Parish News

https://www.heritageweek.ie/event-listings/connections-the-ties-that-tie-the-links-that-link-the-arts-crafts-movement-in-nuns-cross-church

The “ties” and “links” of the title invite visitors to see Nun’s Cross not simply as a beautiful historic church, but as a richly connected work of art — a place where family memory, local craftsmanship, European influence, architectural patronage and the ideals of the Arts and Crafts Movement are woven together.

This special Heritage Week opening invites visitors to explore the church at their own pace and to discover the stories behind its treasures — the makers, patrons, artists, apprentices and local families whose lives and work are woven into the building.

At the heart of the week will be two guided talks by Patricia Butler, art historian, author and lecturer, whose book Nun’s Cross Church, Co. Wicklow and its Treasures 1817–2017 celebrates the history and artistry of this remarkable church, on Sun 16th and Sun 22nd at 3.00 both days. On the Sundays, Morning Prayer, with choir and traditional Anglican chant, takes place 11:15 – 12:15. All welcome.

Whether you are interested in architecture, stained glass, woodcarving, local history, church heritage, or simply discovering something beautiful on your doorstep, Nun’s Cross offers a rare opportunity to experience the quiet splendour of the Arts & Crafts movement in an intimate and deeply atmospheric setting.

Admission is free and no booking is required.

Autism Friendly / Sensory-considerate visit: Nun’s Cross Church will be open for relaxed, self-guided visits, allowing visitors to move at their own pace and take breaks as needed. There will be no flashing lights or loud amplified effects during the open visiting periods. A quieter seating area can be made available for anyone who needs time away from the main flow of visitors, and volunteers will be briefed to assist calmly and respectfully. Visitors who prefer a quieter experience may find the weekday opening times more suitable. Please note that the Sunday services include choir and traditional Anglican chant.

Eco Notes April 2026

Energy crisis

We all know to our cost that the energy market is currently very turbulent owing to the war in Iran, with prices fluctuating regularly, but overall suffering a dramatic increase. This situation is unlikely to improve in the near future; indeed, it may well deteriorate significantly. We are being asked to conserve energy as much as possible. Some people may be asked to work from home, where feasible. Others may choose to use public transport more: if ever there was a time for the bus and train services to improve, it is now. Now may also be an opportunity for people who live near their workplace or school to walk or cycle. Excluding those who are immobile or invalided in any way, many homes could perhaps be heated less, either by lowering the thermostat, reducing the hours of using heat or by heating fewer rooms. Cost rises will not be limited to energy, as most products we buy in the shops and services we use rely on energy to some extent. Many folk will suffer severe financial hardship. We may all need to become more inventive on how to reduce our own costs – buying fewer unnecessary goods, growing more of our own food, buying more locally produced food and other goods. The immediate future will pose challenges for us in Ireland, but they will pale into insignificance compared to the circumstances of all those enmeshed in the wars in the Middle East. The consequences for the environment will also be immense.

Eco Notes January 2026

New Year resolutions

As 2026 rolls in, are we all going to make grandiose New Year resolutions, many of which (if not most) will fade away into obscurity all too soon? There are some resolutions that would be really good to make – and to adhere to. As a start, we could reduce the amount of waste we produce, across all spheres of our lives. This has immediate knock-on benefits. For example, a reduction in food waste reduces the volumes of emissions and materials, as energy is needed in food production and materials in packaging. Where food is sourced locally, fewer air miles are involved and, often, less packaging. Using up food in the fridge and vegetable rack before buying more can save much waste. Finishing food containers completely, instead of binning half jars saves waste (and money); squeeze out tubes carefully, it is surprising how much can lurk inside – think tomato puree, toothpaste etc. We can buy what is actually needed as opposed to buying in excess. Clothes are a prime example – where goods are purchased on-line, many people opt to buy several sizes and will return those that do not fit. However, nearly all these items are discarded by the on-line company, because they cannot be sold as new. A total waste. Electronic goods and toys are frequently bought in astonishingly large volumes. Black Friday, Christmas, birthdays induce in many a frenzy of shopping, without stopping to think are the goods really needed? Celebrations with family and friends do not have to cost the earth (literally).

A WINTER’S TALE – A Christmas Celebration!

A WINTER’S TALE – A Christmas Celebration!Join us for a magical evening of festive music, song, and readings in the historical and evocative setting of Nun’s Cross Church, Ashford, on Friday, 5th December at 8:00 p.m.This special Christmas celebration features international soprano Niamh Murray and acclaimed concert pianist and organist Ronan Murray, performing a selection of seasonal favourites to lift the heart and stir the spirit.They will be joined by the Choir of Christ Church Bray, under the direction of the distinguished Tatiana Konina – international organist, pianist, and choral conductor – together with our own Revd Jack Kinkead, rector of Killiskey Parish and occasional performer with Opera Ireland.We are also delighted to welcome a wonderful lineup of guests:The well-known actor Mark Lambert (Film, TV, and Broadway stage)Award-winning Irish theatre actor-director and performer Daniel J. HealyHusband and wife duo Darragh and Justine Baumann, will share festive readings from A Christmas Carol, The Snow Queen, The Chronicles of Narnia and J. M. Synge’s The Passing.Tickets (€25) are available:
• Online via Eventbrite (scan the QR code at the top of the poster), or
• Locally from the Ashford Charity Shop
Complimentary refreshments will be served during the interval in the adjacent school, and Raffle tickets will be available before the concert and during the interval.

All proceeds from A Winter’s Tale support the Nun’s Cross Church Restoration Fund (2023–2028).

The Memorial Tree & Messenger Doves
Once again, our Memorial Tree and “Messenger” Doves will be available for anyone wishing to remember a loved one this Christmas. Each dove will be dedicated to someone dear no longer with us, or those receiving ongoing care, especially cancer care. All names will be included in our Carol Service on Sunday, 28th December.

Donations for our Messenger Doves (minimum €2) will go
entirely to Wicklow Hospice and Wicklow Cancer Support.

Messages and donations can be submitted:

• In person at the Ashford Charity Shop
• At any 11.15 a.m. Sunday service in Nun’s Cross Church (from now until Sunday, 28th December)
• At the Christmas Concert on December 5th• Or online using the QR Code provided here.
Let’s celebrate the season together with music, laughter, remembrance and goodwill. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.