Newsletter, 1 December 2013

The Newsletter for the first Sunday of the new liturgical year (the first Sunday of Advent) can be read at 1.12.2013

On that day Rathcoole church celebrated the silver jubilee of its foundation. Bishop Eamonn Walsh said Mass at 12, and afterwards blessed the new church bell, set between two newly built pillars at the left of the entrance. But this, in fact, is not a 'new' bell at all, since originally it hung in the church in the Johnstown Kennedy estate, near Rathcoole. When the church was no longer in use, the bell was given into the care of Pat Corcoran, who thought it might be installed as a bell for the church of the Holy Family. This is what has now come to pass, thanks to members of the Parish Pastoral Council. And the name above the door looks lovely too!

This Thursday (see Newsletter) will see the final and culminating events marking the bicentenary of St Finian's, Newcastle: the unveiling in the church of a plaque donated by the Church of Ireland parishioners, the launch of a CD by St Finian's NS, and the launch of a book on the history of the church and its locality.

Launch of Bicentenary Book,  5th December

Read the Newsletter for 24 November for information about the big evening to be held in St Finian's Hall, Newcastle, to launch the publication of a book on the history of St Finian's church. This occasion brings the sequence of events organised to celebrate what has been a truly memorable year to a fitting conclusion.  (Re Newsletter, please wait a few seconds for it to download. Use button at top-left on screen to return to this site.)

The Church of the Holy Family, Rathcoole, celebrated the 25th year of its history this year and a Mass to mark the occasion will take place on Sunday, 1st December (see the same Newsletter).

As for Saggart church, great things are in store for it too. We will deal with these in an upcoming post. 

                    Visiting Historic Sites in Newcastle
                              Sunday October 20th

The following sites will be open from 2 to 4 pm as part of the celebrations to mark the bicentenary of St Finian's. Starting from St Finian's, it is possible to visit some or all of the sites out as far as the furthest, Colmanstown Cemetery, to which a lift can be provided. A person from the Bicentenary Book Committee will provide a commentary at each site.

St Finian’s Catholic Church
1825 National School
St Finian’s Church of Ireland
St Finian’s Well
Site of Penal Mass House in Athgoe
Athgoe Castle
Colmanstown Cemetery

Parking is available at Woodlands Health Centre (Newcastle House) for St Finian’s Well. Parking along the avenue to Athgoe Castle, and parking in Nolan’s farmyard for Colmanstown Cemetery. There is limited parking in the Highdowhill  cul-de-sac for the site of the Mass house.