Parish Christmas Letter 2013

30 December 2013

‘Phone 00 353 56  7728173                                                                                       Dunamaggan,


Mobile 00 353 87  2257498                                                                                       Co. Kilkenny.


                                                                                                                                    Ireland


e mail: napflavin@eircom.net                                                                                  12 – 12 – 2013


 


Dear Parishioner,


 


Once again we are approaching the time of Christmas. I wish to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a very happy, peaceful, joyful, holy and enjoyable Christmas. I wish to express my gratitude and thanks for your great support during the past year. Each year new residents come to the parish of Dunamaggan, you are all very welcome. It is hoped that you will integrate fully into the parish community and take an active part within the parish in whatever activity/activities attract you most. The parish facilities are for the service of the parish community. Thus St. Eoghan’s Centre in Kilmoganny and St. Leonard’s Hall in Dunamaggan are for the use and benefit of the community. You are very welcome to make use of them. I would like to express my thanks and gratitude to all groups who use these facilities for the respect they have shown to them, especially in ensuring that the facilities are clean and tidy after each function. I would like to thank John Kelly for his availability at all times and his work in ensuring that St. Eoghan’s Centre is not only available but prepared for each function which takes place. I wish to than Noel McDonald for his care of St. Leonard’s Hall in Dunamaggan. The many volunteers within the parish who care for the Church and participate in the numerous parish activities which benefit the community are owed a great debt of gratitude. John Walsh’s dedication to maintaining the grounds of St. Leonard’s Church and other areas within the parish is a great example of parish commitment. Both John Walsh and Noel McDonald unselfishly give generously of their time to ensuring that the village of Dunamaggan is at all times attractive and litter free.


 


Your weekly support of the DKK Parish Lotto which supports the facilities in the villages of Kells, Dunamaggan and Kilmoganny as well as the G.A.A. ensures that these facilities are not a financial burden. The DKK Lotto, which is independent of parish finances, is a great example of community self helps and supports. I would like to express my thanks to the many ticket sellers and the lotto committee for their dedication and weekly commitment to the venture. It is hoped that you will continue to support then by purchasing the weekly DKK Lotto tickets in the future. Your support for the DKK LOTTO ensures that there is no charge for the uses of St. Eoghan’s Centre in Kilmoganny or St. Leonard’s HHH all in Dunamaggan. The DKK Lotto also ensures that many worthwhile activities happen throughout the parish. Without your support for the Lotto this would not be possible.


 


The gathering of material for the History of Dunamaggan Parish is ongoing. At each of the over 60 meeting which have taken place to date something new is related at each meeting. Over 200 pages of material are now in typed format. A significant amount of additional material is in the process of being compiled for typing. The quickness with which material is submitted will determine the date of publication. I would appeal to any of you who have relevant material, photographs, documents, old stories, recollections of past-times in former generations etc. to contact any member of the group compiling the material or come along to any of the monthly meetings. A significant amount of material is promised but has not yet been presented to the group. Such material should be submitted as soon as possible. The group is very interested in any material which reflects the social history of the parish. The dates of meetings are published in the Parish Newsletter and in the Dunamaggan Notes in the Kilkenny People and on the DKK Parish website. You are very welcome to attend any meeting, even if you just want to listen.


 


It is the belief of the group that not only material from past centuries but events of the past 50 – 80 years should also be recorded. Thus if you have any relevant documentation, photos etc of events of your lifetime which, in your opinion, should be included then come to any meeting or contact any member of the committee. Photographs of activities undertaken during the 2010 winters would be appreciated.


 


With the assistance of Children from the local schools it is intended in the coming year to compile a list of as many Old Field Names as possible. Your assistance in this task is very much appreciated.


The date of publication is very dependant on when promised material is submitted.


 


The Parish Pastoral Council would also welcome new members so if you have the desire (calling) or you know of someone who is suitable to serve on the Pastoral Council then contact any member of the Pastoral Council.


 


An increase in Vocations to the priesthood is important at this time. At present there are two men from the Diocese studying for the priesthood but the number of priests who will reach retirement age within the next few years is in double figures. Hence an increase in vocations is important. It is important that each person not only prays for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life but also encourages young people to listen to the way God is calling them to live out their lives. If that call is of service in the priesthood or religious life then it is important that they are encouraged and supported to respond to the call. We are all called to live out our Christian commitment whatever our vocation. It is important that we recognise that whatever way God call us to serve in the Church and live in the world is for us our vocation and way of making Christ’s Love alive where we live out our lives. There is a variety of vocations, each one is necessary for the well being of the Church. Each vocation (the way we are each called to live out our lives) has equality but is different.


