10th June and was followed by burial in St. Senan‘s churchyard, Inniscarra.
Christ Church, Celbridge was filled to overflowing for the memorial service on Saturday, 17th May for Lord Patrick Connolly Carew who died at Christmas. Many people had travelled a great distance to be there and it was a very joyous celebration of a remarkable life. The service was led by Lord Carew’s great friend, Dean Robert Townley with our Rector also taking part. Lord Carew’s son, William, delivered a wonderful Eulogy which was both moving and humorous. We extend our sympathy to his wife Celia and their children Virginia, Nicola, Camilla & William and the wider family in their loss but rejoice with them in a life well lived.
On Sunday morning 4th May, a plaque was dedicated in Christ Church, Celbridge in memory of the late Liam Gately, much loved by friends and family alike. The Plaque was mounted on the wall above the pew in which he and Valerie and family always sat. That day was the anniversary of his funeral and we continue to pray for Valerie and family as we give thanks for his life that brought so much good and so much joy to others. “The souls of the righteous are in the hands of God.”
Concerts - Christ Church, Celbridge
UK Drifters gave a concert on Saturday, 22nd March. Friday, 23rd May was the time for our annual Voices of Spring free concert which was a most enjoyable event with lots of familiar favourites. The next evening, Saturday, 24th May we had the return of the Maynooth Gospel Choir for a Motown Gospel experience - again a very enjoyable evening. The next concert is on Thursday, 24th July - The Voices of Irish Folk - tickets via Eventbrite or Breda Konstantine - 087-9630719. Doors open at 7.30 p.m.
Baptisms
On Saturday, 13th April, Freya Jane O’Sullivan, daughter of Sarah Tobin & Thomas O’Sullivan was baptised in Christ Church, Celbridge. Freya’s mum Sarah is one of our teaching staff in Primrose Hill National School. We wish Freya Jane God’s richest blessing in her life. On Sunday, 18th May in Straffan Church, Scott Thomas O’Callaghan, son of Rachel & Conor was baptised. The Godparents were James Taylor & Pauline O’Callaghan. We wish Scott every blessing in his journey in life and faith.
Confirmation - Sunday, 8th June - Christ Church Cathedral
Sunday, 8th June, Pentecost Sunday was Confirmation day in Christ Church Cathedral for our four candidates - Maeve Lanigan, Abbie Kavanagh-Doyle, Abigeal Cicirello & Brendan Touhey. We congratulate them on making this journey in faith and pray for God’s richest blessing on each of them.
Report On The Easter General Vestry For Celbridge & Straffan
The Easter General Vestry took place on the evening of the 1st May, 2025 and was held in the parish school (Primrose Hill School). In addition to the official business of electing the office holders and select vestry for the coming year it was a lovely opportunity to reflect the year that had passed as well as looking forward to the new year. In his report, our Rector opened by reflecting on his 10 years with us and paid tribute to the support he has received over that time. Tribute was paid to the contribution of so many people to the life of our parish, for example the growing success of the after church refreshments in Celbridge church and the recent parish social as well as the more established events such as the car boot sales and working parties.
The life of those who had died over the past year were also acknowledged including, the contributions of Thomas Moody, Stanley Shaw & Patrick Connolly Carew to their parishes and their wider communities. Our parishes could not work without the generous gift of time by our voluntary workers and our Rector took time to mention those who lead and serve in so many areas of parish life. This year Ken Denner is retiring after long and faithful service as Glebewarden in Celbridge and special tribute for many years of unfailing expertise at all hours! We are delighted to welcome Edward Manta as his successor.
Our Hon. Treasurer presented the accounts and willingly and expertly responded to all questions. (Report from Gordon Bass follows.) The final item on the agenda was the election of the new Vestry and the appointment of key post holders for the current years. Thanks were offered to those stepping back this year including Esther Lougheed as Churchwarden. The meeting closed with prayer. Naomi Pasley.
The following were duly elected to the Select Vestry:
People’s Churchwarden - Celbridge Patricia Pasley
Rector’s Churchwarden - Celbridge Paula Howard
People’s Churchwarden - Straffan Shirley Dunlop
Rector’s Churchwarden - Straffan Dee Huddleston
People’s Glebewarden Thomas Hardy
Rector’s Glebewarden Edward Manta
Ordinary members:
Gordon Bass Linda Daly Kenneth Denner
Dorothy Evertsen Lucy Jones Esther Lougheed
Robert Moody Naomi Pasley
Naomi Pasley was elected as Hon. Secretary.
Gordon Bass was elected as Hon. Treasurer.
Celbridge & Straffan - Treasurer’s Report - Gordon Bass
2024 was a financially satisfactory year for the Parish even though our €45,000 surplus income over expenditure for the year was €9,000 lower than the previous 12 months. A surplus of this nature is still a very positive outcome though and everyone who contributed in any way to this result must be applauded. The financial details do however, highlight some facts that you may find interesting. A few examples of these are as follows:
*Payments to the Diocese plus our annual insurance premium comes to a combined €72,000 annually now - an increase of €10,000 over the past four years. These two costs are effectively “fixed” insofar that they must be paid and we have no control over the amounts. (Our Insurance Policy is very competitive).
