CHRISTMAS ISSUE 2020 - DIOCESE OFTUAM,KILLALAANDACHONRY - Tuam, Killala & Achonry
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D I O C E S E O F T U A M , K I L L A L A A N D A C H O N RY
CHRISTMAS ISSUE 2020
The Bishop writes . . .
new born child, the Saviour of the
World, we glimpse that incarnation.
Furthermore, we are reminded that
God’s ways are not our ways. God is to
appear in the little and the insignificant
so that only the humble can find him. He
appears on the margins of society
alongside the poor, the outcast, the
stranger – in a stable, in a little town like
Bethlehem, far from the glamour and
sophistication of the great centres of the
world.
CHRISTMAS ISSUE 2020 This Christmas is going to be a difficult
The magazine of the Church of Ireland one for so many. Those who are facing
Diocese of Tuam, Killala and Achonry Writing in early November, it is difficult debilitating sickness, those who are
to know what Christmas 2020 might bereaved, those whose businesses have
www.tuam.anglican.org look like! Will our churches be open collapsed, those who are faced by
again for our traditional Christmas mounting debts, those whose
COPY DEADLINE services? Will our usual family gatherings relationships lie shattered. As the God
All submissions for the Easter Issue of
Tidings, including advertisements, must
be allowed? Will loved ones be able to whose birth we celebrate identifies with
be in by Friday January 29th 2021 fly home to join us? So many unknowns those in need, may all who are in any
that any kind of planning is virtually kind of trouble feel the strength and
impossible. Certainly, this Christmas will peace of his presence at this time and
be different!
VIEWS EXPRESSED
Views expressed in Tidings are those may we all determine to identify more
of the contributors and are not
fully with those who need our love and
necessarily the views of the Editor or Yet whatever our circumstances, there support and understanding and human
the magazine committee. is one unchanging truth about kindness.
Christmas – Christ was born; God in an
DIOCESAN MAGAZINE act of enormous humility and generosity In the chaotic and challenging world
All advertising enquiries should be
directed to: Revd Dr Andrew Ison
became one of us in his son, Jesus. We which is ours this Christmas as we feel
rev.andrew.ison@gmail.com may not be able to enjoy all our annual in some ways impoverished, excluded,
Christmas activities this December but isolated from our loved ones, perhaps
the reason for the season remains the we too might use the opportunity to
same and we must not lose sight of this.
EDITOR
Revd Dr Andrew Ison view the wonder of Christmas with new
rev.andrew.ison@gmail.com
eyes – the Word becoming flesh and
With the festivities inevitably dwelling among us - for God is with us
DESIGN & PRINTING compromised for us all, perhaps we – no matter what! That is indeed
Design: Amanda Moore Design might give more thought to the something really positive to hold onto
Printing: KPS Colourprint Ltd enormity of this reason for the season. as Christmas 2020 approaches.
Knock, Co. Mayo
God, becoming one of us. The
‘Incarnation’ is almost too much for May God bless you all, this Christmas…
most of us to grasp so we focus on the .
humanising of God’s son in the account
of the birth of the babe in Bethlehem. In +Patrick Tuam
the image of the young woman, and the
1
Diocesan Virtual Service
dates for DIOCESAN VIRTUAL SERVICE
your diary A reminder that our weekly Sunday Diocesan Virtual Service will continue throughout Advent and Christmas
and on into the New Year.There will also be a service for Christmas Day. Renewed thanks to the Dean for his
editing skills and to the clergy, readers and parishioners for their contributions. The services can be accessed
on: tuam.anglican.org
DUE TO COVID 19 RESTRICTIONS,
For all clergy and readers – diocesan & parish
ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ARE
PROVISIONAL ARRANGEMENTS
ANNUAL in St Mary’s Cathedral, Tuam / or by Zoom if
Clergy & necessary
DECEMBER
Sun 6th Claremorris Service, 12noon – to be confirmed on Thursday 4th March 2020 at 10.30am
Service of Vespers in Galway
Sun 6th
Wed 9th RB Meeting, Dublin/via Zoom readers Lead by: The Rt Revd David Chillingworth
Institution of Canon Jen McWhirter in Westport, 8pm formerly Primus of the Scottish Episcopal
Thurs 10th
(by invitation only)
QUIET DAY Church and Bishop of St Andrews
2021
JANUARY
Sun 3rd Claremorris Service, 12noon – to be confirmed
Tues 26th RB Week, Dublin/via Zoom
Thurs 28th Diocesan Board of Education Meeting, via Zoom, 7.30pm
FEBRUARY
Mon 1st Diocesan Finance Committee Meeting, via Zoom, 7.30pm
Tues 2nd Diocesan Glebes & Property Committee Meeting,
via Zoom, 7.30pm SEPTEMBER ORDINATIONS
Thurs 4th Diocesan Council Meeting, via Zoom, 7pm
Sun 7th Claremorris Service, 12noon – to be confirmed
Wed 17th Ash Wednesday, Diocesan ‘Read all about it’ begins. On Sunday 13th September in St Michael’s Church, Lynda Peilow, Rector of Galway and Kilcummin.
Diocesan ‘Read all about it’, Day 2 Ballina, Bishop Patrick Rooke admitted two Archdeacon Stephen McWhirter led the Litany and
candidates to the Office of Deacon; Revd Caroline the newly ordained were each vested with their stole
Thurs 18th
Diocesan ‘Read all about it’, Day 3
Morrow and Revd Clive Moore. by the Archdeacon and Dean Alistair Grimason. We
Fri 19th
were delighted to have Bishop John Fleming of the
Because of Covid-19 restrictions, this was an Catholic Diocese of Killala with us who represented
MARCH
Annual Clergy and Readers’ Quiet Day, Tuam, 10.30am
ordination like none before. The congregation was our ecumenical partners.
Thurs 4th
Claremorris Service, 12noon – to be confirmed
limited to 50 people which meant that only a handful
Sun 7th
RB Week, Dublin/via Zoom
of family, friends, parishioners and diocesan clergy and Revd Caroline will serve in the Parish of Killanley and
Tues 9th
readers were able to join Clive and Caroline for this Revd Clive will serve in the parishes of Crossmolina
most significant occasion in both their lives and the and Ballycastle.
lives of their parishes and the diocese. Similarly, all the
hymns were listened to and not sung and communion On Sunday 20th September, Paidi Delaney was
was in one type only with social distancing being admitted to the Office of Deacon at St Nicholas
observed throughout. Collegiate Church, Galway by the Bishop of Tuam,
The Old Testament Lesson was read by the Diocesan Killala and Achonry, The Right Revd Patrick Rooke.
