Christmas Message

"The People that walked in darkness has seen a great light. On those who live in a land of deep shadow a light has shone - Isaiah 9:2"

This text from the Prophet Isaiah comes from some seven hundred years before the time of Christ and yet its sentiments must strike a chord with very many in our Community at this time, as we prepare for Christmas 2009. It would be very tempting - and no doubt much more positive - but hardly realistic - to overlook the background against which we are preparing to celebrate Christmas. Yes there is much darkness and deep shadow on the Irish landscape this year - and indeed on our own more local scene too.

Many have been struggling with the bad economic conditions trying to make ends meet to keep home and family together, others working very hard to keep a business going; most of us touched by a Budget that will cost us more to live, rain and floods destroying the homes and property of many families.. On top of all that we have the Dublin report on abuse with all the severe pain and hurt that is revisiting on so many survivors and their loved ones. Then there is the occasion of deep shame, regret and apology that I and very many people who love the Church feel at th is time. Violence, resulting in death has cast a very deep and dark shadow over our Community in these days. Then there are the more usual struggles and human burdens that so many experience at any given time.

Against that background, it would be easy to lose hope, to lose heart and give up. There is I believe a real need for new hope and new purpose at this time. We need to pick ourse'lves up and to pick up one another. We need to strongly encourage each other. With this in mind we prepare to welcome Jesus Christ - the Light of the World - into our hearts, our home and our Community this Christmas. He is the one who will give renewed hope and purpose to our lives and our Community if we but open wide our hearts in welcome. I came across a Christmas poem recently which said, " You and I will never be able to erase the fact that he came: to touch lives - to break bread - to heal hurt - to forgive sins - to wash feet - to calm seas - to walk on water - to give us his Spirit and to care immensely.... ..... ,., ... ,., .. I believe that Christmas is for healing and He came to heal. .... ..... ...... .. .God can never be born enough."

As I, with my fellow Priests, Canon Piert, Fr. Paul and Fr. Jim, our Parish Pastoral Council and all who work and Minister in our Parish extend warmest Christmas Greetings to you, may we pray and hope that the healing touch of Jesus Christ will touch the lives of each of us and our Community, Our sincere thanks and appreciation to all who in any way have contributed to the life and work of our Parish over the past year. May the Lord accompany each of us on our journey in 2010 so that we may walk in neither in shadow or darkness but in His Light.

Fr. Martin Cosgrove PP

2009 has been another busy year for our PPC with various projects undertaken. We meet on the second Monday of the month where future plans for our Parish are decided upon, revised and updated.

,I I ,::1

The Parish plan reviewed regularly Coffee Mornings were organised on the second Sunday of the month in Arus Lorcain after the 10.45am and 12 noon Mass. All are welcome.

Lighted candles are A.W.A.Y (Arklow What About Youth) continued to work with the youth of the Parish.

placed in windows on Christmas Eve, as asignof hospitality: It is alsoa symbolicguide for Maryand Joseph, who may beWe helped to organise the Thank You Night for all

volunteers in the Parish. looking for shelter.

We did preparatory work for our new Christmas Crib.

We have striven and will continue to fulfil our role as PPC by working collaboratively to invite old, current and new parishioners to become more involved in our parish.

Parish of Sts Mary & Peter an St. Davids Johnstown PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

Parish Stlc;al in Ihe ArklDMI SalJ #llIftl

On 72#h ie6ruaty 2070 a# 8.30pm Music by Easy Listening

(PO and David) Loads of Spots and Door Prizes

Turkey and Ham Dinner and all for €20 (Tickets available soon

from Parish Council Members or Irom Arus Lorcain)

Christian Unity Week 2010 Jan 18th co 25th

Arklow Presbyterian Church, Ft:rrybank

Ecumenical Sen-ice 011 Thursd:lY 21 sr. Jan LU 8.( Opm

As we all know Christmas festivities are getting near and a new feature has been added to

the grounds of the church this year.

This project is the brainchild of our parish Priest Fr. Martin Cosgrove who,

a while back expressed an interest in constructing a 'life size' Crib to be located at the front of the Church for everyone

to enjoy.

