Easter 2008

Parish Newsletter

Easter 2008

A message from the Parish Priest.

A season of Resurrection – Spring and ~ Easter. At the end of Winter – God is at work – melting the earth and melting hearts.

We celebrate many things at Easter. The Resurrection is not just the mystery of Christ rising from the dead and our future rising from the dead, it is life’s spring – it is the power that brings new life out of what has been frozen and lifeless.

Like nature we too need regular resurrection. Much of life lies frozen and lifeless. Before being buried in our graves we are largely buried in ourselves. What is best in us i.e. the image and likeness of God, lies frozen within us and so we settle for second best. We make do with a life without enthusiasm, without fire, without passion – joy is frozen.

We protest that our lives are without new possibilities. We accept our limitations – that is the way I am and this is the way things are. They will never change.

So we live on, far from fully alive and on automatic pilot – the Christ in us is lying in the tomb – what is most important in us is frozen.

I recall an Easter card whose message read ‘May you leave behind a string of empty tombs. That is a challenge for Easter – daily resurrection -to leave behind a string of empty tombs. To let our hopes and dreams that had faded, which may even have been crucified, rise up anew with the hope and joy that overcomes bitterness, hatred and apathy.

As surely as life brings bitterness, crucifixion and winter – so also will the followers of Christ experience spring – Resurrection – hope and new life.

May each and everyone leave behind this Easter ‘a string of empty tombs’ and experience the joy and hope of new life this Easter.

Colm Gallagher.

Parish Pastoral Council

Since the advent of Archbishop Diarmuid Martin every parish in the Diocese is obliged to have a Pastoral Council.

The role of a Council should be visionary, to plan, to generate ideas for the pastoral needs of the parish, and to encourage their implementation. Within a comparatively short time. the role of the councils will develop, on a deanery basis, with the sharing of services and facilities and ultimately a Pastoral Council for the diocese will be formed.

Over the last 18 months the Parish Pastoral Council has been working on developing a Parish Plan that will see us through to 2012. The reasoning for this is due to the inevitable reduction / loss of clergy in our parish over the coming years and also to put in place some direction / support tools for the parish as a result. During that period the Council consulted the members of many parish groups and their findings formed the agenda of a parish meeting held late 2007. The results/observations of this meeting formed the basis of pastoral plan for the relevent sub-committee to work on. Draft plans were drawn up and we are now at the final hurdle with the PPC broken into 4 sub groups each working on a section of the plan, agreeing targets and inviting other willing members of the congregation to become part of these teams. Our main targets for 2008 is development of the Parish Newsletter / Website, formation of a Youth Parish Pastoral Council to work in conjunction with the Adult PPC, development of Parish Liturgy Teams and finally to provide ongoing courses for Adult Faith Development. The approved plan, when compiled, will be delivered to all households within the Parish .

The Archbishop will meet with the Pastoral Council members on April 27th in Kilmacud Church. The outcome of this meeting will be the subject of a further meeting with the Pastoral Councils of the Wicklow Deanery on Thursday 29th May in Árus Lorcáin.

Lough Derg and Croagh Patrick – Pilgrimages, Irish style.

Lough Derg is an island retreat in the wilds of County Donegal.A visit leaves a lasting impression and we were no exception. The parish organised a three-day pilgrimage to Lough Derg in 2005 and all who took part found it to be a highly spiritual and fulfilling experience. We were nervous and anxious when embarking on the journey but threw ourselves into the atmosphere of spiritual penance with fervour not common in our daily lives. Even in today’s increasingly secular Ireland, there is no shortage of pilgrims, some looking for repentance, some offering thanksgiving and some just looking on it as a challenge. Whatever the reasons, this is not a pilgrimage for the feint hearted.

Patrick, near Westport in Co. Mayo, on the other hand can be a very enjoyable experience. In the Irish Christian tradition, the ascent is an act of penance, and many climb barefooted. Some climb just to witness the spectacular views from the summit, which unfortunately we didn’t have the pleasure of witnessing on our parish pilgrimage, a couple of years ago, as it was the wettest, coldest Reek Sunday on record.

This year, we will once again organise a pilgrimage to Lough Derg or Croagh Patrick. It will be a challenging and fulfilling journey, to be enjoyed by people of all ages, especially young people who enjoy a challenge with a spiritual theme.