Director of Ordinands, Revd Canon Jen McWhirter, The first lesson was read by Paidi’s, wife, Steffi, the
the Epistle by Revd Caroline Morrow and the Gospel epistle reading was led by the Diocesan Director of
by Revd Clive Moore. The preacher was Very Revd Ordinands, Canon Jen McWhirter and Paidi read the
2 3
September Ordinations September Ordinations
gospel.The preacher was the Very Revd Lynda Peilow, all individually and separately, laid their hands on in Galway and Mayo informing them about all aspects
Rector of Galway. Music was led by a quartet from those being ordained. All the other priests present of our natural biodiversity, Irish Mammals, Birds,
the St Nicholas Schola Cantorum led by the musical raised their hands in blessing from a distance. The Butterflies etc. During the summer months when the
director Mr Mark Duley. When the service was over newly ordained priests will serve in various parishes schools are closed, she run children’s activities in the
the full choir sang for the first time outside as the across TKA. Revd Karen will serve in Easkey/Kilglass Park and also takes guided bogland walks. In 2014,
bells peeled out. Again, because of Covid-19 alongside Archdeacon Stephen McWhirter; Revd Carole became a member of the select Vestry in St.
restrictions, numbers in attendance were restricted, Maebh in Dugort, Achill Island specifically and also Mary’s, Roundstone and was commissioned as a
but Paidi’s family were there to support him, and the across Aughaval (Westport) parish alongside Revd Diocesan Reader in May 2017.
parishioners who have supported Paidi on his journey Canon Jen McWhirter and Revd Carole in Kilcummin
to ordination were in attendance. Fr Tudor (Oughterard) parish alongside Provost Lynda Peilow. Karen Duignan
representing the Romanian Orthodox Church was in Karen has been married to Liam for
attendance, along with many of Paidi’s other friends Paidi Delaney 23 years and they have two
and colleagues. Paid will serve as OLM deacon in the Patrick Delaney was born into an Kay have lived on Tamhain, in the Gaeltacht, and in the daughters – one just finished in
Galway group of parishes. Irish-Canadian/Irish-American suburbs of Galway. Mr Delaney has been a library college and the other just starting. I
family in Detroit, Michigan, USA. His worker at NUI Galway since the previous millenia. farm a small herd of Angus cattle
Three Ordinations to the Priesthood took place in family moved to Los Angeles, Patrick began his Church of Ireland career ringing the and she is also a part-time secretary.
TKA on Sunday 27th September; Revd Karen California when he was young and bells of the Collegiate Church of St Nicholas and now She says she accidently became a
Duignan, Revd Carole Reynolds and Revd Maebh he was raised in the sunny diversity heads its School of Campanology. He has also served Parish Reader about 10 years ago
O’Herlihy. The service took place in St. Nicholas’ of the west coast. Patrick was a as candle bearer and crucifer at St Nicholas, and as a when one Sunday morning nobody turned up to take
Church, Galway. Bishop Patrick Rooke administered punk rock musician as a young man, Diocesan Reader here in the Diocese of Tuam, Killala the service and it seemed like a good idea at the time.
the Sacrament of Ordination in the context of the something which often comes as a surprise. After and Achonry. He has been a church warden, and a But once she came under the eye of the then Bishop,
Eucharist. The Old Testament lesson was read by graduating from the University of California, Los member of the Select Vestry at St Nicholas, as well as Richard Henderson there was no escape for her! She
Revd Karen, the Epistle by Revd Maebh and the Angeles, he moved to Dublin to study at Trinity a member of TKA Diocesan Council. Patrick values trained as a Diocesan Reader, being one of the first
Gospel by Revd Carole. The preacher was Revd College. He moved to the GDR capital, Berlin in 1988 silence and contemplation, tries to live simply and under the new training course run by the Church of
Canon Jen McWhirter, DDO. The music was led to work at the Humboldt University.After completing wishes nothing more than to continue to serve Ireland Theological College and an English university.
throughout by the choir of St. Nicholas’ with Mark his D.Phil., Patrick worked as a translator and news Christ in the years to come in the people of the
Duley directing and playing the organ. As per 'the new reader and played traditional Irish music with his parish of St Nicholas.
normal', Covid-19 restrictions demanded that the future wife, Steffi.
numbers in the congregation were restricted. There
was no singing other than the socially distanced choir. Steffi and Paidí married and lived in Berlin with their
Carole Reynolds
Carole was born in Dublin, the
And when it came to the laying on the hands, only two daughters before moving to Galway more than youngest of three children. On
the bishop and three other priests for each candidate, 25 years ago. Since moving here, Paidí, Steffi, Molly and leaving school she trained as a
dental nurse. She married Michael
in 1981 and they have three
F children, Sam, 36, Emma, 33, and
Phillip, 31. At present Sam and
Emma are living in New Zealand
and Phillip lives in Kent, England. At present, Carole is
employed by National Parks and Wildlife Service in
Connemara National Park, Letterfrack as Education She has enjoyed travelling for the past number of
Officer. Her job involves travelling to primary schools years meeting people in all the different parishes and
helping wherever she was needed. She says it has
been ‘fun’ and sincerely hopes it will continue to be.
She says she reached ordination in a very roundabout
way but believes God has a sense of humour and her
ordination is the culmination of a lot of pushing and
prodding by Him. She is happy to put the rest of her
life doing what He has asked her to do.