A group of local men with various carpentry SKills willingly volunteered their time and

worked tirelessly to bring it to fruition.

In these difficult times we are experiencing it is hoped that this feature will bring both meaning

and enjoyment to everyoody.

PARISH NEWSLETIER Complied & produced by the Parish Pastoral Council Sub-Committe: Fr. Martin , Joy Loughlin, Mary Doyle, P.J. 0 Leary, & Jim Furlong

Arklow Lions Club has been in existence since 1990 and since then they have been

serving the needy in our parish, indeed many deserving causes have been helped by this

wonderful group of volunteers. Upcoming events for Arklow Lions Club

include their Christmas Food Appeal, the Tom Clandillon memorial Swim on

St. Stephens Day and a St. Stephen's Night dance in the Arklow Bay Hotel.

Please support these excellent causes in these difficult times.

Lions Global Mission Statement 'To empower volunteers to serve their

communities, meet humanitarian need. encourage peace, and promote internatIOnal

understanding through Uons Clubs"

We are always seeking new volunteers Please contact any Lions member please

contact any Lions member

Good News Fr Jim we are pleased to say Fr.Jim is making good progress and we look forward to

seeing him back with us soon.

t ~th:e-ilii.""";'~~a.i.;;:;'~;!~I!! team shared their personal stories of God's importance in their lives, talked about some fundamental beliefs of the Catholic Church and led the students in a time of prayer, all the while focusing on God's infinite love. The response from the students was very enthusiastic and the N.E.T. team would like to thank their host families and those involved in organising the retreats. While in Arklow the team experienced life in community and helped with the "Music in Your Veins" Band Night held in Arus Lorcain as part of Arklow Drug Awareness Week.

I: h· I g!:lj st Racism East Wicklow Youth Service &the F.A.I held a soccer blitz and workshops in Coral Leisure Centre over the mid­ term break to "Show Racism the RED Card". Young people also got involved In the Art Competitions and the competitors can also send their entries into the national competition. Following on from the event five teams were chosen to play for Wicklow in a national event in Athlone on 27th November. We would like to thank all who supported us in the events and look forward to making it an annual event.

YOUTH SPACE East Wicklow Youth Service &County Wicklow Partnership run a "Youth Space" each week in Stringers Lane catering for teenagers from 15 -17 years on Tuesday night and 12 ­ 14 yrs on Thursday night. The space provides music, OVO's, games, and lots more. There are limited places and if you are interested please contact Margaret Kelly 0402 39646 or Linda Lambert 0402 91092,

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: ~. ; ' D< ·· T " H", 0· "~ "­;. ~ . . ,. . \ .:/- ': ! . ,, ; . .. ';-~ .~ , .... . .' :. . , ';.... , ~THE NET MINISTRY TEAM (Natlo lal Ev ng liSrl 0 Team) Ten young people from The N.E.T. Ministry Team from Canada, America and Ireland conducted retreats in the C.B.S., St. Mary's College and Arklow Community College from 13th - 20th l\Jovember. The group aged 18-24 spoke at all masses on the weekend of the 13th to share the work they were involved in with the parishioners. During the retreart

East Wicklow Youth Service and The Bara Project would like to thank everyone who was involved in the Arklow Drug Awareness Week of 2009, in particular to the principals, teachers and students of the schools in the locality. The help we received from the AWAY group in organising the Band night for local teenagers, the volunteers who turned up for the sports events and band night "Music in your Veins". Our thanks to Boy Dyson, Doey Walsh and The Likes of, for their brilliant performances on the night and wish them well for the future. Thank you to all who participated in the Ecumenical Service held in the • Presbyterian Church this year. With a special thanks to the Clergy, the Rival Gospel Choir and the Bara Family Support Group. An indication of the success of the week was the marked increase in the participation in all events. This week would not be possible without the sponsorship of The East Coast Regional Drugs Task Force, Arklow Positive Prevention , Colm & Mary Weadick (Friends of Philo, Thin Lizzy Tribute Concert) and Patches Disco. If any individual or fami ly member is affected by addiction they can * contact The Bara Project 040233577 or Treo Nua 040231313. ,' :

If you have any suggestions for Arklow Drug'Awareness Week 201Q • . i '· " ~: please contact East Wicklow YouthSer.\li.c:es·0(1 0402 39649 .... ~· .: . or The Bara Project on 0402 335n. . "' . ...