Holy Land.

The idea of a trip to the Holy Land arose two years ago after a successful pilgrimage to Rome, when many expressed an interest in visiting the birth place of Our Lord. On 31st March over forty parishioners are heading off to the Holy Land under the spiritual direction of Monsignor Colm Gallagher. Many places of both religious and historical interest will be visited including the old city of Jerusalem, Via Delarosa, Calvary , the Garden of Gethsemane and Jericho which is the oldest inhabited city in the world, and of course Nazareth. There is also a boat trip across the Sea of Galilee.

World Youth Day will be held this year in Sydney, Australia. Once again our parish will be well represented at the Youth Day. Six young parishioners are scheduled to travel from the parish and join in with the Diocesan group. The Dublin contingent – approximately 200 strong – will gather in Melbourne from the 10th – 14th July and then travel to Sydney for the main event, the meeting with Pope Benedict from the 16th – 20th July. In excess of half a million young people are expected to travel from all over the world to Sydney for World Youth Day 2008.

There are Diocesan periods of preparation:

Saturday 8th March in Glendalough.

Sunday 13th April – Mass in the Pro-Cathedral with the Archbishop.

Sunday 11th May – Pentecost Sunday – assembly in Arran Quay Church.

We wish all our young participants ‘Bon Voyage’ and look forward to their sharing of their experiences when they return.

Recently Deceased: Deepest sympathies and an assurance of prayers are extended to the families and friends of the following parishioners who are died recently:

George White: Statia Pierce: Chloe O’Toole: Tom Hayes: Elizabeth Thompson:

Jim Birmingham: Michael Sheehan: Ann Nolan: Paddy Fitzgerald: Margaret Murray: Mary Colvin: Michael Tolan: Thomas Byrne: Liam Hayes: Lucy Laffin: John Broughan.

Baptisms: Congratulations are extended to the families of the infants who were welcomed into the church when they received the sacrament of Baptism:

Chloe Shaw: Muireann Cloran Doyle: Olivia O’Reilly: Harry White: Leah Weilinic: Daniel Myler: Eimer Lawlor: Killian Bolger: Daniel O’Keefe: Ciara Nutley: Josh O’Toole: Faye Canavan: Darragh Furlong: Noah McCarthy: Aimee Higgins: Sean Barron: Luke McGrath: Sean Byrne: Chloe McEvoy: Jack O’Brien: Alexis Moore: Sean O’Connor Strahan: Olivia Connell: Jack Duffy: Katie Whyte. Noah McCarthy: James Kavanagh: Gemma Kavanagh.

Marriages: Congratulations are extended to the following couples who were recently married in the parish church.

Brian O‘Leary and Stephanie Gleeson.

William Scallan and Lisa O’Neill.

Patrick Foley and Fiona Byrne.

Legion of Mary Coolgreany/Johnstown.

The first meeting of Our Lady Queen of Peace Praesidium of the Legion of Mary was held in 1993. Today we have nine active members and 42 auxiliary members. Our meetings are held each Thursday evening at 8 p.m. at the May Byrne Trust House in Coolgreany village.

We do home visitation of the sick, the elderly, those living alone, the bereaved and those in our community who need support. New families are visited and welcomed on behalf of Canon Piert. The homes of First Communion children are also visited. There is a weekly visit to Rathdrum Hospital and Shelton Abbey.

Meetings for young people with Canon Piert are organised on a monthly basis for discussions.

Nancy Garvey, President.

May Byrne Trust House, Coolgreany.

The historic village of Coolgreany is a part of Arklow Parish. Up to recently Coolgreany had no community facility and this concerned a local resident May Byrne who when drawing up her will left a small dwelling and some money to the parish. The May Byrne Trust was then established and a grant to augment money available was obtained from Wexford Organisation for Rural Development. The renovated building has proven to be a valuable facility for the local community hosting various projects including Legion of Mary meetings, prayer meetings, art classes, computer classes, youth clubs, parent and toddler groups, A.A. meetings, fund raising events, etc.

Nancy Garvey, Secretary.