Maebh O’Herlihy
Maebh was born and educated in Dublin. She moved
to Brussels, Belgium in 1973 and lived there for
twenty one years. Her daughter, son and grandson
Ordination of Caroline and Clive
4 5
September Ordinations
still live in Brussels. She studied and, a keen reader himself, he is most likely to give
Theology and Catechetics in you a book as a present as he believes he can find the
Louvain University and was R.E. perfect book for everyone. He may be wrong about
teacher in the European Schools. this. Clive is very much looking forward to serving in
She was one of the early the parishes of Crossmolina and Ballycastle and is
parishioners in a newly planted indebted to his parents and those who taught him at
English speaking community which school for his formation in faith, and the clergy past
in turn was part of a group of nine and present, those servants, shepherds, messengers,
ecumenical Christian Churches working together. She sentinels and stewards whose influence, example and
completed further studies in Psychology and latterly encouragement have made his fulfilment of
Counselling in Belgium and the UK and was a his call to ministry possible. He asks you all to pray
Counsellor in the European Schools.While in Brussels for him in his undertaking.
she was involved in the Direction of Retreats, training
of Sunday School teachers, and the Healing Ministry of INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY
the Church as well as President of the English speaking
Founded in 2011, Connemara Wild Escapes is a small tour operator based in Galway reselling activities all
World Day of Prayer Committee and European
along the Wild Atlantic Way mainly to the North American, French and German markets. We have decided
President of a world-wide Alumnae Association
to use this “pause” in the tourism industry to re-engineer our business by expanding our business model
working in the area of human rights in many countries.
and investing in the latest technology. To do this we need partners.
She returned to Ireland and has lived on Achill Island
for the past nineteen years. Since moving here she
joined the TKA Diocese of the Church of Ireland. She
Colin on colin@colin@connemarawildescapes.ie or 086 399 2475 for more details.
Interested? Please contact
has gone on to complete further studies in Theology,
in Galway, St. John’s College, Nottingham, Church of
Ireland Theological Institute and Edgehill
WISHING YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS
College/Queens University. She was previously a AND A HAPPY 2021!
Diocesan Reader and Ordained Deacon. She serves
the church in Dugort and is also Co-ordinator of the
Caroline Brigid Morrow
Caroline has been married to Cyril
Sacred Path, Centre of Spirituality.
since 1978, the celebrated their
33rd wedding anniversary in early
September. They have been blessed
with two children, Richard lives and
works in New Zealand, whilst at
this present time Rebecca is
The Sacred Path
Centre for Spirituality
working from home due to the
pandemic. Caroline was born and raised in Ballina and
attended local schools. As a young girl she had a
dream to work as a purser with a shipping company
on the high seas but the only drawback for her was
that she had no sea legs so that never came to
fruition! She is happiest when she is pottering about
in the garden and polytunnel and believes there’s
nothing like the taste of fresh garden produce to get
In these current times of change and uncertainty, which can
Clive Roy Moore
Clive has been a parishioner in St the taste buds tingling.
Michael’s, Ballina all his life, where he cause us to experience worry, anxiety or even stress, we are
pleased to offer an on-line supportive workshop on:
has served as a church warden and She has been a member of Diocesan and General
parish reader. He is the son of Synod as a lay member for the past three years and Pastoral Mindfulness
William (now deceased) and has also been a lay member on Standing committee.
Elizabeth Moore, brother of Irving She now looks forward to working with her 4 x One and half hour sessions on-line and via Zoom.
Starting: Thursday 14th January
and Myrtle, and uncle to Ethan and colleagues on these committees as a clerical member Then: Thursdays 21st and 28th January & 4th February
Kyle. He attended St Michael’s in the future. She was commissioned as a parish Group A (those free during the day) is at 10.30am,
Group B ( for those working during day) at 7.30pm
Primary School in Ballina and Sligo Grammar School reader in January 2017 and this began a journey The sessions will be backed up with useful, supportive material by e-mail.
and has worked in a builder’s provider for the last which has culminated with her being ordained a
For further details contact Revd Maebh O’Herlihy on:
thirty one years. e is happiest when watching rugby deacon to serve in the parish of Killanley. T: 0872789912 or E: maebhoh@gmail.com
6
Ballina Churches Together
Ballina Emma is continuing to help a lady who recently came
out of hospital. She phoned requesting help. Emma
Churches was able to connect her to meals on wheels and to a
Together local carer agency. This lady lives alone and found
herself in total isolation due to COVID restrictions.
Traveller community- Marian has befriended several
Traveller families. Many of the women have suffered
domestic violence or lost their husbands because of
tragic circumstances. One particular lady’s life has
been shattered and her heart is broken. She is a
Ballina Centre of Mission In the midst of difficult times, it is still possible and indeed widow and she has no children. She is in early thirties
bctballina@gmail.com essential - to maintain hope. Hope can be that telephone and she will never remarry out of respect for her
Tel: Emma Rodrigues 087 4347612 conversation … a message on WhatsApp … a bunch of deceased husband. Every day of the year, she visits his
flowers on the doorstep or a card in the post to those grave. Sadness and grief overwhelm her heart.
living in nursing homes. Reach out to call a friend (maybe
one that you’ve not called in ages), family or neighbour Another young mother also lost her husband a few
who is experiencing loneliness or isolation. Acts of years ago. She is also a widow and has three young
kindness and generosity make the world a happier place. girls. She is illiterate and poor. Recently, her father-in-
In helping others, we help ourselves. law committed suicide, so it is tragedy upon tragedy.
We work to bring a listening ear, friendship, hope and
At present, we continue to reach out to the lonely, love to these women. Above all we endeavour to tell
those struggling with their mental health and others them about God’s love for them.
These are certainly challenging and unprecedented
with practical needs. Through volunteering with St
times. Once again, we find ourselves in ‘lock down’ in
Vincent De Paul, Marian has been able to provide fuel Syrian families- Emma continues to support one family
response to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.The road
and food to a lady in need. She has a serious who recently had to take refuge in the local women’s
ahead requires resilience and the ability to cope
underlying medical condition and lives alone in refuge due to domestic violence issues. The links we
effectively with uncertainty and change. In our work
isolation. She also has personal debts, but through the have with St Vincent de Paul have helped and provided
in the town of Ballina, we see the lives of people being
generosity of the St. Vincent de Paul, the financial another Syrian family with a much-needed cooker.
impacted and people needs support in so many ways.
burden has been lifted from her and she is much more
at peace in herself. She also asks for prayer and has Bus/Tent- Due to Covid-19 restrictions and now a
Pastoral care: Uncertain times such as these cause
joined with us for worship on-line. second lockdown we had to stop using our Bus/Tent
people to experience anxiety and fear. In our roles as
outside in Penney’s car park on Friday/Saturday,
Church Army Evangelists, we continue to bring hope,
Sunday evenings. After the first lock-down, we
friendship and practical care to those in need. We two bridges which span the river. On this sunny day
brought the bus to the car park and gathered outside.