I, r" r n r l'lr Ihtl " nd Poetry Competitlom. Art Compehtlon; ~ 1st Callum Randall, 2nd Christian Roche, 3rd, Klayton Murphy. Under 10, 1st Matas Aleksiejus, 2nd Jodie Butler, 3rd Tom Somers, Highly Commended David Byrne and Graham Byrne. Under 12 1st Morgan Harris, 2nd Hannah Weller, 3rd Chloe O'Brien, Highl Commended Aoite Murphy, Sophie Ormonde Cummins.

_ , j 1 Ul 1 st Stephen O'Reilly', 2nd Reece Leonard, 3rd Bronagh Bracken, Highly Commended Callum Nolan, ROlsin Long. Ie I ' 1st AOlte Hoey, 2no Cian Jameson, 3rd Craig Doyle "Highly Commended Kym Forde.

1st Micflelle King, 2nd Lauren Harran, 3rd Jade Saila. Poetry WInners: I I 1st Molly Conroy 2nd Zoe Chaney, 3rd Laura Moseley.

1st Le Ailbe van der Heide, 2nd ~oife Caomhanacn 3rd Darren O'Connor.

PARISH accounts .- --

Arklow Parish: Receipts and Payments Account for Year

ending 30th June 2009.

Receipts:

Family Offerings 180,268

Shrines 41,496

Bingo 10,000

Special Events 10,000

Parish Centre Income 67,915

Interest/I nvestment 58,526

Other Income 18609

386,814

Payments: Salaries Rates Insurances Repairs& Maintenance Heat & Light Cleaning Hire & Leasing Alter/Chu rch Supplies Schools Post/Stationery Accounting Bank Charges

. Sundry Fund Parish Centre Payments Major Project/Paroch ial House Other Payments

4,938 4,275 9,815

15,622 13,1 77

1,1 58 539

13,398 2,163 1,925 1,150

675 2,300

14,815 51 ,826 46,280

184,056

Dear Parishioners Above is a summary of the Audited Accounts of ou r Parish's Income and Expenditure for the year

ending 30th. June 2009. Thankfully we continue to remain in a healthy position. We would like to warmly thank all our Parishioners who contribute to the Family Offering Collection .

Th is is the Main source of support for all the Parish ru nning costs. May we thank all those who contribute to our regular Church Collections. To all those who give of their time with any of our Collections and to all those who play any part in the whole area of financial stewardship, our sincere thanks and appreciation.

Signed John Byrne Fr. Martin Cosgrove Chairman Parish Finance Committee. Parish Priest

Eagerly preparing for theArklow Nativity Play (performance on 20th December 12 noon Family Mass) are students from St. Michae~ N.S. and Arklow B.N.S.

under the direction ofA.w.A.Y. members Emer KinsellaAnd Susan Dillon. •

PARISH news

A ry J O H N ST O W N

A Christmas story, the story of the Nativity is being staged by the pupils of Scoillosagain, ably assisted by the very talented

Arklow Youth Choir and by the equally talented Johnstown ICoolgreany Folk Group.The story takes us through the sequence

of events from the Annunication to the taking of the census, the journey to Bethlehem , the nativity up to the arrival of the

Magi.There are two performances, Friday December 18th in Arus Lorcain at 8pm, in the company of the Arklow Youth Choir. Then on Saturday December 19th, we take to the boards again in St. David's Church Johnstown

accompanied by the Johnstown/Coolgreany Folk Group. This performance will take place immediately

after the 6.30pm mass.

The young people have put a lot of effort into this production, so we appeal to as many people as possible to come along

and give your support.

Thank You. Gerry Delaney/ Hilary Sharpe.

