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Retirement - Mr Richard Codd - Principal of Tullow NS

St Columba's Church, Tullow was filled to capacity on Friday 18th November 2011 to honour the years of leadership in the adjoining national school of the retiring principal: Richard Codd. The service was conducted by the rector the Revd Andrew Orr and otheer clergy included Archdeacon John Murray, the Revd Lester Scott, Dean Philip Knowles (who took the intersessions), the Revd Stella Durand and Fr James Gahan. The music was led by the choir with soloist Claire Florio and organist Stephen Adams. The readings were by teacher Andrea McAssey and Richard's first principal in Carysfort National School, Maud Mitchell and there were specially written poems were read by members of the school. The collection was for one of his preferred charities: Barnados.

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Following the service the rector made several presentations on behalf of everyone. Both the Rector and the Chairman of the Board of Management Mr Neville Caldbeck spoke as did the Bishop who arrived in specially to add his congratulations to Richard. Tributes were paid to Richard for his fairness, his concern and need for all pupils, his ability to be firm and yet to enjoy fun and sociability. His total commitment to the profession and there were recollections of the many many excursions and outings he organised. Richard himself spoke of his teaching career and of his principalship at St Columba's. He talked of how he was persuaded to take up teaching and began in Arklow before moving to Tullow. At that time thhe school was known as Tullow No 2 and he persuaded the Dept. to give the school a proper name and the nomenclature of St Columba's brought it into proper and obvious connection with the church. One of the more recent successes has been the building programme, extending the premises enhancing the school to a greater extent than merely adding pre-fabs.

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New Dean for Waterford

The Revd Maria Jansson was instituted as incumbent of Christ Church Waterford on Sunday 4th December. The Bishop conducted the service and installed the Revd Maria as Dean of Waterford.

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The Revd Ruth West (Priest-in-charge), Bishop William Lee (Bishop of Waterford & Lismore), the Revd Elaine Murray (Registrar), the Revd Cecil Hyland (Preacher), the Very Revd John Murray (Archdeacon), the Revd Maria Jansson, the Rt Revd Michael Burrows Bishop of Cashel & Ossory, and the Revd Canon George Cliffe (Bishop's Chaplain).

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New Rector for Killeshin

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ptarletonThe Revd Peter Tarleton who has been appointed to the incumbency of Killeshin was instituted in Killeshin Church on Sunday 13th November 2011.

He has served curacies in Dublin and Cork, was vicar in Limerick city and chaplain to the University (while Bishop Empey was dean) and then was for a time incumbent in Cootehill Co. Cavan before leaving for England where he has had a long ministry in hospital and prison chaplaincy, currently in the diocese of Liverpool.

Peter has been an Anglican priest for 38 years. He has previously worked as a Chaplain within the Prison Service for 20 years, a role which has taken him from Hindley Youth Custody Centre in Wigan, to HMP Lindholme near Doncaster and HMP Leeds in Armley.

Originally from Co Limerick in Ireland, Peter is a father and a grandfather. In his spare time Peter enjoys listening to jazz and folk music. Family holidays are often in Ireland, but also in France, where Peter enjoys walking in the Pyrenees.

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Diocesan Synod report 2011 - Cashel and Ferns

syn11aIn one of the most vibrant and well-attended Diocesan Synods for some time, many matters were discussed in a lively and good-humoured, constructive manner giving much food for thought, both in the area of organisation as well as social and religious issues concerning the church, both locally and globally.

The Synod took place in October and was conducted by the Bishop. The trienniel elections for the clerical and lay positions for both Cashel and for Ferns took place.

Honorary officers: The Very Revd Dr Philip Knowles was elected Cashel Clerical Secretary, Richard Codd and Peter Clifton-Brown as lay Hon. Secretaries and Sam Harper and Billy Kingston as Lay Hon. Treasurers. The Bishop reiterated his thanks to the retiring Hon Treasurer (Cashel) Lord Rathdonnell for extraordinry good governance and meticulousness over many years.

The Revd Canon Bob Gray was elected Ferns Clerical Secretary, Dorcas Rothwell and Roger Boyd as lay Hon. Secretaries and Ivan Ward and Janet Rothwell as lay Hon Treasurer.

Two motions were adopted: that Synod convey its gratitude to Her Excellency the President of Ireland for the graceful and inclusive manner in which she has discharged the duties of her office over fourteen years. This motion also included an encouragement to all adult members of the dioceses to participate fully in the forthcoming presidential election. And also to convey to the new President upon election an assurance of the daily prayers of the Church of Ireland and a hope that the new President will inspire in everyone the highest standards of Christian citizenship.

