Christmas Letter from Fr.Nicholas

21 December 2016

‘Phone 00 353 56  7728173                                                                                       Dunamaggan,


Mobile 00 353 87  2257498                                                                                       Co. Kilkenny.


                                                                                                                                    Ireland


e mail: napflavin@eircom.net                                                                                  13 – 12 – 2016


 


Dear Parishioner,


 


As we approach Christmas once again it is important that we realise why we celebrate and what it is that we are celebrating. We are celebrating a birthday – the Birth of Jesus. We are celebrating our Faith.


 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. Fintan Power has accepted the responsibility for St. Leonard’s Hall since Noel McDonald moved to Kilmoganny. 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.


 


A Defibrillator is now in place on the Garage of the Parochial House in Dunamaggan. Those who are competent to use the equipment should learn the code for access to the defibrillator. The DKK Lotto allocated to the Dunamaggan area financed its availability. Defibrillators are now in St. Joseph’s Home, Kilmoganny, The Dunamaggin GAA Club Rooms and the Handball Club in Kells.


 


The Pat Walsh Memorial Celebrations last Easter was a weekend of celebrations as the memorial coincided with the 100th anniversary of 1916. Thanks to all who organised and participated in the weekend activities. The 2021 Celebrations will mark the 100th anniversary Pat Walsh’s death and this celebration is less than 5 years away.


 


The Reign of Terror, last October, was an outstanding success. Great credit is due to all those who organised the event and to the over 160 volunteers who helped out on the day. It was a great example of the community members assisting each other and ensuring the success of the venture.


 


The I’m not a Celebrity Keep me in Here once again was an outstanding success and great credit it due organisers, participants and all who supported the activity. The Field Day Activities in the new GAA Pitch in Kilmoganny on the final day of celebrations was another great example of community cooperation and support.


 


Great credit is due to all who have made the New Pitch suitable for use and your continued support will be very welcome during the coming year as work continues to add the necessary facilities.


 


St. Joseph’s Home in Kilmoganny is an integral part of the community. The outstanding success of its field day on May 1st is due to the great work of the organisers and all who supported the day. It is hoped that it will be an annual event.


 


Parish Schools: I would like to express thanks to all the teachers and staff in our three parish schools for their dedication and commitment. The continual support from parents and the parish community for the schools is very much appreciated.


Enrolment of new pupils for the school year beginning in August/September 2017 should take place in February or March. It is very important that parents/guardians of children whom they believe may requires additional supports in school to contact the Principal of the school as soon as possible as requests for such additional supports take a long time to be processed and there is no guarantee that the Department of Education will facilitate the requests.


Under the Irish Constitution, parents have the right to choose the school for their children provided that there is room in the school to admit the children. Nevertheless parents are encouraged to support their local school.


 


Secondary Schools: The enrolment policy of the various secondary schools in the area varies. Some of the schools accept enrolments once a child has begun primary school. It is important that parents enquire of their preferred secondary schools about their enrolment policy.


 


Progress on compiling the History of Dunamaggan has been slow during the past year. 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. At each meeting some new material is often presented. So if you have or know the location of any relevant material from the past 50 years it is important to record such events because such records will be of great value for future generations. 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.


 


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. The work load of members is not strenuous so why not volunteer and make a difference.


 


An increase in Vocations to the priesthood is important at this time. At present one man from the Diocese is beginning his studies for the priesthood. The number of priests who will reach retirement age within the next few years is in double figures. Without a significant increase in vocations to the priesthood then in 10 years time there will be about 20 priests in the diocese under 75 years of age for 42 parishes. Hence it is important that we not only pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life but actively encourage suitable family members and neighbours to consider such a vocation and also encourages young people to listen to the way God is calling them to live out their lives. Hence an increase in vocations is important. If that call is of service in the priesthood or religious life then it is important that those called 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.


 


Celebration of the Family: The World Meeting of Families will be held in Dublin from 22nd – 26th August 2018. Pope Francis will be attending the gathering. Prayer cards should be available in both Churches at Christmas. Further information will be published in the weekly Newsletter and on DKK website.


 


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 2015 (€34,882) and in 2014 (€38,952) was contributed in these collections. This was a decrease of over €4,000 in one year. In addition €20,754 was received after expenses from the sale of land in Kilmoganny. The main expenditures were with 2014 figures in brackets: Diocesan contributions €13,550 (€15,318) Insurance: €7,290 (€7,225) Repairs and Maintenance €9,088 (€3,692); Light & Heat €6,233 (€6,011); Missalettes & Church supplies, etc.: €3,225 (€4,697); Office expenses €2,840 (€3,770). A variety of other expenses brought the total expense to €56,102 (€49,700) for the year 2015 (2014). During the year 2014 collections for Trocaire and other Diocesan and National collections amounted to €2,409 (€2,267). The income from Parish investments was similar to the previous year at €1,050.