*Lighting & heating costs for our two Churches alone for 2024 came to over €6,000.
*Repairs/maintenance and upkeep of all Parish buildings during the year amounted to c€27,000.
*We spent a total of c€121,000 running the Parish last year.
*c€59,000 of our income in 2024 came directly from Parishioners (including tax refunds), an excellent commitment from all who contributed to it.
*This amount (€59,000), has remained relatively unchanged over the past four years and a significant number of Parish-registered households do not make any financial contribution to the Parish.
*Every year we depend more and more on rental income and fund-raising to “balance the books” and keep us financially afloat.
*As our already old, historic buildings continue to age and consequently deteriorate, maintenance costs will continue to increase very significantly.
As in all walks of life, it’s very clear that we too, face ever-increasing costs running all aspects of Parish affairs. What’s not so clear is how we will be able to continue to raise the finance that will be necessary to fund all these costs. But if EVERYONE could give even just a little on a regular basis it would all help towards securing the future. However I do want to say a big thank you once again to everyone who played any part in the financial aspects of the Parish last year. 2024 was a successful year for us and I’ve no doubt that with everyone’s help we will continue this positive trend. Finally, if anyone would like more information on any of the topics I’ve touched on above, please feel free to contact me at anytime.
Gordon Bass, Hon. Treasurer - Celbridge & Straffan.
(and a “Big Thank You” to Gordon for looking after our finances.)
Newcastle-Lyons Easter General Vestry Meeting
The Easter General Vestry meeting for Newcastle-Lyons was held on 6th May in the Church. Rev. Stephen opened the meeting with prayers and by thanking everyone for attending. We had a very successful and enjoyable weekend of Anniversary celebrations for NL 300 at the end of last summer in which everyone pulled together to make it a significant and encouraging event in the life of our parish - we all agreed that Mr. Frank Kearns’ hospitality in allowing us serve the teas in his conservatory and opened his beautiful gardens to us all, really put the icing on the cake. 1st Sundays: We have decided to make this a permanent feature of our monthly calendar and both the late start and the refreshments are a very important aspect of our worship as hospitality is at the heart of the Gospel and to place our worship in this context makes it more real and genuine. It has been very encouraging to see some new faces in our church over the past year or so - this gives us hope for the future viability and life of this beautiful church. It is easy to get hung up on numbers, but we also need to remember that our Lord surrounded himself with initially only 12 disciples but of course we would all like to see more people joining with us in our witness in our beautiful Church.
Rev. Stephen thanked everyone for their support throughout the year. He paid a particular thanks to Geoffrey McMaster as a valuable colleague in ministry. Thanks, were also given to our Hon. Secretary - Maggie Harris, Church Wardens - Elizabeth Waldron & Vivien Bond. A special thanks to our Hon. Treasurer, Sandra Doble for overseeing our parish finances and for the considerable work involved in the preparation of the annual accounts. Sandra discussed the accounts, which were approved by all at the meeting. Finally, to all Vestry members and parishioners for the help and time everyone has contributed to the smooth running of the Parish.
Annual Elections:
Rector’s Churchwarden Vivien Bond
People’s Churchwarden Elizabeth Waldron
Rector’s Glebewardens Mervyn Eager
People’s Glebewarden Tony Waldron
Select Vestry (in addition to the above)
Devon Beattie Claire Burke Sandra Doble
Maggie Harris Willie Harris Peter Hildebrand
Andrew Jordan Avril Kerr
Hon. Secretary Maggie Harris
Hon. Treasurer Sandra Doble
Mothering Sunday, Holy Week & Easter Services
Instead of a United Service on 30th March - Mothering Sunday, there was a service of Holy Communion in all three churches. Little Hill Animal Rescue & Sanctuary held a cake sale in the Slip Hall that day, Pauline McLynn, its patron, Fr. Ted’s Mrs. Doyle, welcomed our Rector “more tea Vicar?”! There was a service of Compline in St. Finian’s Church, Newcastle-Lyons on 16th April. Maundy Thursday’s service of the Eucharist and the Stripping of the Altar took place in Straffan Church. On Good Friday, there were Way of the Cross services and walks in Newcastle-Lyons, Straffan & Celbridge between each of the Church of Ireland & Roman Catholic Churches. On Holy Saturday, there was the Lighting of the Easter Fire & 1st Eucharist at Straffan Church. Easter Sunday Dawn Ecumenical service at 6 a.m., at the gates of Castletown, Celbridge was followed by Hot Cross Buns and tea/coffee in the Slip Hall. Holy Communion was celebrated in all 3 churches on Easter Sunday morning. Thanks to all those who took part in the Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter Sunday services - all who read, provided the music, decorated the churches and provided refreshments.