The second motion expressed serious concern at the potential impact on farms and rural communities at the proposed termination in 2013 of the EU Single Farm Payment scheme, if it is not replaced by a comparable scheme. The Synod called on the Church of Ireland at local and national levels to make representations in defence of the rural communities and requested the sentiments be conveyed to Standing Committee and to the General Synod 2012. This was a debate of real substance and passion, showing the continuing bonds between church and agriculture in these parts. Those who contributed were the Revd Canon Ian Poulton (proposer), John Thompson, Sam Harper, John Couchman, Eric Driver, Godfery Borthistle and Roger Boyd. There was also some debate in relation to manning a stand at next year's National Ploughing Championships in New Ross. It is expensive but many regard it as an important to be present at such a large event in rural Ireland, especially when it is in our own diocese.

The Reports of both Diocesan Councils were proposed and adopted, Cashel as proposed by Frances Bradley and seconded by the Revd Canon Tom Sherlock; Ferns by Hilda Plant and the Revd Arthur Minion.

There were also reports concerning Continuing Ministry and Adult Education, (the Very Revd Tom Gordon) the Diocesan Boards of Education, the Environment and Youth - these elicited much debate and information. The scheme of diocesan environmental awards aims to motivate parishes in considering how care of the local will assist the survival of the global. The Dioceses may be justly proud of those members who have qualified through its course in adult theological education now accredited through the Kilkenny Campus of NUI Maynooth.

Synod also welcomed Cllr David Fitzgerald who present the 2011 Diocesan Environmental Awards. For a capital project; the Leighlin Union of parishes and accepted by the Very Revd Tom Gordon. For Motivation for the Young: St Canice's cathedral Kilkenny Group of parishes and accepted by the Very Katharine Poulton and the young parishioners. For Church Environs: the Carlow Group of Parishes and accepted by the Revd Olivia Williams, Betty Farrar and John Kemp.

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Portlaoise welcomes their new rector

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On Sunday night, 28th August 2011, at St Peter's Church, the new Rector, the Revd Stanley Monkhouse, began his ministry here at the institution ceremony conducted by the Bishop.

The church was filled with parishioners from the three parishes (Portlaoise, Ballyfin and The Rock), from neighbouring parishes, from the wider diocese and from Stanley’s previous parishes in Derbyshire, England, and from Dublin, where Stanley worked for 16 years until 2003.

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The ceremony included legal formalities conducted by the Diocesan Registrar, the Revd Elaine Murray, and the Archdeacon, the Ven. John Murray, together with presentations of symbols of ministry (bread, wine, Bible, prayer book, water, towel, and keys) brought by parishioners. The enthusiastic singing was led by Mrs Rosemary Day, organist, and lessons from Holy Scripture were read by the Revd William Olmsted of the Methodist Church, Mgr John Byrne of SS Peter and Paul, Portlaoise, and the Revd Canon Patrick Harvey from Abbeyleix. Guests included the Mayor of Portlaoise, Mr Charlie Flanagan TD and his wife Mary (with whose father Stanley used to work in Dublin), Mrs Valerie Whitten of Maryborough National School, chaplains from the prisons, Archbishop Walton Empey and Canon Michael Knight, the Vicar of Chesterfield, a friend and former colleague of Stanley's.

The Monkhouse family was there too: Susan, Stanley’s wife, Mrs Victoria Fitzsimons (daughter) from Dublin, and Mr Edward Monkhouse (son) from Blackrock. Susan and Stanley have another son, Hugh, who lives with his family in San Antonio, Texas, who was there in spirit. The address was given by the Revd Dr Adrian Empey who was Vicar of St Ann’s, Dublin, when Stanley was organist there.

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After the ceremony there refreshments in the Parish Hall, for which parishioners had obviously spend a great deal of time and energy in the kitchen. A vote of thanks was offered to all who were involved! The whole event was a joyous occasion of great delight.

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New Dean of Ferns installed

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The institution to the incumbency of the Ferns Union of parishes of the Revd Dr Paul Mooney and his installation as Dean of Ferns took place on Friday 8th July 2011 in St Edan's Cathedral, Ferns.

The Service was conducted by the Bishop, the Rt Revd Michael Burrows who welcomed everyone to Ferns and to Dr Mooney and his family who had returned from their time in Korea.