remain connected to families and individuals by phone, in October, many people thanked us for those
Our gatherings included people who always came
post and on-line. We find ourselves once again encouraging words. Some conversed, took prayer
along and new people joining us. It was very
adapting to the restrictions in order to protect booklets and with others we prayed.
encouraging. We spread out the chairs and enjoyed
ourselves and those we serve in the community.
many cups of coffee and tea. People came to chat and Halloween gift bags for families: We were unable to
“As for any of us in crises, hope is the one thing that sing (Jim Reeves songs), to share cheesy jokes and to run our annual Light party in the Presbyterian Church
is everything” Craig D. Lounsbrough. find community. Many of these people have lived Hall this year. Instead, we decided to give out activity
difficult lives, faced challenges, and have suffered with bags and goodies for the children in two housing
both physical and mental health. They used to attend estates. Each bag was filled with colouring sheets, a
the Dolmen Centre for support, but that has been craft for making a paper lantern, crayons, markers,
closed since March. One lady, who used to volunteer crisps, chocolate and sweets! Something for everyone
at the centre began coming to the bus along with her in the family.
daughter. They both now in the process of becoming
BCT volunteers. Christmas goodies bag appeal– This Christmas, we
hope to bring Christmas Bags of Hope to families,
Chalk art– Recently, we returned to the pavement children and those living alone. Through the Big Blue
outside St. Muredach’s Cathedral on the banks of the Bus ministry, we have made contact with many people
river Moy. Once again, through the medium of chalk- in the community and this year we want to bless
art, we brought messages of hope and words of everyone. Some of these will be men who live alone
scripture for people to read. This is a very popular or may have addiction problems. We also know many
area for walking and as many people walk around the
8 9
Ballina Churches Together Diocesan Fundraiser
single mums, who provide for their children, but do Ireland. This book was written and edited by Ruth
not have much for themselves. We will also reach out Garvey Williams and is being released at the Praxis
Read all about it…..Diocesan Fund Raiser
to families in Mill View, Greenhills and Oak Lawns online conference on 14th November. Marian and
called Water Drops which aims to support
estates, where we ran kid’s clubs. Emma, along with others were involved in co-writing
development projects in Kenya, mostly around the
this book with Ruth. It is a collection of stories, provision of clean water for communities which
Missional community- We brought our (post Alpha experiences, learning and reflections of people living,
group) Bible study back on zoom on Thursdays at 7:30pm. and ministering in different parts of Ireland.This book struggle with water provision. Because of their
We also brought the men’s group from the bus (on seeks to unpack what it means for us to embrace experience in Kajiado, the first projects to be funded
zoom) and have a time of worship, prayer, and Bible study incarnational mission in contemporary Ireland and to through Water Drops are projects in that area and
as a Diocese we would like to support one of these
on Wednesday evenings at 8pm.We have had a few new consider what it might mean for you as an individual
projects in a place called Imaroro, somewhere the
people start to attend this. Our prayer group has or in your parish, church, or faith community. This
Diocesan Team visited when we were there in 2017.
continued through zoom on Sunday evenings. book will be available on Amazon and Teach Solas This project will see a bore hole drilled and a pump
We ran one walk and reflection in Belleek woods on (online Christian bookshop) and Christian bookshops house installed so that people from the surrounding
the 3rd of October.We had hoped to run more walks nationwide from 14th November. area can access fresh, clean water.
and reflections, but this had to stop due to Online conferences- On 10th to 12th November
restrictions. As a Diocese, the
Emma will attend the Church Army leadership vision is that we
conference on zoom. Marian and Robson (Emma’s This year has been like none other in living memory, would raise the
Fundraising- Thank you all who supported and husband) have been attending Church Army training or at least in my living memory, and because of a huge £10,000 for the
donated towards our Nephin climb which we did on on zoom from 6-8th of November. number of different factors we have seen the giving solar pump house
the 12th of September. It was a great team building to Bishops’ Appeal drop quite dramatically.While this which will be
exercise and we raised €1885 towards Ballina Condolences- It was with great sadness we heard is, most probably, not surprising, there are still connected once
Churches Together. Anne McCormick from Ballina Methodist Church died projects and areas of the world which depend on the well has been
on 14th October 2020. Anne was a huge supporter of support from Bishops’ Appeal. drilled. However,
‘GLORIOUSLY ORDINARY’ – is a new book from Praxis
Ballina Churches Together and was part of it from the we understand that
Press which explores mission in contemporary The last two projects which have been undertaken
beginning. She will be sadly missed by us all. parishes have been
by the Diocese have seen a huge amount of money stretched, nearly to
raised for the Diocese of Kajiado through CMS breaking point, this
Ireland. There have, however, been changes at CMSI year due to a
and this year saw, amongst other things, a return to Covid-19 related
Discover the history Northern Ireland by Ronnie and Maggie Briggs, our fall in plate
mission partners in Kenya. collections,
of your family in Mayo donations and other fundraising activities. So we are
Ronnie and Maggie have been working hard since proposing a Diocesan fundraiser to take place over
nd that their return home and have set up a new charity the first 3 days in Lent 2021. This will see the whole
of the Bible read in a combined Diocesan effort via
Zoom continually over 72 hours from 6am on Ash
Wednesday, 17th February 2021. Each parish will be
given responsibility for several hours and members
of each parish will commit to read a certain number
of chapters during that time. The Zoom link will be
available for anyone who wishes to watch and it is
hoped that a minimum donation of €10 per chapter
can be raised. Parishes will then have until the end of
February to collect all donations and return them to
the Diocesan Administrator.
The details will be made available to clergy very soon
but we ask you all to get out your gargling mix and
get ready for the biggest Bible read the Diocese has
ever seen!
Open: Mon. – Thurs. 9.30 to noon and 2pm to 4.00pm and Fri. 9.30am to noon
Stephen McWhirter
Main Street, Ballinrobe l E: soumayo@iol.ie l T: (094) 9541214 (Chair, Diocesan Mission Group)
www.mayoroots.com
11
Diocesan Synod
Diocesan Synod
On Saturday 19th maintain the worship of the church in TKA during
September 2020, lock down.
based at a hub in
Claremorris and Reflecting on internal changes in TKA, bishop Rooke
using the ZOOM highlighted the six ordinations, to diaconate and FROM
platform, TKA priesthood, that took place in the past year. He also
became the first spoke about parochial administrative changes which €1995
diocese of the have come about, reducing the number of cures from
Church of Ireland 8 to 5 ‘which will result in significant financial savings
to hold its’ and ensure that most of our clergy are working in
Diocesan Synod teams alongside other ordained colleagues. In fact, we
during the Covid- will have more diocesan clergy than we’ve had for
19 era. many a year across the Diocese as a whole.’
