CSNL News September October 2026

 Issue 96  CSNL NEWS         September/October, 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 ..    

Autumn is here – Of that there is no doubt.  I haven’t lit the stove yet but it won’t be long.  And the leaves will soon be falling; the evenings are closing in – Some people love this time of year but others don’t – They see it as the dying of the year, a time of withdrawal and fading light….a time of darkness.  And yet this is the season that the Church chooses to have a celebration – Harvest Thanksgiving when we celebrate the abundance of God’s gifts to us, not only in the fruits of the land and the seas but in every aspect of our lives.  Change is a part of the rhythm of life.  Some things fall away, and yet we find that God’s love remains steady.  That is what we celebrate at Harvest – God is always there for us.  As we approach the coming months, may we be rooted in hope reaching out to one another, sharing what we have, showing kindness in simple, tangible ways.  However we gather, may we find warmth and light in community and courage for the journey ahead as we look forward to the Spring which will come again.

 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.

On Going Events

Craft & Chat:  The group returns to the Slip Hall at 2.30 p.m., on Tuesday 15th September for crafting, chat, tea/ coffee.  Hopefully all had a nice break over the summer.  All welcome. 

Wednesday Night Prayers: These continue in the home of Dee Huddleston.  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.  Heavenly Father, we pray for the needs of those who are ill, that they may be restored to health and be healed. We pray for those who comfort and care for them.  Father, we pray for your healing love, in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Whist Drives:  These resume on Friday 25th September and Friday, 30th October in the Slip Hall at 8 p.m.  Lots of prizes, a raffle and as always a scrumptious supper!  New players always welcome.

Christ Church. Celbridge Concerts - Past & Future 

The concerts continue in Christ Church, Celbridge.  During the annual Swift & Vanessa Festival (17th - 19th July) we were delighted to welcome Deirdre Masterson & Ronan Tynan and then a return visit on 20th August from Mazurka Gypsy Jazz Band.  The next concert is Culture Night (18th September at 7.30 p.m.) when we will welcome our friends from CCE Leixlip Craobh Bheartla Ui Fhlatharta for a feast of Irish traditional music.  On 26th September, The Druids make their first appearance at Christ Church and on 3rd October, we look forward to an Andrea Bocelli tribute night.  (Booking Eventbrite.ie).

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.

Slip Hall

There is now some availability for morning hires in the hall.  Please send enquiries to email:csnparishhall@gmail.com.

Harvest Thanksgivings & Pet Blessing Service

The first of the Harvest Services will be in St. Finian’s Church, Newcastle-Lyons on Sunday, 27th September at 3 p.m.  There will be no morning service.  The preacher will be Rev’d David Bowles.  On Sunday, 11th October at 3 p.m., the harvest will be celebrated in Straffan Church - there being no morning service that day.  The final Harvest Festival will be held in Christ Church, Celbridge at 11.30 a.m., on Sunday, 18th October.  Thanks in advance for all who will decorate the churches and provide refreshments, read and provide music.

The now Annual Pet Blessing Service will be held on Saturday, 10th October at 3 p.m, in Christ Church, Celbridge.  All animals - large, small, fluffy, feathered or scaly and their owners are welcome!  Also if you have photos of your pets or deceased pets, please bring along.  There will be a collection for KWWSPCA. 

Girls Brigade 

Girls Brigade return in September and new members are always welcome to join 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 Naomi Pasley informally at any time.

Christian Aid Ireland Harvest Appeal 

In South Sudan, which is among the very poorest countries in the world, most families rely on farming to survive but the climate crisis has made the seasons unpredictable.  On top of that, decades of conflict have resulted in repeated cycles of displacement, with families forced to flee their homes and abandon their farmland time and time again.  Christian Aid’s local partner supported the community to protect their land and their drinking water by digging a dyke to hold back the floodwater. They also have trained the villagers how to grow food in a changing climate.  More information from www.caid.ie.

New Flower Guild - Christ Church, Celbridge 

Would you like to help with flowers in the church?  We are setting up a new flower guild and would love to hear from anyone interested in being involved.  Contact our Rector.

Straffan Roof/Bees/Filming!    

Its been a busy Summer in Straffan with the launch of the Straffan Building Restoration Appeal early in the Summer.  We have since had preliminary visits from various professionals to ascertain the priorities and draw up a schedule of works and this is ongoing at this point.  We had thought that it would be the forthcoming works on the church that would next cause us to close the church but the resident bees in Straffan church had other ideas and on the weekend of Sunday 26th July the bees swarmed throughout the church and so we were forced to let them worship on our behalf on that particular Sunday.  Normal Service has now resumed!  Thanks to all who cleaned the church for the humans to return!  They were busy bees too and as someone reported the bees must have had a great beelief!

During the week prior to the bee event the church hosted an Amazon Film Crew filming a new series which includes Amy Huberman in its cast.  “Boys of Tommen” follows the forbidden love story of Johnny Kavanagh (played by Conor Sánchez), the star rugby player on the verge of a pro career, and Shannon Lynch (played by Nancy Surridge), the talented but painfully shy new girl at the prestigious private school of “Tommen College” in the fictional Irish town of Ballylaggin.

Straffan Market & Car Boot Sales

Thanks to all who have helped at the Straffan Market & Car Boot Sales on July - 11th & 25th.  August - 8th & 22nd.  September - 5th  on the teas, baking, setting up and down, marshalling, and of course attending and buying!   The remaining dates are - September - 19th &  October - 3rd.  A report will be included in the next issue of CSNL NEWS, when a review of the entire season will be given.