 


The Parish Finances are provided through the weekly envelope collection and the plate collections at weekend masses. I would like to thank all who generously support these collections. Without your continual generous support the parish would not be financially viable. During the last full accounting year (2012) €47,616 was contributed in these collections. The reduction in the number of week-end masses may have contributed to a reduction in this income. The  (2011) contribution was €54,593. The main expenditures were with 2011 figures in brackets: Diocesan contributions €14,501 (€13,014); Insurance: €7,062 (€6,578); Repairs and Maintenance €4,694 (€6,124); Light & Heat €4,840 (€5,444); Missalettes & Church supplies, etc.:€5,673 (€9,667); Office expenses €4,838 (€1,569). A variety of other expenses brought the total expense to €51,029 (€55,548) for the year 2012 (2011). During the year 2012. St. Leonard’s School repaid another €10,000 for the interest free loan it received for the building of the All Purpose Room.


 


A total of €3,241 (€4,031) was collected for Trocaire and other Diocesan and National Collections during the year. A total of €1,400 (€1,935) income was received from Parish investments.


 


The day to day income for the year 2012 was €81,024 (€73,838) with expenditure of €54,064 (€55,548). It is worth remembering that €10,000 of the income was from the loan repayment. Also there was a once off income of €5,000 from the sale of land at Baurscoobe. It is hoped that with your generous support of the weekly envelope and plate collections in the church will continue so that the parish will have adequate funding to meet any unexpected expenses which may occur in the future.


 


The Roof of the Presbytery and other minor repairs were carried out during the current year. The surplus of income over expenditure in the above accounts ensured that there were sufficient funds to pay for this work.


 


In future years some work will need to be carried out on St. Leonard’s Church, such as replacing the felt slates on other sections of the roof and investigations as to how the heat may be better maintained in the building. This may require work on the extensive glass areas of the church.


 


Agreement has been reached with Dunamaggan G.A.A. Club re the sale of land behind the Council Yard in Kilmoganny for use as a Juvenile Field. (This was the request from Dunamaggan G.A.A. Club). The Diocesan Building & Properties Committee has agreed the sale. A number of technicalities, legal and other, have yet to be finalised.


 


The passing of the Charities Act and its implementation in the future will have implications for each parish in the diocese and in the country. The Charities Regulator was appointed in 2013.. An implication of this legislation is that the accounts of each parish and the diocese will have to be consolidated (i.e. joined together) and then submitted to the relevant Charities Authorities each year. Each parish within the diocese now has the task of defining what property in each parish is owned by the parish and valuing such property. While the parish accounts are submitted each year to the Diocese it is likely that the accounts of Hall etc within the parish may have to be included in future years.


 


Charitable Donations and Claiming a Tax Rebate: As and from January 1st 2013 there is a significant change in legislation re Tax Rebates. From now on, including this year, it is only the Charity and not an individual who may claim a tax rebate on any donation in excess of €250 in a given year. This change could have significant benefits to the Parish of Dunamaggan as the Diocese and its parishes have charitable status. Thus any person, who donated €250 or more in any calendar year, if they sign the appropriate documentation, may allow the Parish to reclaim the tax deducted. This development could have a positive effect on parish finances.


 


The Changes from the Old System are as follows: (1) The Tax refund is from all donors regardless of tax status (PAYE or Self Assessed) will now go to the Charity in all cases at a blended rate of 31%. The refund claim will only be rejected if the donor has not paid sufficient tax or inaccurate details are given.


The way the refund is calculated is by this formula:


            A donation of €1,000: 1,000 X 100/69 = €1,449.27  thus €449.27 is refunded to the Charity


A donation of €250:      250 X 100/69 =     €362.32   thus €112.32 is refunded to the Charity


 


The parish Finance Committee has discussed the matter and relevant documentation will be circulated to homes. If your documented contributions to the Parish, the six Priests Collections and the envelope collection exceed €250 in a calendar year then if you complete the relevant form the Parish will be entitled to reclaim the tax and benefit from it. Your cooperation would be very much appreciated.


 


The six envelope collections for the clergy are for the upkeep of parish clergy in Dunamaggan and also contribute, where necessary, to the clergy in the diocese and to retired clergy. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your generous support of all parish collections. In addition I am indebted to those who distributed parish envelopes and other material to the houses of the parish during the past year.


 


Envelopes may be handed in during the collections at weekend masses, to the presbytery or to Bob’s the Shop in Kells.


 


In order to assist new residents to the parish and others who may not be aware of organisations in the parish, a list of organisations, a contact person and its activities are given below. If you know of any other organisations or if the list needs to be updated please contact me.