FULL RANGE OF
It was a very strange and even surreal experience to Discussions with Limerick diocese relating to our
be logging-in and doing our business on-line, amalgamation have had to be placed on hold though LAWNMOWERS &
disembodied faces and electronically distorted voices various gatherings of clergy and laity were held before TRACTOR MOWERS
on computer screens across the diocese sharing a Covid-19 began. ‘Fostering relationships is surely as
single meeting space, but overall what needed to be good preparation as any for our future amalgamated IN STOCK
accomplished was accomplished. The necessary dioceses. So, step by step the partnership is beginning
business was completed and that in record time. to happen.’
Speaking of mission, Bishop Rooke commended the DAVY’S LAWNMOWER & TOOL HIRE, BEHY ROAD, BALLINA, CO. MAYO
work of outreach, fresh expressions and pioneering PH: 096 77989 E: INFO@DAVYSTOOLHIRE.COM
in TKA, specifically the Ballina Churches Together W: WWW.DAVYSTOOLHIRE.COM
Project run in partnership with Church Army.
Commending the leaders of this project the bishop
said ‘ I want to place on record our admiration for
the courageous pioneering spirit of Emma, Marian and
all those who have worked alongside them and
supported them in all kinds of ways.’ He added, ‘God
forbid that we should become a Diocese that looks
only to maintaining what we’ve got with no heart and
no imagination for fresh expressions of ministry.’
The bishop also encouraged us to redouble our
efforts in supporting overseas mission projects,
specifically through Bishops Appeal.
The meeting began with a virtual celebration of the
Holy Communion. Then, all the various bits and Drawing his remarks to a close, the bishop
pieces having been ‘laid on the table’, Bishop Rooke mentioned our diocesan national schools. While
addressed the Synod. Not unsurprisingly, Covid-19 expressing some concern about the circumstances of
hovered in the background of most of the bishop’s three of our five schools, Bishop Rooke said, ‘a lot of With its origins as a family run company,
remarks. He began by reflecting on the adverse very good work goes on in our national schools and all at Wills Bros take pride in the standards
impact that Covid-19 had made on the lives of we can feel proud of the contributions they make to we achieve in our projects, which culminate in
ordinary people. ‘The pandemic and subsequent their respective communities.’ numerous repeat contracts with our clients.
lockdown has had major implications for us all. Some
two-and-a-half thousand people across the island of Needless to say, TKA Synod 2020 will long be
Ireland have lost their lives and as a Diocesan Synod, remembered for being very different and something
we extend our sympathy to their loved ones.’ He also that we never want to have to repeat. That said, we
thanked those who had offered practical help to got over line and fulfilled all righteousness. Done and
others during the crisis saying,‘What it is to be a good dusted. Next challenge!
neighbour took on a whole new meaning.’ adding ‘we
will remember the heroic efforts and the Alistair Grimason
acknowledgement shown to all our essential
workers.’ The bishop also commended those who had Wills Bros Ltd Civil Engineering Contractors
found new ways to communicate the faith and Ballylahan Bridge, Foxford, County Mayo
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12
Alternative Pathways
Alternative Pathways – “We had our fairy tale wedding in Belleek Castle.
To say we were treated like kings & queens would be an
A Learning Community understatement. It was the most beautiful venue
Our strategy of Alternative Pathways has been thought of at the beginning of the year.
with the most fantastic staff.”
growing over the last three years although Covid-19
pushed the pause button for us in pursuing the The diocese is therefore looking to create a Learning
trajectory we were on. But maybe you are still at a Community from the original group who pioneered
loss as to what an Alternative Pathway of church is. this form of ministry three years ago. Given that we
An alternative pathway (also known as a Fresh now have many meetings where we don’t have to
Expression) is a new group where the members see travel and can join from the comfort of our own
Bespoke weddings in
it as their church. It is Christian, church, has a name sitting rooms we are looking to expand the group so
our unique and intimate
and some form of leadership, meets regularly (around that we can come together virtually to help one
castle setting, County
Mayo, Ireland.
once a month) and seeks to engage with non-church another facilitate some Alternative Pathways in our
people (that is, people who don’t come to traditional community, while upholding the current guidelines of
Elegant Castle
Sunday church). So, holding concerts in your church social distancing etc. If you think that you would like
Gothic Styling
and an annual pet service are not fresh expressions to come and share in the future, come and join us.
Renovated & Restored
of church but regular missional events and are very Maybe, you are a person who likes to think outside
Great Ambiance
valuable parts of our regular church life and we the box, come and join us. If you think I could never
Up to 200 Guests
should encourage them as mission. do that, come and join us. Why? Because, as the First
Mediaeval Banquet Hall
Ancient Woodlands
World War Kitchener poster said, WE NEED YOU.
Covid-19 though in many ways fed straight into the Alternative Pathways do not have to be complicated.
Alternative Pathway narrative as we had to find A pioneer in this area of church life said, ‘What’s in
belleekcastle.com
alternative ways of doing things. Consequently, the fridge!’ and what he meant was, Alternative
t +353 (0)96 22400
YouTube, Facebook live, Whatsapp, and Zoom, Pathways come from what we have, not what we do
suddenly became important. Now, we all thought that not have. Come and share what is in your fridge.
this would be over sooner than would appear to be
the case and so we are pressing the play button again. If you want to come and be with us either call me,
We continue to look for new ways of communicating the bishop or chat to your local clergy.
and enabling worship and maybe, the pandemic will
force us to look at things we would never have even Andrew Ison Turlough Nursery
Christmas is all about hope in the
face of the hopeless.
COVID-19 might bring Christmas Cards back like it Moyridge Nursing
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was in 1990, so have that ball of string on standby, as Home
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14
Mothers’ Union In memoriam
Bells "7 minutes bells at 7pm for seven
Mothers’ Union
Although we are all so restricted in our travelling and over the world wear black on that day in solidarity
in our gathering Mothers’ Union endeavours to with victims of abuse continues to be supported by
continue its work by making and maintaining Mothers’ Union members. Badges may also be worn nights at St Nicholas Collegiate Church"
connections in various ways. By the time of in support of this campaign.
publication, the results of the member “Christmas
Card Competition” may be known.The “Thank You to Particularly in this diocese a “Mums in May” grant As part of St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, awaiting the completion of a conservation
Frontline Workers” initiative is currently ongoing.The application was made and a grant was received to celebrations for the 700th anniversary a special management plan, she continued.
