Dear parishioners and friends,
The Select Vestry has decided that due to a lack of Clergy cover during the vacancy, the 9am service will stop for July and August from 12 July and we plan to recommence this service in September.
Vacancy coverage: Following the retirement of Revd Gary Dowd on 30th June, Revd Kevin Conroy has been appointed Rural Dean of the Monkstown North Rural Deanery. Revd Kevin, who is Rector of Stillorgan and Blackrock, will support the parish during the vacancy. Among his responsibilities will be providing pastoral care and offering support to parishioners as needed.
To help maintain a regular presence in the parish, Revd Kevin will visit the parish office each Thursday at 10.00am to meet with Liz. Parishioners are very welcome to call in if they would like to meet him.
If you, or someone you know, would appreciate a home or hospital visit, please contact the parish office or Revd Kevin directly on 086 0406256 or by email at [email protected].
Heritage Week 2026: This runs from Saturday 15th to Sunday 23rd August. For this period we plan to open both the Church and restored Schoolhouse to visitors each afternoon between 3.00pm and 5.00pm. In the church information sheets will be in the vicinity of many of the monuments and windows with a couple of treasure hunts available for children. In the schoolhouse we are planning to set up a recreated Victorian classroom at one end of the main hall as well as having on display memorabilia, educational artefacts and photographs of school pupils. We will be looking for help to welcome visitors to both buildings during that week. Volunteer sheets are available to sign at the back of the church.
Art Exhibition: Our Annual Art Exhibition will take place from Friday 28 August – Sunday 30 August in the Schoolhouse. If you are interested in exhibiting, please contact Liz on 087 3839968 or email: [email protected] for more information.
Blessing of the Animals: Our annual pet blessing service will take place in Monkstown Church on Sunday 30 August at 3:00pm. The Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and the Blue Cross Animal Charity will join us. Please do come along, with your pets and join us for this celebration with all its associated chaos and fun!
Schoolhouse Coffee Dock: The coffee dock area in the schoolhouse will be closed from 23 July until the beginning of September. It will still be open on Wednesday and Sunday mornings after the 10:45 services.
The Sick: We continue our prayers in the parish for all who are unwell and the recently bereaved. We also remember those who are in hospital currently and those who are recovering at home from serious illness. Our hearts go out to all who need our continued prayers and support, and we pray that you may have a real sense of the love that surrounds you.
General Financial Support: Thank you for your continued financial support of the parish and for remembering that our work of ministry continues week after week. We appreciate your generous and supportive giving. There is a collection at every service in the church. Our Bank of Ireland bank details are: Account Name: Monkstown Parish Church Business Current Account. Account no: 86014381. IBAN IE 17 BOFI 9011 8386 0143 81. If any of our envelope subscribers wish to talk to Ruth Carnegie, she may be contacted at 087 4339367
With love and kind regards