The total income for the year 2015 was €67,610 (€62,271) with expenditure of €55,985 (€49,700). It is worth remembering that over €20,000 of the income was from the sale of land. It is hoped that 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.


 


Wills: It is important that Wills should be made and updated when circumstances change. Such decisions make it much easier for family members to know and carry out the wishes of their loved ones.  It is important that due consideration is given when drawing up a Will to family members. If it is the desire of the person making a Will to bequeath something to Charity then why not consider the Dunamaggan Parish or St. Joseph’s Care Home for the Elderly in Kilmoganny or the L’Arche Community. Such donations would be very much appreciated.


 


Charitable Donations and Claiming a Tax Rebate: As and from January 1st 2013 there was a significant change in legislation re Tax Rebates. Since then 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 first returns from the revenue for the past few years are expected soon.


 


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


Thanks to all who have returned the completed Forms. If you have mislaid the Form a new Form is attached at the end of this letter. Your co-operation in completing the Forms would be appreciated. Where it states on the Form the year of commencement enter 2013. The Forms are valid for 5 years.


 


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                 Dick O’Shea (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 Kings                                                                                                     Cycling


Kells Resource Centre            /Playground     Joe Sheridan                                       


Kells Scouts                                                                                                    Scouting


Kells Tidy Towns                                                                                           Tidy Town


KREE                                                 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                 Damien Crean                                     Football


Kilmoganny Gun Club                       Martin Butler                                      Sporting


Kilmoganny Hunt                               Frankie Hughes                                   Hunting/Point to Point


Ladies Gaelic Football                        Anne Davis                                         Football for all ages


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         Geraldine Comerford                          Home for the Elderly


St. Leonard’s Hall, Dunamaggan       Nicholas Flavin/Fintan Power            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.


 


Cemetery Masses are celebrated in Kilmoganny on Friday 14th July; in Kilree on Wednesday 19th July and in Dunamaggan on Friday 21st 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 on the Feast of Corpus Christi 18th June 2017.


 


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.


Parish Website: Dunnamaggin, Kells and Kilmoganny have a very popular community website www.dkk.ie.  It provides up to date information for all who visit the site 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 Hurling & Kilmoganny Football clubs have a number of ways that supporters can find out more about the clubs activities. Find us on Facebook  http://www.facebook.com/dunnamaggin.gaa, follow us on twitter @DunnamagginGAA, or become a member to receive text messages and Emails of matches and other relevant events. New members are always very welcome.


 


Note: The parish Newsletter and Kilkenny People Notes for Dunamaggan are available on the DKK Website each week.


 


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. It is a celebration of Peace, Love Self-Acceptance, Joy, Acceptance of Each Other, Humility, Our Need for Others, Community etc. 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. 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 Commandments are summed up by the Commandments of Love: Loving God and Loving our neighbour as we love ourselves. It is important that we do not forget the final two words ‘… love ourselves.’ The sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is an opportunity for each of us to have the right relationship and acceptance of ourselves, family & neighbours and God if it does not exist at present.


 


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. Christmas is a time for coming to the Home of Jesus. It is a Home which is always Open. Jesus is awaiting your visit in the Church. He is present in the Tabernacle. Why not join the Parish Community in praying for each other (those alive and deceased) during the weekly celebration of Mass. 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, to offer ourselves to God and through the reception of the Eucharist (Holy Communion) to receive Jesus’ Body (Jesus as the Head and each of us as the Members of His Body) – a free gift of Jesus and of each other, to pray quietly and to 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. At each mass we pray for the living and deceased. Anniversaries are a reminder to us of our loved ones and neighbours who have gone to the Lord and their memories remind us of the influences they have had on us and our community.


 


The members of the Parish Pastoral Council are: Ned Kirwan (Chairperson), Pascal Grace (Secretary), Noel McDonald, Siobhán O’Donovan, John O’Brien, (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. New members are especially welcome.


 


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                           Dunamaggan


Sat 17th   December   7.00 p.m.


Sun 18th December    9.30 a.m.                                 11.00 a.m.


 


MASS TIMES FOR CHRISTMAS ARE:


                                    Kilmoganny               Dunamaggan


Christmas Eve           7.00p.m.                     9.00 p.m.


Christmas Day          9.30 a.m.                     11.00 a.m.


 


Cemetery Masses are celebrated in Kilmoganny on Friday 14th July; in Kilree on Wednesday 19th July and in Dunamaggan on Friday 21st 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 on the Feast of Corpus Christi 18th June 2017.


 


Nicholas A.P. Flavin P.P.