AFIA project is available for consideration within our support victims of domestic abuse. To this end it is initiative was run and at the end of September the
diocese. As much as possible branches are continuing intended that all of that grant will be spent in church bells pealed out for 7 minutes at 7pm for 7 The bell ringing will be streamed live on our facebook
in supportive outreach with projects such as cooperation and consultation with the organizations days. page – https://www.facebook.com/stnicholasgalway
emergency bathroom bags for hospitals and giving “COPE” in Galway and “Castlebar Women’s Support”. and people were encouraged to donate to St Nicholas
trees to support families at Christmas. Feedback has It is acknowledged also that individual branches have The newly formed campanology school has been very on line - details available on their Facebook site.
informed us that projects such as these are even more been supporting the work of these organizations and busy over the last year bringing the sound of the bells
appreciated at this time than ever as for example with women’s refuges on an ongoing basis. to Galway City and had a particularly popular ringing Gerald wrote this poem, The Bells of St. Nicholas, as
restrictions in place family may not be able to support in of the New Year, last New Year's Eve. The bells have a tribute to the landmark church at the heart of
the person in hospital as they would have done in the Branches are encouraged, where possible, and if they brought welcome hope and solace as they rang out at Galway city.
past. have not already done so, to support the usual 12 noon every Friday during the pandemic and
“Overseas” giving to the diocesan fund which in the lockdown, for frontline workers, and all those The bells of St Nicholas
end results in the support of the work of Mothers’ navigating through isolating, lonely or difficult times. reverberate through a fragile
Union overseas. This work aims to improve family life There was an overwhelming public response. The morning, and over broken glass
where it can be most difficult. Access to education and sound of the bells ringing out assures people that they the cat is poised to climb
skills is a significant empowerment with the potential are not alone. They have brought assurance to many, the Post Office tower or wait
to open the door to positive lifechanging experiences with the live streaming being viewed locally and there for hours until you
and a bright future. internationally, ensuring that those who are not local all out her name.
can still hear and witness it all. So mornings were the same
Thinking forward to 2021 it is currently planned to stretching to find the sky
have a virtual online All Ireland “Women’s Get Away” ‘The church is in great need of financial support at lowered around this sleeping
instead of the usual weekend. Needless to say, as with present; this year has been challenging as we have had city, the bells of St Nicholas
everyone else everything is being done throughout the to close our doors to visitors and were not able to reach across bedsitting rooms
organization to adopt to the changing circumstances hold our fundraisers, said the Rector, the Very Rev to the caravan parks
of the current climate.The “Mums in May” fundraising Lynda Peilow.We are working hard also to ensure that and over rooftops of quiet hotels,
walks are still being planned with AI President June St Nicholas’ will be around for another 700 years, and a flight of gulls descend in tattered glory.
Butler.
The organization Thanks are due to the members, branch officers and
continues its support diocesan officers who have happily learned new
for the 16 Days of communication skills and who have used their Tidings – Note from the Editor
Activism Against ingenuity and given time to cope with current unusual
Domestic Abuse and circumstances while working for Mothers’ Union. We Tidings is distributed free within the Diocese of Tuam, Or, alternatively via online banking using the bank
Gender Violence, prayerfully look to a blessed time ahead and we Killala and Achonry however, if you would consider account details below, with Tidings in the notification
mainly against girls, journey into 2021 with renewed “Hope and making a modest contribution towards the section depending on how your bank does this.
campaign. It is intended Confidence” production costs we would be most grateful as our Thank you for your support and stay safe.
that a 16 Days Prayer advertising only partially covers the costs.
Diary for the period Please see mothersunion.ie for more information.
Also, at this time we are looking to centralise the The bank details are:-
New Tidings Bank Account
25th November-6th
December will be Myrtle Nairn administration and in future Tidings finances will be Name on A/C: TUAM KILLALA ACHONRY DIOC
distributed within the run through the Diocesan Council account. So, if you COUNCIL NO 1 A/C
diocese. The are making a donation, please send a cheque to the BANK OF IRELAND, MAINGUARD ST, GALWAY
“Thursdays in Black” Diocesan Administrator, Mrs Heather Pope, 11 Ros ACCOUNT NO: 18315588
campaign where folk all Ard, Cappagh Road, Galway - payable to the United SORT CODE: 90-37-95
Dioceses of Tuam, Killala and Achonry Dioc Council IBAN: IE90BOFI 9037 9518 315588
No 1 a/c and write Tidings on the rear of the cheque. BIC: BOFIIE2D
16 17Historic Occasion Lockdown
1968/69 changed all that.To be sure, the world was instructor was murdered because he was a member
in a bit of turmoil at the end of the 1960s. And in of the RUC Reserve; my then girlfriend's father was
my small corner of that world the Civil Rights a part-time member of the UDR. His day job was
LOCKDOWN? WHAT
LOCKDOWN? Movement took off. It began on my doorstep in as a senior Civil Servant. Every evening he arrived
the nearby villages of Caledon and Coalisland and home, he would sit down in his armchair, take out
Historic Occasion quickly escalated and spread to much of Northern his personal weapon, a 9mm automatic pistol, clear
By Dean Alistair Grimason Ireland. But, and here is the scary bit, while at the the pistol's chamber and set it on the table beside
start it was a small bit novel and even exciting, it him. In the morning he would check underneath his
for St Nicholas'
One of the consequences of Covid-19 restrictions soon became an irritation and eventually just car for a bomb.
