Welcome to Kinsale Parish

Community News

Welcome, and thank you for visiting Kinsale Parish. We hope that our website highlights the wide variety of worship, fellowship and service opportunities available. Please feel free to read more about our church on this site, or come in for a visit. We would love to greet you and share with you our love for Jesus Christ and for you, our neighbour.

You can use the Donate button on this website to make a donation securely to the parish. We have upgraded the system so now you can make a donation without creating an account. Click on “Proceed as Guest”. Then you don’t need to create an account. This is great for once-off donations or offerings. Thanks.

A PRAYER OF AUTUMN WELCOMING
In its annual pilgrimage around the sun, the earth starts to cool after the autumn equinox. The tilt on the earth’s axis is then away from the sun, lowering the angle of the sun’s rays. In the northern hemisphere the season of autumn begins around 23rd September. It marks the time when leaves and fruit start to “fall” from northern trees and vines. While we rejoice in this harvest season of fullness and thanksgiving, our brothers and sisters in the southern hemisphere welcome the season of spring.
Welcome, Autumn, arms full of summer’s blessings,
carrying the seeds of life for next year’s planting.
Come, enter my home with your golden wisdom; be my guest and share my table.
Welcome, Old Wise One, may I be your student in the school of gratitude.
Guide me in reflecting upon the summer now gone,
that I might give thanks for all the many gifts
that have enriched me in that season of growth.
My life is a feast that overflows with the delights of your presence.
In thanksgiving, I rejoice in that river of gifts
that flows from taste, smell, touch and sight.
May my life be an endless song of gratitude.
May this, my life song, be a magnet
that draws me ever closer to you,
O Divine One, who has whispered
in the silent spaces of my heart
words that speak the gift of gifts:
“You are my beloved.”


Sally Simpson, Kinsale Parish Assembly, writes…
Pope Francis established the Season of Creation as  a special time of celebration in the Church’s year, just like Lent, Easter, Advent or Christmas. It begins on the World Day of Prayer for Creation (September 1st) and ends on the Feast of St Francis of Assisi (October 4th). Christians all over the world celebrate the wonder of creation and joy of God’s creation. In celebrating this we become more aware of our duty as Christians to care for creation and  our common home. It is a time when we can increase our awareness of the damage being done by hurricanes, fires, floods and crop failures and humanity’s role in this devastation. We also keep in mind the devastation and impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The theme for the Season of Creation 2021 is “Restore our Common Home”. 
“the Church calls all households and societies  to turn our political, social and economic systems towards just, sustainable economies of life, which respect the limits and life giving ecological boundaries of our common home. ” [quote from Laudato Si Movement]. We are called to prayer and to action. We are called to  be aware of the need for healing in our relationships with God’s creation and our neighbour.
Our Parish Assembly invites you to join together in prayer and action.
Prayer
All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists. … O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes. Amen
Look for Season of Creation prayers on the parish Facebook page www.facebook.com/kinsaleparish/
Action and Advocacy
United Nations conference COP15 on biodiversity will take place in China from 11th to 24th October 2021.
United Nations conference COP 26 on climate change will take place in Glasgow from 31st Oct to 12th Nov 2021.
The Pope has called Catholics to sign an online petition: Healthy Planet, Healthy People.

  • Protect and respect human rights, including the rights of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in climate and biodiversity action
  • Tackle the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis together
  • Limit warmingto 1.5 degrees Celsius and promise no more biodiversity loss
  • Sign athttps://thecatholicpetition.org

Individual Action
How can I change and make  a difference? Look in the Beacon and parish Facebook page for tips for how we can all do small acts that make a difference .
Please click on this link for further information Season-Of-Creation-Brochure

CHILDREN’S LITURGY GROUP – RESOURCES FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS TO EXPLORE THE GOSPEL WITH CHILDREN
On the second weekend of each month, the Kinsale Parish Children’s Liturgy Group prepare resources for parents/guardians to explore the Gospel with younger children (pre First Communion). Please find attached the resources for this Sunday’s Gospel. You will also find two pages on the theme of The Season of Creation. 24th Sunday Ordinary Time Cycle B 12Sep21 and Season of Creation[1]

BIBLE STUDY ONLINE
There are currently two groups in the parish who meet online to study the Bible every week. These groups are ecumenical and meet for about an hour. One group meets on Wednesday mornings and the other group meets on Sunday evenings. Newcomers are always welcome. Call David on 0861727747 or Ger on 0876775126 for more information.

