CANDLELIT CHRISTMAS CONCERTS The Christmas celebrations were anticipated, for the first time in three years, with our popular concerts of Christmas music in St James’s Church, Mallow. These are always very popular and drew large audiences from across the communities we serve – and from further afield. We are grateful to everyone who gave their time and creative skills to organise the concerts, provide refreshments and make people welcome.
CHRISTMAS WORSHIP the full round of Christmas worship took place in this Union and our celebrations of the incarnation and manifestation of Christ will continue until we celebrate the feast of Candlemas. We shall anticipate the feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord with a celebration of the Eucharist on Wednesday 4th January at 11.00am in St James’s Church, Mallow. On Sunday 8th January, the feast of Christ’s Baptism, in addition to the usual morning services in Castletownroche and Doneraile, there will be an Epiphanytide Christingle Celebration at 4.00pm in St James’s Church, Mallow, followed by a party for our younger (and not-so-younger!) worshippers.
SADNESS & CELEBRATION during the week before Advent began, we bade a fond farewell to our great friend, Fr Gerry Casey, as we celebrated his ministry over many years. As the former Archdeacon of the Cloyne Diocese, Fr Gerry lived in retirement in Doneraile (he was the closest neighbour to St Mary’s Church) and often took part in ecumenical services in our church. Before retirement, he had been parish priest of Mallow and was well known to many Church of Ireland parishioners from the town. The Rector took part and said prayers of commendation at the Mass in St Mary’s Catholic church in Doneraile on the eve of his funeral; and Diocesan Reader, Avril Gubbins, who had known Fr Gerry since school days, read one of the readings. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
CANDLEMAS DAY we will bring our Christmas celebrations to a joyful conclusion on Sunday 30th January when all three congregations of this Union will join for a celebration of the Eucharist in St Mary’s Church, Doneraile at 11.00am.
MOTHERS’ UNION The members of the MU in this Union were led in worship at a service in St James’s Church, Mallow, October, at the end of October, by the Reverend Eileen Cremin, and enjoyed refreshments afterwards. We are thankful for the witness of the Mothers’ Union in these parishes, not least in currently highlighting the issue of gender violence.
RESTORATION WORK The congregation of St Mary’s, Castletownroche, met at the beginning of December and were addressed by our architect James Bourke on the recent phase of works, with an opportunity to ask questions and discuss the options for future work. We were very fortunate to be awarded a grant (the highest awarded in 2022) under Cork Council’s heritage scheme.
HOLY BAPTISM It was a joy to witness the baptism of Georgette Alice Lysaght Healy at St Mary’s Doneraile on Friday December 30th. We welcome you, Georgie, into the fellowship of God’s Church!