On Sunday October 25, the first in a series of is the occasion bout of apathy, a surge of listlessness normal. A whole society simply accepted that they
five live streamed concerts, entitled Abendmusik, that sweeps over one and expresses itself in a 'taking would be frisked going into shops, their cars would Once, myself and two friends were camping on the
will be broadcast from St Nicholas' Collegiate of the knee' to television bubble gum. Nota Bene the be searched on almost every journey, soldiers with bank of a river; fishing of course.When darkness fell
Church. deepening of societal affection for the likes of guns would walk the streets of the towns, bombs we saw a torch light getting closer and closer along
The concerts are part of Music for Galway and Netflix! would explode at unexpected moments and the river bank towards us. It was an Army foot
Galway 2020's SoundScapes Re-Imagined, and people they knew, even family members, would patrol. Nice young English lads, children not much
will focus mainly on choral music.This first show Thus it was that one evening, post the RTE News either be hauled out of their beds in the wee small older than us.They searched the tent, drank a cuppa
- Journey of the Spirit - featured baritone Gyula depression-fest, I and two daughters in their late 20s hours and taken to jail or murdered on the with us and went on their way.
Nagy, pianist Finghin Collins and the Resurgam found ourselves watching 'Reeling in the Years'. The daylight streets.This was our 'new normal' growing
choir under director Mark Duley. year that was a-reeling that particular evening was up in Northern Ireland post 1968. And it lasted, My first parish posting was to a curacy in North
1972. Needless to say, 'The Troubles' featured heavily. give or take, for 30 years. Belfast, a real 'hot spot'. One night in the middle of
The programme for the evening was Brahms' One stand-out scene comprised footage of a the night I got a call to a parishioner who was dying
'Four Serious Songs', Bach's 'Komm Jesu Komm', massive car bomb in Belfast. At the end of the Now, I don't 'enjoy' the current lockdown any in the Royal Victoria Hospital. I knew I could get
Schütz's 'Aus der Tiefe', and Orlando di Lasso's programme one of my daughters turned to me as more than anyone else. But it is small potatoes there by two routes. One short and iffy. One much
'Cum Essen Parvulus'.There was also be a choral said, ' Was it REALLY like that dad? ' And it suddenly compared to those days of my youth. And here is longer but much safer. I chose the former. Collar on,
improvisation, 'Through A Glass, Darkly', with struck me that these two, young, well educated where that 'subtilty' marks the difference. In these I chose to drive through The Ardoyne, a notoriously
Resurgam exploring the words of St Paul, where women had not a single clue about what it was like, times we know the regulations. I don't need to disturbed area. I was stopped by men with balaclavas
singers individually throw out ideas, followed by 'REALLY' like, to grow up and live in Northern spell them out. Back then, a lot of the lockdown and guns. I rolled down my window and a guy asked
a collective response. Ireland in the late 1960s, 1970s and beyond. experience was inside our heads, though it played who I was and where I was going. Before I could
Abendmusik, meaning "evening music", takes its out in real life. And it was much more oppressive. utter a word, another guy with a balaclava and a gun
name from the famous concerts that took place On reflection I don't know why I should have been Now we can go shopping or exercising, albeit said, 'It's okay.That's the Protestant minister. Let him
on Sunday afternoons in St. Mary's Church, particularly surprised at this. Down the years of living within 5km, with a fair degree of certainty that we away.' And off I went.
Lübeck, in northern Germany in the 17th and ministering in the Republic of Ireland I have will come back, that we will find shops open and
century. These concerts offered the Lübeck found it commonplace. On more than one occasion supplying in the main streets, that our friends and These, and many more incidents besides, was our
townspeople music based on religious themes I've been asked by this or that society or association family members will be safe in their daily round. 'normal'. A nervy, walking-on-eggs, internalised
but presented in non-liturgical settings. to speak to them about 'Northern Ireland of The Back then there were no such assurances. Our lockdown with no rules other than to literally keep
Troubles' as if it were a conflict in a far away land like lockdown was one of living constantly on your head down and hope in the Grace of God, and
Tickets for the upcoming shows are available via Korea or Vietnam rather than something that tenterhooks. Wrong time - wrong place was no visible end in sight. Oh, we weren't beating our
www.musicforgalway.ie,Abendmusik concerts in happened, and to degree is still happening, just 100 something we lived with every moment of every fists against the wall every morning. But someone
2021 are: February 14; March 7; and April 2. Each or so miles up the road.And to answer the question day. It was a psychological lockdown driven by once said to me that, at some level, all of us who
concert will have a different theme and feature 'Was it REALLY like that?' Well.....yes. It REALLY was anxiety. lived through that are slightly 'basket case'.
a short, newly commissioned choral work, from like that. Though it was much more subtle than
Irish composers. bombs going off and bullets flying. But I don't want Let me put personal flesh on these bones: My aunt You see, I hear folk moan and whinge about Level 5
to get ahead of myself. had a bakery. A small family affair. It was blown to for 6 weeks and I smile to myself.What we're being
bits, rebuilt with a lot of effort, then blown to bits asked to do now is really very small in the great
I grew up in the 1960s in the thriving market town again; when he left the Tyrone Courier, my father had scheme of things. Yes: it hurts. For some people it
of Dungannon in County Tyrone. I had loving and a filling station and corner shop. He was intimidated hurts a lot. But we and ours won't get blown up or
caring parents. We lived in a small semi-detached into closure during the Ulster Workers Strike in catch a stray bullet as we go about our daily lives.
house on the edge of a housing estate. And it was a 1974; my cousin, with whom I fish regularly, was a So, let's try to keep things in perspective. Ireland
happy childhood of bicycles and footballs and fishing member of a judo club which was run by the local 2020 is not a war zone. It's a temporary
rods and freedoms the like of which children today R.C. Boys Club. One evening a knock came to his inconvenience that will come to an end.
can only dream about. door and his mother was told that if Brian didn't
leave the club, bad things would happen; my canoe
18 19LESTER HALL & SONS
NICHOLAS AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTING/
PRINS
BUILDING CONSERVATION
PLANT HIRE Parish
News
Carpentry
Cast iron
Leadwork
Limework
Masonry
Silage making • Round Bale Silage
Sash windows
Whole Crop Silage • Ploughing /re–seeding
Slurry/Muck spreading • Lime Spreading
HISTORIC ROOF REPAIR take a break for festivals. Yes, it would be very sad not
to celebrate Christmas in church but it would, I
Tree Felling • Hedgecutting ACHONRY GROUP
Ballinlig, Beltra Tree surgery • Plant Hire St Crumnathy’s Cathedral, Achonry believe, be safer for all of us not to do so unless we
St George’s, Tubbercurry have gone back to Level Two or below.