 


ORGANISATION                            CONTACT PERSON                      ACTIVITY


Bingo                                                  Jimmy McCormack                             Entertainment


Bridge                                                 Nicholas Flavin                                   Card playing


Camogie                                              Windgap Camogie Club                     Camogie all ages


Camphill Community                          Mark Dwan                             Caring for people with disability


Dunamaggan Gymkhana                    Larry Costello                                     Yearly Gymkhana


Dunamaggan Hurling Club                 John Hickey (Chairman)                     Hurling


Dunamaggan Juvenile Club                John Fitzpatrick                                  Hurling & Football


DKK Lotto                                         Eugene O’Donovan                            Fundraising


Dunamaggan DKK Web Page            James Rossiter                                     Web Page/ Information


Dunamaggan Development Association                                                         Tidy Towns


History of Dunamaggan                     Nicholas Flavin                                   Compiling History


Kells Handball Club                           Jim Dalton/ Michael Delahunty          Handball


Kells Childcare                                   Deidre Knox                                       Childcare & After School


Kells Resource Centre                                    Joe Sheridan                                       


Kells Scouts                                                                                                    Scouting


Kells Tidy Towns                                                                                            Tidy Town


KRETE                                               Vincent Dempsey                               Community Development


Kilmoganny Area Development Ass  Nicholas Flavin/Ned Kirwan  St. Eoghan’s Centre/Development


Kilmoganny Voluntary Housing         Nicholas Flavin                                   Housing for the Elderly


Kilmoganny Football Club                 Andrew O’Neill (Chairperson)           Football


Kilmoganny Gun Club                        Martin Butler                                      Sporting


Kilmoganny Hunt                                                                                           Hunting


L’Arche                                               Community Caring for those with Disabilities


Farmers Discussion Group                  Billy Heffernan                                   Farming


Parish Pastoral Council                       Ned Kirwan/Pascal Grace                   Parish Pastoral Matters


Snooker                                               John Kelly                                           Snooker


St. Joseph’s Home Kilmoganny          Kathleen Kirby                                   Home for the Elderly


St. Leonard’s Hall, Dunamaggan       Nicholas Flavin/Noel McDonald        Community Activities


St. Eoghan’s Centre, Kilmoganny      Nicholas Flavin/John Kelly                 Community Centre


Progressive 25’s                                  John Reid                                            Card Playing


Pat Walsh Memorial Society               Ned Kirwan                                        Easter Memorial Parade


Shrughawadda Players                       Michael Dowling                                Drama


 


First Fridays: If you or a member of your family or a neighbour would like that I call on First Fridays with Holy Communion then contact me at any time.


 


Visiting the Sick: If any member of your family is sick or housebound and would like me to visit them, please let me know.


 


Baptisms are celebrated, as far as possible, at a time which is suitable for the parents and family of the child. Please contact me at any time to arrange a suitable time for the celebration.


 


House Blessings and/or House Masses for special occasions are a deep rooted Irish tradition. If you wish for either during the coming year then contact me at your convenience.


 


Corpus Christi Procession will take place on Sunday 22nd June after 11.00 a.m. mass in Dunamaggan.


 


Cemetery Masses are celebrated in Kilmoganny on Friday 11th July; in Kilree on Wednesday 16th July and in Dunamaggan on Friday 18th July. All masses are at 8.00 p.m.


 


The Annual Mass of Celebrating Family and Welcome will be celebrated at the Grotto. It will incorporate the Mass of Healing. It will be celebrated during the Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes on Thursday 22nd May 2014.  It will be followed by the usual picnic, sing-song and chat in the grounds of St. Leonard’s Church. It takes place at 7.30 p.m.


 


Additional Eucharistic Ministers, Readers and Choir Members are always required. If you are willing to engage in either of these ministries, you would be very welcome. If you are aware of others who are suitable for these ministries please encourage them.


 


Voluntary participation in activities in the Parish is deep rooted. It is your Parish; I hope that additional volunteers will come forward for these important ministries at weekend masses. I wish to thank very sincerely those who undertake these ministries of service in the Church and look forward to others joining them in the near future. Please contact me or any member of the Parish Pastoral Council, if you are interested.


 


The Parish Website is www.dkk.ie


Dunnamaggin, Kells and Kilmoganny community website www.dkk.ie. is now over a year in operation. It provided a very important link and source of information for our parishioners who are now resident over-seas. It also provided up to date information for all who visit the site. This site is a portal for everything about and going on in Dunnamaggin, Kells and Kilmoganny. Information like Weekly news, parish newsletter, Clubs and Societies, Churches and Schools along with much more is contained on the site. If any club/society/group or individual would like to add information to the website simply contact James Rossiter on (056)7728836 or dunawebsite@gmail.com.