Child Protection ­ Contact Numbers Director of Chi ld Protection 0 1 8360314

(Dublin Diocese)

Local HSE 0404 68400 Local Gardai 0402 32304 / 32305

Arus Lorc6in 0402 31716

A HISTORY OF OUR CHURCH

BY EMER KINSELLA TAKEN FROM AN ARTICLE BY DOLORES TYRRELL

1985 ARKLOW HISTORICAL SOCIETY BOOKLET

The task of building our church, as we know it, was the responsibility of Rev. James Redmond P.P. The foundation stone was laid on the feast of SI. Michael, 29th Sept. 1858.

The church had become overcrowded and dilapidated and Fr. Redmond appealed for the support of the townsfolk in erecting a bigger church, 'of the compound Grecian and Italian style,

in the form of a Latin cross'. Much support was received , with local farmers undertaking to transport gravel , stones and

sand, while the fishermen transported stones from Howth . Parishioners from all backgrounds contributed financially to the

project. On Sunday, 18th of August, 1861 , the church was solemnly dedicated by the Most Rev. Dr. Cullen, Archbishop of Dublin. 'The Freemans Journal' documented the ceremony in this 'spacious and beautiful church', noting the attendance of

the Archbishop, 'numerous dignitaries, the parochial clergy, sev­eral reverend deacons and students from Holy Cross.'

The article went on to describe the 'truly grand and majestic appearance' of the church. After the death of Fr Redmond, Fr

Dunphy took up the job of completing the interior of the church, with the willing cooperation of his parishioners, friends and

benefactors. As members of the same parish, we are deeply indebted to these faithful priests and parishioners for the fine

building we are privileged to call 'our church'.

During October, a wonderful Harvest Celebration was held in the Arklow Church, to give thanks for the crops and food grown and harvested this year. Suggested and driven by the innovative PPC Chairperson, Hilary Sharpe, it proved a tremendous success with projects, art work and crop hampers generously provided by local parish schools and businesses. During the weekend of the 16th October, the hard work of aI/ those >nO ,,,,h,," " was displayed, culminating in a moving celebration on Sunday 18th with music provided by the Revival Gospel Choir and John and Katherine Kinsel/a. Under the direction of Eimear O'Leary the Colaiste na Mara students willing supplied the Liturgy of the Word. St. Coleman 's hospital 'reaped the benefits' of this harvest with all fruits and vegetables being donated to them. Such was the success and enjoyment of this event, it is hoped now to continue this celebration annually The Parish would like to thank, most sincerely, all those involved in the Harvest preparations and celebrations, however small their contribution.

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD China Christians in China celebrate by decorating

decorating their houses with beautiful paper lanterns and decorating their Christmas tree which they call 'Trees of Light', with paper chains, paper flowers and paper lanterns. Chinese children hang muslim stocking

their houses with beautiful paper lanterns and

notices

RE CENTLY DECEASED: Deepest sympathies and an assurance of prayers are extended to the families and friends of the following parishioners who died recently: ARKLOW PARISH Billy Forde Paddy Dunne

Wil'liam (Billy) Russell

Daisy Weadick (Australia)

Susan O'Halloran Mona Nolan

Tom Copeland

5 A FT I S M

Eddie McCrave Seamus Kavanagh

Breda Bolger

John Deasy

,s a tim e o~J 0.:l a nd ce lehra tion a nd, Il a tura ll~, ,':)ou wa nt the best ~o r .yo ur 6a 6,,:)' T he D ap tis nl k <'l m wa n!: to he lp .:lOll plan ilnd prep<'lr,~ ~o,- the ba ptis m in the best p<?ssi61c.

wa!:), b.':) he lplllg th e b mil.y beco m'~ fa mi lia ,- with th e C(; n~mon,Y ; to explain thc~ rol e of the

,~odp<)re nts and th "" practicalities o f the d il.':). Daptisnls tilb~ r-,L-lCe eve r.LJ second clnd f )urth 5unda.':) of each nl cmth at I p m.

-r0 faci lit;,i:e e vcnjone involved, p;m~ nts with c hildren ~o , - D aptis m ;'lI-e aske d to ,>;ive

a t le a st two w e ks ' notice a t th e f aris h OFFice:.