Rathbarron
Co Sligo •
Priest in charge: Revd. Peter Norman Since being not allowed to have services in church I
Tel: 071 9181685 have gone back to celebrating the Eucharist each
Mobile: 087 2644518
E-mail: peternorman1959@gmail.com
M: 087–2447542
087 9254255 087 2679919 Sunday at 11.00 a.m. and putting some notes and
E: nicholasprins@gmail.com prayers each week on the parish page of the Diocesan
Last time I wrote these notes we were looking Website. Many thanks to Dean Alistair Grimason for
forward to Harvest and having Bishop Patrick with us. his unfailing help making this possible. You can read
That, of course, didn’t happen and nor did the Art the notes by going to
Exhibition all because we were moved to Level Three www.tuam.anglican.org/achonry/
restrictions. Now, as I write, we’re all at Level Five
ARE and yet again I can’t give you a list of what services to Virtual Carol Service
expect over the next few weeks or even what will
YOU...
suffering from financial
happen at Christmas. Whether or not we are in Church at Christmas there
is planned a virtual Carol Service on Sunday 20th
I did hear a rumour that maybe if we were back to December at a time to be announced. It is being
Level Three there might be some dispensation organised by Ian Callanan a composer of Church
allowing us to have services at Christmas. To be Music here in Ireland. More details can be found at
difficulties which are causing
honest I hope that such a dispensation would not be http://iancallanan.com/christmas/
hardship and distress?
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21Parish News Parish News
Please watch the twice weekly parish email for further We are extremely grateful to the very kind people
details. from the local community who have worked to give
AUGHAVAL GROUP
Holy Trinity, Westport the church grounds and the old cemetery a beautiful
Christ Church, Castlebar Whether I am able to see you or not between now restorative tidy-up. We would like to thank Patrick
Turlough and then remains to be seen, so I’d like to wish you all Gallagher, for his amazing clearance work on the
St Thomas’, Dugort a very Happy Christmas and pray for a peaceful and church grounds, Dorrie Darlington and Padraig Lavelle
Priest-in-charge: slightly less fraught New Year. for organising the council pruning machine to clear
Revd Canon Jennifer McWhirter the driveway and Fred Applebe for treating the weeds.
Tel: 098 25127
E-mail: revjkmcwhirter@yahoo.co.uk John Sweeney has brought the students of Transition Year
in the local Secondary school to St. Thomas. Over two
As I sit in my study to write on this very damp and
days last spring and a further two days this autumn they
dismal November day Christmas seems like it is very
have done amazing clearance work up the mountain on
far away. And yet it is in the forefront of the minds of
the paths and shrubbery of the Old Graveyard. We are
ST.THOMAS, DUGORT
a great many people who are wondering what
Achill Island looking forward to seeing John and the students back
Christmas 2020 will be like.What level of restrictions
Ordained Local Minister: with us again as soon as restrictions permit.
will there be? Will we be able to go to church to Revd Maebh O’Herlihy
celebrate the birth of the Christ-child rather than Tel: 087 2789912 Our heartfelt thanks also go to the frontline workers
watching online? Will we be able to travel to see family E-mail: maebhoh@gmail.com – doctors, nurses and community volunteers, who
or will family be able to travel to see us? Will we be
have worked so hard to look care for the Island
able to re-open our shops, and if so, will we get the
community during the recent surge of Covid-19 here.
Christmas shopping done in time? Some of these Although the church has been closed since late August, We thank God that these patients are recovering, and
questions may well be answered by the time Tidings there has been a lot of splendid activity taking place we pray to God that these frontline workers may
appears but even with the best case scenario being in the grounds. continue to be supported by His love and care.
played out Christmas 2020 is certain to be different
that of other years. What will not change, though, is
the, ‘good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all
people’ (Luke 2:10). If this pandemic has taught us service on Sunday 4th October.The chair of Westport
nothing else it has taught us to be thankful for small Eco-congregation, Mary Manning, spoke to us after the
mercies, to find happiness in the small everyday things candle had been lit about climate justice and the need
HISTORIC BUILDING SPECIALISTS & AWARD
and that joy is perhaps a state of mind rather than a for each of us to take action in our own small way to WINNING CHURCH RESTORERS SINCE 1918
physical condition.Through all the struggles of the last make changes which will positively affect the life of
months, and as we face an uncertain future, we should our planet.
www.jrainey.com
never lose sight of the hope we have in the birth of
an infant son to a peasant mother at that first
Christmas so long ago.
Podcasts and services
As restrictions continue so too will the twice weekly
Ireland’s longest established fully insured
podcasts. The Revd Maebh O’Herlihy has started to
Steeplejacks steeplejack company, our rope access techniques
record some of the podcasts and I would like to thank
have evolved from old traditional steeplejack skills.
Balla roadway
After 8 years or so the road re-aligning project at Balla her for her support. The online diocesan services
has now been completed. This saw the road being have been extended until the end of January as well.
straightened along the wall of Holy Trinity graveyard No-one knows yet what Christmas services will look
Roofing contractors with over 60 years experience
and the new verges being planted. The graveyard is like, but information will be sent out via parish email Roofing specialising in restoration of high architectural
cared for beautifully and it is looking very well (see when we know what’s happening! So, watch this space.
buildings.
photos). Our thanks to everyone involved.
Christmas services
If we are allowed to have services in church over the
We are the largest installer of lightning protection
Westport Eco congregation - Candle on 4th Lightning Protection
Christmas period it will be my hope that we will have
October and earthing systems in Ireland.
The Westport Eco-congregation candle for the season a carol service of sorts in each parish on 19th/20th
of creation was blessed in St Mary’s, Westport on December at the usual times and that services for
Saturday 26th September, the theme being ‘Our Christmas will be as follows:
Our stonework expertise and extensive history
common home’. Some members of the committee Christmas Eve 6.00pm Turlough Parish Conservation of restoration has earned us many conservation
were present for this. It then travelled to Holy Trinity, Christmas Day 10.00am Christchurch, Castlebar
accolades.
Westport, and was lit as part of the Harvest Festival Christmas Day 11.30am Holy Trinity, Westport
Dublin Office: Balheary Road, Swords, Dublin, Ireland. Tel. +353 (1) 840 1515 Fax +353 (1) 840 2919 Email: info@jrainey.com
22
Belfast Office: 3A Upper Dunmurry Lane, Belfast, N. Ireland. Tel: +44 2890 351515 Fax +44 2890 351991 Email: jrainey1@btconnect.comYou can also read