The incumbent-elect was presented by the Archdeacon of Ferns the Venerable Chris Long. The Bishop commended the nominee to the prayers of the congregation and following the Collect, Dr Mooney was led to the dean's stall.

Following the readings, the sermon was given by the Revd Father Patrick McMullan, member of the missionary Society of St Columban and now working in South Korea.

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The declarations made and signed, the Act of Institution was read and handed to the incumbent-elect by the Bishop who entrusts the parish to him as priest in this diocese. The appointment as Dean of Ferns then becomes immediately effective with the Registrar (the Revd Elaine Murray) reading the bishop's mandate to the Chapter requesting them to receive and install the dean. The Chancellor led the dean to his stall after which the members of the Chapter and the Bishop stood facing the people to present him to them, asking them to support, encourage him in his ministry. The congregation replied with a loud WE WILL! and on welcoming the dean to the people by the bishop, the congregation also applauded their new dean.

In the more pastoral part of the service, the Commission, members of the congregation brought forward symbols of the teaching, pastoral and sacramental ministry of the incumbent. The Dean then led the prayers and gave notice of the celebrations of Holy Communion in the churches the following Sunday. The Collection was for the Bishop's Fund for Training in Ministry and upon going out of the cathedral as God’s people, a reception was held in St Mogue's Cottage nearby.

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The Revd Helen Oxley ordained Deacon

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The Revd Helen Oxley was ordained to the Church of Ireland diaconate on Sunday 3rd July 2011 on the Feast of St Thomas the Apostle.

Helen has been working as Diocesan Layreader with particular connection with Tullow and Killeshin groups of Parishes and last Sunday was ordained as deacon on her first step to being fully priested. This took place in St Mary's Church Bagenalstown as Helen will take up duties as assistant priest in this Union of parishes.

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The service of ordination was conducted by the Rt Revd Michael Burrows and the preacher was the Revd Dr Christine O’Dowd-Smyth from Lismore.

Helen's sponsors were her son Mr Jonathan Oxley, her uncle Mr Leo Green, Mr Bobby Fawcett and Ms Mary McQuin. The readers were Ms Amy Kidd and Mr Jonathan Oxley. The Gospel was read by the Right Revd Monsignor Brendan Byrne. The music was led by the Choir of St Mary's Bagenalstown with Cantor the Very Revd Tom Gordon and organist Ms Sena Harenberg.

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The Bishop ordained Helen through the laying on of hands with the congregation affirming by acclaiming the act with a great AMEN!

Following a celebration of the Eucharist, the Bishop led the newly-ordained deacon through the church as she carried a copy of the New Testament to the door where she was greeted and congratulated firstly by the clergy and then by the emerging congregation. Refreshments were held in the grounds of the adjoining national school, it being a fine and balmy summer's evening!

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The Rite of Ordination is the act of the whole People of God!

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The Ordination of the Revd Alec Purser took place in St Laserian's Cathedral in Old Leighlin on Sunday 12th June 2011, the Feast of Pentecost. The service was conducted by the Church of Ireland Bishop of Cashel & Ossory the Right Revd Michael Burrows and the preacher was the Very Revd Tom Gordon, Dean of St Lasarian's.

The packed cathedral was reordered around a central nave altar for the liturgy which gave the service an entirely different ethos. The music was provided by the Laserian Consort and directed by Mark Duley. What had been an anticipated congregation of around 150 ended up being nearer 300. It was a real testimony to the affection in which Alec and his family is held. Sam, Alec and Gillian's son, led the entire procession as crucifer at his father's ordination and Alec's sponsors were his wife Gillian, Ms Barbara James and the Revd Ann Wallace.

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The lessons were read by the Revd Canon Patrick Harvey and Gillian Purser. The Gospel was read by the Revd Helen Oxley. During the rite of ordination took place by the font to place his hand in the water to indicate where Alec began his Christian journey, and then the Bishop and the many priests present laid their hands on the head of Alec and the act of ordination ended with the great interactive Amen of affirmation.

The sponsors prepared the table for the Eucharist which concluded the service. Afterwards the many well-wishers from both Carlow where Alec is from and from Abbeyleix where he is currently working and will continue to minister, bade him many blessings as he sets out on his life of ministry.

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The Eucharist will be celebrated next Sunday. BE THERE!

This was the encouraging cry of the new rector of the Kells Union and Inistioge, the Revd Martin Hilliard on his institution on Sunday 5th June 2011.