 


 Dunnamaggin GAA Club: Dunnamaggin Hurling & Kilmoganny Football club now have a very popular Facebook page check it out at http://www.facebook.com/dunnamaggin.gaa to keep up to date with all the news in the club. The Club also informs members by text messages of matches and other relevant events.
 
Items for inclusion in the weekly Parish Newsletter should be ‘phoned, emailed or handed in to the presbytery not later than the previous Friday night. The parish newsletter is available in St. Leonard’s Church, Dunamaggan and in St. Eoghan’s Church, Kilmoganny at all week-end masses. Copies of the Newsletter are also available in Bob’s the Shop in Kells.


 


Items for inclusion in the Dunamaggan Notes in the Kilkenny People should now be ‘phoned, emailed or handed in not later than Sunday evenings. The Kilkenny People now has a new deadline.


 


The Celebration of Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus. We celebrate the event which is central to our faith. We celebrate God’s chosen way of communication His love for each one of us. Through Mary God, in Jesus, made Himself humanly present in our world. The message of Christmas is one of peace. As we strive to bring peace and harmony to creation it is important that we are first and foremost at peace with ourselves. This requires that we love and accept ourselves. In the creation story God saw all that he had made and indeed it was very good. God sees the goodness in each of us. It is important that we recognise the positive and potential in ourselves and in others. Building on the positive it should be possible to accept and recognise any shortcomings we may have and to ask God for healing and peace within ourselves. The sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is such an opportunity.


 


Christmas is also a time of home-coming. It is a time when family members are welcomed home. In our broader family of Parish and Church you are also very welcome. If for some reason or circumstance you have not been at week-end celebrations of the Eucharist (Mass) just remember you are always very welcome. Jesus said “Let the little children come to me” Christmas is a great opportunity to bring children to the Celebration of Mass in the Parish. Together in celebrating the Birth of Jesus let us endeavour to make his message of Peace, Love, Joy, Hope, Optimism, Acceptance, Happiness, Forgiveness and Love a reality in our lives and in the lives of those we meet.


 


The weekly celebration of the Eucharist (Mass) is the occasion when we as a parish community come together and pray together. At each mass we listen to the word of God in the Scriptures, we ask for God’s forgiveness and help, we have the opportunity to receive the Eucharist, to pray quietly and  we pray for one another living or deceased Every member of the community, no matter how young or old, is always very welcome to the celebration of mass. If you have any suggestions as to how the celebration of mass could be more meaningful for you then please give them to any member of the Parish Pastoral Council.


 


The members of the Parish Pastoral Council are: Ned Kirwan (Chairperson), Pascal Grace (Secretary), Noel McDonald, Paddy Reade, Siobhán O’Donovan, John O’Brien, Johno Reid, (Rev.) Nicholas Flavin.


If you are willing or know of others who would be willing to serve on the Parish Pastoral Council, contact any member of the above.


 


 


The Church is a special place of prayer as Jesus is present in the Tabernacle. It is important that each of us respects the sacredness of the church with respectful silence and prayerfulness.


The churches in the parish are open each day and you are encouraged to visit the church and pray silently in the presence of the Lord. Parents are encouraged to bring their children to visit the church on occasions when they are passing by the church. Jesus, present in the tabernacle in the church, is always waiting and welcoming for your visit. Drop in for a quiet prayer and chat with him.


 


 


 


SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION:           


Kilmoganny   Tullahought               Windgap                    Dunamaggan


Sun 15th                                  9.00 a.m.                     10.00 a.m.                  


Sat 21st            7.00 p.m.


Sun 22nd                                                                                                         11.00 a.m.


 


MASS TIMES FOR CHRISTMAS ARE:


                                    Tullahought               Kilmoganny   Windgap                    Dunamaggan


Christmas Eve                                               7.15 p.m.         6.00 p.m.                     9.00 p.m.


Christmas Day           9.00 a.m.                                             10.00 a.m.                   11.00 a.m.


 


 


Cemetery Masses are celebrated in Kilmoganny on Friday 11th July; in Kilree on Wednesday 16th July and in Dunamaggan on Friday 18th July. All masses are at 8.00 p.m.


 


The Annual Mass of Celebrating Family and Welcome will be celebrated at the Grotto. It will incorporate the Mass of Healing. It will be celebrated during the Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes on Thursday 22nd May 2014.  It will be followed by the usual picnic, sing-song and chat in the grounds of St. Leonard’s Church. It takes place at 7.30 p.m.


 


 


Nicholas A.P. Flavin P.P.