Remembrance Sunday - 8th November 

Poppies will be available in all churches prior to this day and there will be special services of remembrance also in all three churches.

First Friday Socials Report By Judith Gleeson. 

For our August meeting we had a BBQ with a difference!  We had the traditional burgers and sausages cooked by Robert Huddleston & Jim Gleeson and salads and desserts provided by our lovely guests.  The difference was table cloths, real plates, cutlery, candles, fairy lights and background music!  It was a lovely social evening attended by about 20 guests and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

Our September meeting was back to our relaxed Art & Crafts, games, tea and coffee with yummy biscuits and cakes and catch ups on holidays and general life.  We had 2 new faces to join in with us and a few apologies due to holidays.  But it was yet another great evening.

Our October meeting will be on Friday, 2nd October.  We will have a Halloween theme.  We’re working on some spooky craft ideas and maybe we’ll have some spooky music.  It you want to dress up - feel free!  Show us how to do it.  If you just want to add a touch of spooky that’s fine too or if you just want to come as yourself, well that’s grand too.  Just come along and join in the fun.

As always if anyone has any suggestions of things we could look at adding to make it better please talk to Dee Huddleston, Lucy Jones or Judith Gleeson.  Meeting nights - First Friday of the month - 7.30 p.m. - 9.30 p.m.  €2pp.  Strictly Over 20’s only.  The dates for the rest of the year are 6th November and 4th December - put in your diaries now!  

United Service

There was a United Service on Sunday, 30th August in Christ Church, Celbridge followed by refreshments.

Chuckle Time! 

Seen in a newspaper - “For sale:  1980 Granada hearse with new body.”

Primrose Hill National School

School is back and getting back into routine.  There have been some staff changes during the year and we welcome back Ms. Ella Shaw (Junior & Senior Infants) who is now a permanent member of staff, new to the school Ms. Martha Woolmington (2nd & 3rd class) and Ms. Emma Byrne (4th class).  We are also delighted to welcome back our longest serving member of staff Ms. Sarah Tobin as one of our Learning Support teachers.  We hope both teachers and pupils had a nice break and remember especially those starting for the first time.  

Also we remember all those who completed their secondary education and embarking on further education and those awaiting the results of their Junior Certificate exams.  

Christ Church Cathedral Events - October

Saturday 3rd at 11 a.m., Dr. Ruth Kenny will give a talk on “The sculpture of Christ Church Cathedral re-examined.  Professor Michael Cronin will give a talk on ‘Ireland: Why it matters to be an Island’ on Saturday, 10th.  Doors open 6.30 p.m., for 7 p.m. Tickets are free but must be pre-booked on https://christchurchcathedral.ticketsolve.com/ticket booth/shows/.  

Christ Church Cathedral Windows Rededicated

On Sunday, 14th June, Canon Dr. Adrian Empey preached at the service following the restoration of 18 of the Cathedral’s historic stained glass windows and were rededicated by the Archbishop of Dublin.

Congratulations

St. Brigid’s Church, Straffan celebrated 240 years on Saturday, 12th September with a mass celebrated by The Most Reverend Dermot  Farrell, Archbishop of Dublin.  There was hospitality after the Mass in the Straffan Community Hall.  

Congratulations to Pat Sharp who celebrated her 95th birthday on 11th August, having just holidayed on a cruise to Norway!  Lady Diana Connelly Carew was presented with a special award by President Catherine Connolly along with many of the winning riders from previous years of the Aga Khan Nations’ Cup before the start of this year’s.  Lady Diana won in 1963.

Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal 

Now is the time to start collecting or making items for the shoeboxes - as usual something to Wash, Wear, Write and Wow!  The items/boxes will be collected probably on 10th November for sorting and preparing for delivery.

Thanks

.. to Dee Huddleston for taking the service on Sunday, 2nd August in Straffan and on Sunday, 9th August in Celbridge and Straffan and to Geoffrey McMaster for taking the service in St. Finian’s Church, Newcastle-Lyons when our Rector was on holidays and on 6th September in Straffan.  Also to all who maintained the church grounds over the summer.

Calendar Of Events

September

Tue 15 Craft & Chat returns. Slip Hall.  2.30 p.m.

Fri 18 Concert.   Christ Church, Celbridge.  7.30 p.m.

Sat 19 Straffan Market & Car Boot Sale.

Fri 25 Whist Drive.  Slip Hall.  8 p.m.

Sat 26 Concert.  Christ Church, Celbridge.  8 p.m.

Sun 27 Harvest.  St. Finian’s Church, Newcastle-Lyons.  3 p.m.

October

Fri 2 1st Friday Social.  Slip Hall.  7.30 p.m.

Sat 3 Straffan Market & Car Boot Sale.

Talk.  Christ Church Cathedral.  11 a.m.

Concert.  Christ Church, Celbridge.  8 p.m.

Sat 10 Pet Blessing. Christ Church, Celbridge.  3 p.m.

Christ Church Cathedral Talk.  6.30 p.m.

Sun 11 Harvest.  Straffan Church.  3 p.m.

Sun 18 Harvest.  Christ Church, Celbridge.  11.30 a.m.

Fri 30 Whist Drive.  Slip Hall.  8 p.m.

November

Tue 3 Closing date for next issue of CSNL NEWS.

Fri 6 First Friday Social.  Slip Hall.  7.30 p.m.

Sun 8 Remembrance Sunday.

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.