Arklow Youth Parish Pastoral Council

(Y.P.P.C.) has recently been established as an extension of the existing Parish Pastoral Council. Its aim of the Y.P.P.C. is to cater for the youth in our parish community. It is hoped that this will be achieved by investigating areas in pastoral life that may be enhanced by involving the young people of our parish. The group aims to provide a forum for young parishioners to become active in parish life. Members of the council are currently considering areas in which the youth (children, teenagers and young adults) might become more actively involved in our church; these include the formation of a drama group to act out the Gospel (to be performed on Easter Sunday at the 12 noon Family Mass), seeking to assist the established Faith Friends programme and setting up "chill-out" evenings for exam students.

If you are a young person who would like to become involved in any of the above activities, listen out for details which will be forwarded to your school. If you are a young adult who would like to join the council, we would be delighted to hear from you! You can contact any of the members listed below or leave your details in Arus Lorcain.

The group meets once a month and is always keen to hear new ideas!

v Chairperson: Emer Kinsella

v Vice Chairperson: Darragh Kavanagh.

v Secretary: Charlotte Dowling.

v P.R.O. Aoife Kinsella

v Members of Y.P.P.C.

v Joy Loughlin,: Brenda Loughlin:

v Susan Dillon: Niamh Sweeney.

ARKLOW ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION (AARA) entered its sixth year in January this year. Its association is open to men and women over 65. There are approximately 100 members at present.

We hold our monthly General Meeting in Árus Lorcáin on the first Wednesday of each month at 3.00pm. We try to have a speaker at each meeting to talk on subjects of interest to older people. Each Friday morning we have our Drop-in Coffee Morning, also in Árus Lorcáin, from 10.30-12.00 noon. This is when a lot of information regarding up-coming events is given and ideas are exchanged.

They have many activities - Bowling, Art, Computer Classes and PAL (physical activities).We have several theatre trips, a monthly day trip from May to September, outings to Shelbourne Park (Dogs) and a Spring/Autumn holiday. This year we are doing a coach tour of Devon and Cornwall. In September a European Parliament trip to Paris, Strasbourg and Brussels.

We always welcome new members. If you would like to give us a "look-over", you are very welcome to drop into the Árus on any Friday morning. Our contacts are Brendan Kincaid, Chairperson, phone 0402-32873, and Una Tunney, Secretary, phone 0402-39946.

Arklow Parish Lourdes Group.

The Arklow Parish Lourdes Group annual pilgrimage to Lourdes which takes place on 5^th to 12^th September is part of the Dublin Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Each year about 80 pilgrims attend under the spiritual leadership of one of the local priests. Due to the generous response for assistance from local business, societies, and the sale of the Lourdes Directory, we have over the past nine years been in a position to assist close on one hundred and twenty parishioners who otherwise would have been unable to participate.

2008 is a very special year in Lourdes as it is the 150^th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady to St Bernadette. Although the pilgrimage is only for seven days, its effect can last a lifetime. Sometimes we have to come away from our familiar lives, to rediscover the truth that God is with us always and every where. If you would like to be part of our pilgrimage to Lourdes, our office opened in Árus Lorcáin on 29th February. Alternatively you may contact Bridget Greene at 0402-33171.

Chairman: Msgr. Colm Gallagher. Secretary: Bridget Greene

Treasurer: Ben Doyle. PRO: Dermot Greene.

Johnstown/Coolgreaney Senior Citizens

In 1971 a group of people decided to raise the social capital of the Johnstown-Coolgreaney area by forming a Senior Citizens' Group. This is still in existence today and a large debt of gratitude is owed to Patsy Murray,Woolahan, Conor Creegan, Tom Kinch, Ian Bracken, Harold Alexander, Michael Murphy, Sean Killoran, Peter Monaghan, Michael Staunton and Fr Coughlan, these being the founding members. The aim of this group is to provideadded social dimension to the lives of our more senior residents. The social calendar consists of an ecumenical service held usually in May or June. We are also able to help in providing a community watch alarm system to those who need them. If there are any senior citizens who would like to join the group, you can do so by contacting Mary Ryan on 0402-39071 or any of the committee members.

Members of the Boards of Management.

St. Michael’s G.N.S. caters for girls from Junior Infants to 6th Class.

Telephone No. 0402 39861

Chairperson: Kay Garvey. (Patron’s representative)

Principal: Mrs. S. Biddulph.

