Parish News

April sees the return of An Taisce’s National Spring Clean. People can organise a clean up in their local area, be it urban or rural, by contacting nsc@antaisce.org or logging on to www.nationalspringclean.org. Participants will be supplied with rubbish bags (which will be collected), litter picks and hi-vis vests. Alternatively, there is a “2 minute street clean”, where people are invited to spend about two minutes picking up litter any time they are out, information available on www.2minutesstreetclean.org. Both initiatives really do make a difference to your locality – isn’t it uplifting to see clean stretches of rural roadside verge, bedecked with wild flowers rather than discarded wrappers, coffee cups, bottles etc. and nice clean streets in urban areas. Rubbish begets rubbish while people may, just may, hesitate to throw litter in clean areas. Why not take the opportunity to encourage friends, family and neighbours to get involved – also, litter picking with other people can be a rewarding community activity. Furthermore, the spring clean might inspire some of you to help with either the Tidy Towns or Wicklow Pure Mile year-round litter picking schemes. The results are well worth the effort.

A donation of two benches has been made to Ashford Tidy Towns from the proceeds of last year’s Ashford Country Fair. They were recently erected on the bridge in the village and look out over the river.

The Ashford Tidy Towns Annual General Meeting takes place in Ashford Community & Heritage Centre on Tuesday 26th February commencing at 8.30pm. All are welcome! New volunteers are always needed.

Would you be interested in leading prayers from time to time in Nun’s Cross church? You could start by reading prayers from the Book of Common Prayer or another suitable prayer book or material produced by local clergy. Alternatively, you could write your own prayers and receive suitable instruction, as required. If you are interested, please contact Rev Ken.

Alpha will run on Thursday evenings in the Ashford Community & Heritage Centre from 7.30pm to 9pm commencing on 17th January and concluding on 28th March.

 Alpha is an 11 week course, with an additional away day. Each weekly session includes a 25 minute lecture/video, 30 minute time in table groups or small group discussion, a bit of food/tea – basically providing an atmosphere conducive to participation, discussion and learning more clearly key principles in the Christian faith.

 If you would like further information please contact either Bruce Alwood (087 2547538) or Rev Ken.

The purpose of this training programme is to equip a range of people to visit primarily in homes, whether those they visit be long-established residents or recent arrivals. There is an immediate urgency for such work not least because of a significant number of upcoming housing and residential developments but also because of loneliness and alienation in suburban and rural life in today’s Ireland. The training course will be delivered by Church Army (Ireland) through Archdeacon Isaac Hanna and his team. While having theological and intellectual credibility, the course is not designed to be academic but practical and engaging for all concerned. The course will be delivered in three full-day sessions on Saturday 9th February, Saturday 9th March and Saturday 13th April 2019. The course will lead to the commissioning before the summer as Diocesan Pastoral Assistants of those who complete it through the awarding of the Bishops’ Certificate. Candidates will need the endorsement of their rector or Rural Dean, as appropriate. They will also need to be Garda Vetted before beginning work.
If you would be interested in receiving this training, please contact Rev Jack or Rev Ken to discuss.

Lesley Rue has taken responsibility for distributing the Church Review. If you would like your name to be added to the list of recipients, please let Lesley know.

Please consider renewing or beginning your financial commitment to Killiskey Parish by way of Planned Giving. By doing this you can maximise the amount of money received by the Parish and greatly assist the Parish to meet its financial commitments. Planned Giving is making a pledge to donate an amount of money regularly over the course of the year whether weekly, monthly, quarterly or by a single donation. Under the tax regulations, the Parish, as a registered charity, can obtain a tax refund from the government for recorded donations from tax payers (PAYE and Self-Assessment) who contribute a minimum of €250 in the tax year. This is the equivalent of €4.81 per week. The parish can claim a further approx. 45% of the amount donated from the government. Cash donations on the plate, while very gratefully received, are not eligible for a tax refund. If you are contributing more than €250 over the course of the year through this method, you might like to consider Planned Giving.
Planned Giving can be done in any one of the following ways:
The envelope system enables parishioners to donate regular cash amounts which can be recorded for tax refund purposes. Envelopes can be obtained from the churchwardens.
By setting up a standing order with your bank for a minimum donation of €5 per week (or monthly or quarterly equivalent).
A donation or donations totalling at least €250 can be made directly to the Parish Treasurer, Albert Mahon, Laragh East, Glendalough, Co. Wicklow.