Congratulations are extended to the families of the Infants who were welcomed into the church through the sacrament of Baptism;

Dylan Mark Kavanagh Mia Mary Kavanagh Eoghan William Kinsella Brian Patrick Flynn Dylan Malloy Jonathon Nuzum Anna O'Hart (meeting only) Nathan Alan George Flynn Nete Bernadette Kavanagh Michael Anthony Murphy Noah Mullins Callan O'Reilly Jack Michael Wong Michael Swies Alex Daly Maria Elizabeth Keogh Sophie Margaret Kavanagh OToole Thomas Michael Farrell Giuseppe Aarne Divito Amber Marie Kinselta

JOHNSTOWN BAPTISMS Mo'lly Carmel Kinsella

,)j~,r/ayt'1-j. Anthony Shevlin & Pamela Maughan David Brown & Tracey Kelly

Jonathan Redmond and Gail Jameson Desmod Kieran and Aileen Quinn

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD St. Vincent de Paul Hungary 'A feeling of expectancy had grown among the people 'Luke 3· 15.

On the feast of Sf. Nicholas, December 6th, Hungarian children receive a visit from 'Mikulas ' or Sf. Nicholas. He This phrase from the Gospel sums up these weeks leading up to

arrives wearing the robes of a bishop, with a red miter on his Christmas. The celebration of Christ's birth is not far off. and it IShead, a staff in one hand and a sack full of small presents in the other Each child receives a small gift, anticipated with joy by all Christians, Liturgically Advent helps us

usually a toy or sweets, prepare for Christ's coming, it is not only a time of reflection andfrom Mikulaus. KeJ/emes Karacsonyt l

anticipation, and it is for the Society of St Vicente de Paul,Po/and

Polish people often celebrate a special supper called Wigilia' a particularly active time. Especially this year, where we are in the on Christmas Eve. The celebration begins with deep recession with many people with no work and the possibilitya prayer, foJ/owed by the breaking of the Christmas wafer,

called the 'apiatek " which is shared among those present. of cuts in Social Welfare payments. The local can erence togetherWesofych ?wi?tBo?ego Narodzenia!

with St Peter's junior conference and the Lions Club, are endeavouring to provide as much relief as possible n a timely and

meaningful manner. Material gifts are essential to provide short-term and immediate relief. Financial assistance is

paramount. But for the true Christians be kind and love, for love is your finest gif to poor people. They will appreciate your kindness

and love more than all else you can bnng them.

Christmas in our Churches Christmas Carol Service on Sun 20th. Dec. at 4.00pm. Staging of Nalivity Ploy [involving the youth of our parish) during 12.00 mass in Parish Church on Sunday 20.00 Dec.

Arklow Youth Choir and A Nativity Play (with the pupils of Scoillosagoin, Coolgreaney) in Arus Lorcain on Friday 18th. Dec. at 8.00p

Nativity Ploy in st. David 's Church Johnstown (with the pupils of Scoillosagoin) on Sat.19th. (after evening Mass) .

Mass Times Sts. Mary & Peter Arklow Christmas Eve. 6.00pm. Family Mass 7.30pm. 10.00pm. [Traditional Midnight Moss)

Christmas Day 9.00am. 1 0.45am and 12 noon. [no evening Mass) St Stephen's Day 12 noon. Dec 27th. (Feast of the Holy family) 7.00pm. Sat. Vigil Mass Sunday 9.00am, 10.45, 12 noon and 7.00pm Monday Dec. 28th. To Sat. Jan 2nd. 11.00 Am. each day.

New Years Eve 4.00pm End of Year Service also looking forward to our New Year 2010

St Davids Church Johnstown - -_ - \. - - -_~

Christmas Eve. 9.00pm Christmas Day 11.00am St. Stephens Day to be confirmed Monday 28th Dec to Sat. 2nd. Jan. to be confirmed

Sacrament of Reconciliation JI_

PJrish Church Arklow Communal Celebration Wed. 23rd. Dec. at 8.00pm (Several Priests available.)

Individual Confession Sot. 19th. 1 0.30am to 12.00 noon Christmas Eve. 10.30 am to 12.00 noon

St Davids, Johnstown Communal Celeb ation Monday 21 st. at 8.00pm.