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 29/06/2025 United Service. 11.00 a.m. Christ Church, Celbridge.
5th 31/08/2025. United Service. 11.00 a.m. Straffan.
*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, 7th March, 2025
The service written by women of the Cook Islands, was a very well-attended uplifting service. St. Brigid’s Roman Catholic Church, Straffan hosted this year, and as always, it proved to be a lovely ecumenical event. It was enriched by the youngsters from Straffan School reading the prayers and 3 of our local Ukrainian ladies who also participated. The choir led the singing. Father Joe & Rev. Stephen gave the Blessing, and tea and cakes ended the evening. €648 was raised for WDP Charities. Next year, WDP 2026, will be held in the Slip Hall, Celbridge on Friday, 6th March. The service is written by Christian women of Nigeria.
Walk For Gaza & Vigil For Peace
Sunday, 25th May marked an event to express solidarity with the people of Gaza by walking reflectively through Castletown and then afterwards through music, meditation and powerful testimony lifting them up in prayer. We were led by members of the Island of Ireland Peace Choir and very honoured to have members of the Irish Palestinian community join us to share their stories. It was a very moving event and it is hoped to repeat this in the near future as we try to keep the plight of these people in all our consciences and to persuade those in power to exercise whatever influence they can to bring this ongoing horror to an end.
Editor
Thanks to all who contributed to this late edition of CSNL NEWS and my thanks to all who have sent messages, visited and especially prayed for me as I recovered from my shiny new hip! The closing date for the nest issue will be Monday, 8th September.
GB Display
Our Rector was delighted to be invited to the GB Display in Lucan Parish Centre on Saturday, 10th May. A large number of the company both leaders and girls come from our parish and they put on a very impressive display of singing, dancing, skipping and of course marching and more besides. One thing that was especially obvious at the display was how much the girls were enjoying it. It was lovely to see such a joyful event so well supported. The National President of the GB, Hazel Ensor was the special guest and she presented the well deserved prizes to the girls at the conclusion of the display.
Thanks
.. to Dee Huddleston for taking the service on 1st Sundays in April & June in Straffan Church and to Geoffrey McMaster on 1st Sunday in May. .. to all who contributed to the retiring collections in all 3 churches for Christian Aid’s Myanmar appeal. Colleagues of Dee Huddleston are on the ground to assess priority needs to ensure the money will be sent to where it most needed. .. to Ken & Valerie Denner for the lovely gift of a carpet for the Kids Corner in Christ Church, Celbridge. A great addition. .. to all who are maintaining the church grounds.
Wedding
Congratulations to Louisa Beresford & James Howgego who were married on 15th March in Straffan Parish Church. We wish them every blessing and happiness in their marriage.
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.
Summer Fair & Barbeque - Saturday, 21st June.
This event will be over by the time, CSNL NEWS is issued, so thanks to all who organised, helped and attended from 11 a.m., to 3 p.m., in Primrose Hill National School. This was a joint venture between the School PA and the Parish. There were the usual stalls, games for the kids, teas, barbeque and of course a raffle. A report will be included in the next edition of CSNL NEWS.
Straffan Market & Car Boot Sales
The first of these were on 3rd, 17th & 31st May. There was a very moving minute’s silence observed at the event on 3rd May by the stall holders and shoppers for the founder of this event Tom Moody who sadly died recently The remaining dates are 28th June, 12th & 26th July, 9th & 23rd August, 6th & 20th September & 4th October. Thanks to all who have helped in any way to-date - checking in, ground control, taking bookings, baking and manning the tea stall, setting up and taking down afterwards. Many hands make light work. A new record was made by Iris & Valerie on the tea stall of €586.00! Congratulations ladies!
St. Patrick’s Day
Thanks to Canon Adrian Empey for taking the service of Holy Communion in Christ Church, Celbridge and a sermon on St. Patrick and to those who provided the refreshments after including cup cakes decorated in green icing!
Calendar Of Events
June
Tue 24 Craft & Chat final group until September. 2.30 p.m.
Slip Hall, Celbridge.
Wed 25 Closing Service for Primrose Hill School. Christ
Church, Celbridge. 11 a.m.
Sat 26 Car Boot Sale. Straffan. 8.45 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.
Sun 29 United Service. Christ Church, Celbridge. 11 a.m.
July
Sat 12 Car Boot Sale. Straffan. 8.45 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.
Thu 24 Concert. Christ Church, Celbridge. 8 p.m.
Sat 26 Car Boot Sale. Straffan. 8.45 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.
August
Sat 9 Car Boot Sale. Straffan. 8.45 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.
Sat 23 Car Boot Sale. Straffan. 8 45 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.
Sun 31 United Service. Straffan. 11 a.m.
September
Sat 6 Car Boot Sale. Straffan. 8.45 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.
Mon 8 Closing date for CSNL NEWS next issue.
Sat 20 Car Boot Sale. Straffan. 8.45 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.
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
Jesus said “I am the way, and the truth and the life ..” John 14:6.