Patron‘s Rep.: Fr. Paul O’Driscoll

Parents: Maurice Mitchell: Gill Cairns.

Community Rep.: Michael Wolohan: Alison Weadick.

Scoil Eoin B.N.S. caters for boys from 2nd class to 6th class.

Telephone No. 0402 32545

Chairperson: Brendan Kincaid.

Principal: Mrs. C. Kavanagh.

Patron’s Rep: Msgr. C. Gallagher.

Parents: Ms. T. O’Donovan Mr. J. Mills.

Community Reps: Ms. D. Breslin: Mr. M. O’Sullivan.

Teacher: Joy Loughlin.

St. Peter’s B.N. caters for infant boys from Junior Infants to 1st Class.

Telephone No: 0402 39658

Chairperson: John O’Toole.

Principal: Mrs. Mary Kavanagh.

Patron’s Rep: Fr. Tom Clowe.

ParentsRep: Tracy O’Donovan: John Bermingham.

Community Reps: Una Tunney: Peter Smyth.

Teacher Rep: Ms. Sally O’Toole.

Scoil Iosagáin – Coolgreany caters for boys and girls from Infants to 6th Class.

Telephone No: 0402 37246

Chairperson: Con O’Driscoll

Principal: Anthony Byrne

Patron’s Rep: Fr. Tom Clowe.

Parent’s Rep: Mr. D. Lenihan: Ms. Y. O’Donohue

Community Rep: Ms. E. Henley: Paul O’Toole.

Teacher Rep: Ms. S. Porter.

St. Patrick’s – Bearnaclé caters for boys and girls from infants to 6th class.

Telephone No: 0402 39602

Chairperson: Aidan O’Connor (Patron’s rep.)

Principal: Diarmuid Kavanagh.

Parents reps: Mary Byrne: Andrew Healy:

Community Reps: Mary Ryan: Harry Crummy.

Patron‘s Rep:: Fr. Paul O’Driscoll C.C.

Teacher Rep: Kay McGarry:

Coolgreany Community Committee

The Coolgreany Community Committee was established to progress and support improvement projects within the village and its environs. It supports all types of schemes including the playground, the community field and lobbies Government and local councils on areas of concern. With support from Tidy Towns, The May Byrne Trust House and other local groups there is a new wall being built at the lower entrance to the village. Planning permission is currently being sought for a target wall and provision of lighting to allow increased use of the community field.

At Inch, St Mogue’s now has a state-of-the-art Childcare centre that can offer full or half day care by highly trained staff for children from the age of 4 months – 12 years. There is also an After-School Club that provides activities such as cookery, computers, traditional crafts, Art, Sport and Homework Support.

Anyone wishing to hire the village hall should enquire at the office which is open weekdays from 9.30am -1.30pm. For all enquiries regarding the services provided at St Mogue’s please phone 0402 21890

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.

This particular rite is one of the many positive outcomes of the last Vatican Council. It is a detailed and frequently lengthy spiritual journey for those preparing for full membership of the Catholic Church. This journey can extend from one to two and even three years.

At present there are three adults following this rite and preparing for their admission into full membership of the Catholic Church. This will take place at the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday.

It is intended that this ‘Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults’ continue in the parish. Adults who may wish to become members of the Catholic Church should contact any of the priests of the parish or the Parish Office.

This spiritual journey is also suitable for Catholics who may wish to return to the full practice of their religion.

Parish Finance and Building Committee

Under Canon Law every parish is obliged to have a Finance and Building Committee. The brief of this Finance Committee is to give advice and guidance to the parish priest in all matters financial in the parish, to monitor and advise on the condition of parochial properties. The guidelines and brief of the Finance and Building Committees are set out in detail by the Dublin Diocesan authorities.

The following are the members of the Parish Committee:

Chairperson: Mr. John Byrne.

Mr. Eddie Holly: Mr. Con O’Driscoll:

Mr. Aidan O’Connor: Colm Gallagher: P.P.

Paul O’Driscoll C.C. Thomas Clowe S.D.P.

Minutes Secretary: Ms. Geraldine English.

Junior Conference of St. Vincent de Paul.