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The service was conducted by Bishop Burrows and the Preacher was the Venerable Stephen Forde, Archdeacon of Dalriada and Rector of Larne and Inver where Mr Hillard had been Curate.

A large contingent of parishioners had travelled from Co. Antrim to support him. There were also many from Dublin where Martin had been a teacher in the High School before taking holy orders. The lessons were read by Ms Lucy Rothwell from Insitioge and Mr John Brownlee from Larne.

The Gospel was read by the Revd Ian Poulton who had looked after the parishes during the interregnum. The organist was Ms Joy Wills.

Also present were supporters from the ecumenical community: Fr Richard Scriven (Inistioge) and Fr Dan Bollard (Thomastown). The local civic world was represented by Cllr John Paul Phelan and (FG), Cllr Sean Treacy (FF) and Cllr Michael O?Brien (Lab).

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The Bishop welcomed everyone on this fine June Sunday evening after Ascension Thursday stating that this was the last time that the Revd Martin Hilliard could be welcomed as from now on he would be part of the community and that hoped he would have many happy years here in Kells.

Inistoge village was en f?e being its festival weekend and as promised, the sound of the rock music outside and audible initially in the church, was duly turned down so that the congregation might quietly reflect on the solemnity of the occasion and so that it might be able itself to sing all the better.

Following the sermon, the first part of the institution took place with the Diocesan Registrar the Revd Elaine Murray and His Honour Judge Peter Smithwick reading the two certificates of appointments: that of Kells Union and a separate appointment for Inistioge.

The Bishop then requested Mr Hillard to read and sign the prescribed declarations, which were followed by the bishop?s reading of the Act of Instutution. The Bishop then presented the new rector to the congregation who greeted him with warm applause.

In the more symbolic and pastoral aspect of the institution, members of the congregation brought forward symbols of the teaching, pastoral and sacramental ministry of the incumbent.

These were Daphne Coad (Inistioge) a copy of the bible; Mr Hugh Hutchinson (Kells) a container of water; Gertie Ross (Inistioge) a copy of the Book of Common Prayer; Mr Robin Moss (Ennisnag) containers of bread and wine; Ms Jean Smyth (Kilmoganny) a container of oil; Ms Edith Rothwell (Kilfane) a towel; the Very Revd Katharine Poulton Dean of Ossory a copy of the Diocesan Directory and Mr Ted Diamond (Churchwarden ? Inistioge) the key of the church. The last prompting the Bishop to make his usual plea that keys were for opening rather than closing and that churches should be kept open as far as is practical and safe.

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The Revd Martin Hilliard then took the prayers of the people and included those who were saddened by losing the churches to which they had once belonged but were now closed. He also prayed especially for those in economic difficulties and who are frightened for their future.

Finally he announced that Holy Communion would be celebrated the following Sunday in Kilmoganny at at 10 a.m. and Inistioge at 11.45 a.m.

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Faith Relationship - Cashel & Ossory Mothers Union Festival Service 2011.

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This annual service took place in St Peter's Church Mountrath on Wednesday 18th May last. The Service was conducted by Bishop Michael Burrows and the Preacher was the Rt Revd Ken Clarke Bishop of Kilmore.

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The lessons were read by Mrs Phyllis Grothier and Mrs Carol Hennessy). The Gospel was read by the Revd Ann Wallace. The prayers were led by the Unit Coordinators: Mrs Carol Hennessy, Mrs Phyllis Foot, Mrs Joan Blake, Mrs Maureen Lanigan and Mrs Irene Murray.

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New Officers who were commissioned were: Mrs Carol Hennessy (Faith and Policy), Mrs Phyllis Foot (Action & Outreach), Mrs Roselea Walsh (Young Families) Mrs Betty Wilkinson (Indoors) and Mrs Alyson Walsh (Media).

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The Service was introduced by the Bishop who greeted everyone in this, still the season of Eastertide and who also thanked the Revd Canon Ian Poulton for helping in the organization and reminded the congregation that this was the first anniversary to the day of his institution as rector of Mountrath. Mrs Sandra Condell (Branch Chairperson) gave the local greeting and thanked all those who had been involved in the organization of the service and the evening.

Following the service, tea and refreshments were served in the Parochial Hall, the Diocesan President Mrs Phyllis Grothier and the Canon Poulton thanked all those responsible for the success of the evening and Mrs Sandra Condell made a presentation to Bishop Ken Clarke.

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© Diocese of Cashel & Ossory