The junior conference of St. Vincent de Paul was formed three years ago, and has been going from strength to strength ever since. The members, now numbering forty-two, aged between 16 and 18, are students from the three local secondary schools. These young people give of their time and talents, to bring company to the elderly and sick, and fund raise for various projects.

Every Monday they meet in Arus Lorcain and discuss and plan the various projects they are currently involved in. To date they have had several community based fund raising events. Recently they took part in a Day of Fasting and Reflection, a spiritual and fulfilling day, with prayer and meditation.

They travel monthly to St. Coleman’s Hospital in Rathdrum to run a bingo session for the patients. There they provide great entertainment and fun and it is always a source of great enjoyment for the patients and Junior Members alike. On several occasions they have visited the sick in local Nursing Homes offering company and comfort to the sick.

very active group of young people are an example to us all. They share their endless supply of energy and caring qualities with those around them. They are always willing to lend a hand to those in need and are full of enthusiastic and novel ideas to make our parish community a loving and caring place to live.

Bird's Nests

You will need:

· Rice Krispies.

· Chocolate chips or block chocolate.

· Jelly beans.

· Candy coated chocolate eggs.

· Peanut butter.

· Wax paper.

· Coloured Paper Plates.

· Easter Chicks to decorate.

Instructions:

§ Cut wax paper into squares and place onto to paper plates.

§ Put Rice Krispies in a large bowl. If using brick chocolate, break into pieces. Melt chocolate chips or pieces in the microwave, or over low heat on cooker, stirring until melted.

§ Mix together the rice krispies and melted chocolate. Place mounds of rice krispie mixture onto paper plates (on top of waxed paper). Have children form the mixtures into nests. Be sure the chocolate has cooled, but don't wait too long or it will harden!

§ Using peanut butter as an adhesive, "glue" down the jelly beans and candy coated chocolate eggs inside the nest cavity. Place a chick on the edge of, or inside each nest.

These make fun gifts from kids to their friends, teacher and family members.

EASTER BONNET CAKE.

Grease and line a metal or ovenproof 1-1/2 quart bowl and an 11" fluted quiche tin.

INGREDIENTS. To Decorate.

200g/8oz Self-raising flour. Coconut Toasted.

1-teaspoon baking powder. Pink Food Colouring.

200g/ 8oz Caster Sugar. Pastel fabric ribbon and a 200g/ 8oz Soft margarine.

4 eggs. Silk Flower.

Butter Icing.

175g /6oz Butter.

300g/12ozs Icing Sugar.

3tbls milk.

METHOD.

§ Preheat oven to 180 degrees,350 degrees F, Gas Mark 4.

§ Place the flour, baking powder, sugar, margarine, and eggs in a bowl. Beat until light and fluffy. Put approx one third of mixture into the quiche tin and the rest into the bowl and smooth the tops.

§ Bake for about 25 minutes for the quiche tin and about 45 to 50 minutes for the bowl, or until a pick inserted in the centres comes out clean. After removing from the oven, cool in the tins for about 15 minutes. Cool completely on wire racks before assembling the bonnet.

To make Butter Icing.

Beat the butter and half the icing sugar until smooth. Add remaining icing sugar with the milk and beat until creamy.

To toast the coconut -
Spread coconut in a thin layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a moderate oven for about 4 to 5 minutes, with the tin in the centre of the oven. For even browning, stir and turn the coconut after 2 minutes, then every minute. Keep it in a thin layer. As soon as the coconut turns a light golden brown colour, remove it from the oven.

To tint coconut - Place about 1 cup of coconut in a resealable plastic bag. Combine half teaspoon water with about 4 drops of food colouring. Pour into the bag of coconut. Seal the bag and shake.

To decorate -
Place the cooled 11" cake on a serving platter or tray, wide surface down. Spread butter icing on top of layer. Centre bowl shaped layer on top, widest surface down. Ice both layers, covering completely. Place coconut on top of frosting, a small amount at a time, pressing gently so it stays in place.

Position the pastel fabric ribbon and a silk flower. Place a strip of plastic wrap under the ribbon and a small piece of wrap under the flower. Secure flower to cake with small toothpicks.

This Easter edition of the Parish Newsletter is the work of the Pastoral Council. While not fully covering all activities in the parish it is an initial effort that with experience of publication will improve. The members of the Parish Council wish all parishioners every blessing of the Risen Lord this Easter.