 IRISH HOSPICE FOUNDATION BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT LINE
Many people have experienced the death of someone they love during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Irish Hospice Foundation Bereavement Support Line, in partnership with the HSE, is there to provide connection, comfort and support for anyone grieving in these exceptional times. It is a national freephone service 1800 807077, available from 10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday.

TRÓCAIRE
Thank you to everyone who returned their donations to the parish for Trócaire’s Lent Campaign. €5,033 was donated to Trócaire on behalf of Kinsale parish.

SVP KINSALE AREA
The contact number for St. Vincent de Paul, Kinsale Area is 085 2186966

KINSALE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
Applications for Pendant Alarm for the Elderly
Alarms are provided free. Only monitoring fee to be paid. Contact:
• Kinsale Neighbourhood Watch; or
• Your local Community Alert; or
• Kinsale Garda Station

COVID 19 SUPPORT LINE FOR OLDER PEOPLE
ALONE manage a national support line and additional supports for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Professional staff are available to answer queries and give advice and reassurance where necessary. The support line is open seven days a week, 8am – 8pm, by calling 0818 222 024.
To volunteer your help, visit www.alone.ie

Parish Notices

Parish News

DATES FOR FIRST HOLY COMMUNION AND CONFIRMATION
We are delighted that we can celebrate Confirmations and First Holy Communions this month.
Friday 17th Sept. First Holy Communion for Dunderrow N.S. at 10.00am
Friday 17th Sept. First Holy Communion for Scoil Naomh Eltin at 12.00pm
Monday 20th Sept. Confirmation for Gaelscoil Chionn tSáile at 2.00pm
Wednesday 22nd Sept. Confirmation for Summercove N.S. at 2.00pm
Friday 24th Sept. First Holy Communion for Scoil Naomh Eltin at 10.00am
Friday 24th Sept. First Holy Communion for Summercove N.S. at 12.00pm
Wednesday 29th Sept. Confirmation for Dunderrow N.S. at 2.00pm

AUTUMN STATION MASSES
The theme of our Autumn Station Masses this year is ‘Care for the Earth’.

  • Friday 1st October at 7.30pm for: Cork St, Barrack St, Catholic Walk, Friary Lane, Friary Ave, Friar’s St, Chairman’s Lane, The Rock, Stonewell, Barrack Green, O’Brien Tce, The Kennels, The Belfry, Rock St, Carmelite Tce, O’Neill’s Villas, Finian Kelly Tce, Friary Court, Abbey Fort, Kinsale Manor, Bandon Rd, Ardcarrig, Abbey Place, Abbey Lane, Mandeville Tce, Friar’s Gate, Butcher’s Row, Abbey View, Hillcrest, Woodlands, Kippagh, Abbeycourt, Ard na Mara, Harbour Hgts
  • Friday 8th October at 7.30pm for: Summercove, Ardbrack, Fort View, Haven Hill, Ringcurran Rise, Ringcurran Grove, Rathmore, Prehane, Sallyport, Clonlea, Lower and Middle Cove, Bawnavouta, Forthill.

Mairead Ruane, on behalf of the Parish Assembly, writes…
THANKFUL LEAVES
We welcome all of you to leave some Thankful Leaves on our tree on the Altar. In this way, we can give thanks to God for His many gifts, for the beauty of creation with its rich and varied fruits, for clean water and fresh air, for food and shelter, and for animals and plants. We invite you to read the short pieces of Scripture and meditate on the wonder and abundance of God’s provision for us.

STEWARDS REQUIRED FOR JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH
We would appeal to anyone who would be willing to help with stewarding at weekend Masses to contact the Parish Office 0214773821 or parishoffice@kinsale-parish.org  This help would be greatly appreciated.

MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST REQUIRED FOR SATURDAY MORNING MASSES
We would like to organise a rota of Ministers of the Eucharist for 11am Masses on Saturday morning in the parish church. If you are available to join the rota, please contact the parish office 021 4773821 or email parishoffice@kinsale-parish.org Thank you.

PARISH ASSEMBLY UPDATE
The Parish Assembly held an online meeting on Monday 23rd August. The following items were discussed:

  • Preparation for the upcoming celebration of the Season of Creation and Harvest Festival.
  • Preparation for the Synod of our Church that Pope Francis is due to launch on Sunday 17th Possible webinar on synodality.
  • Autumn Stations
  • Recruitment of volunteers for ministries within the Church.
  • Net Ministries. www.netministries.ie
  • Looking at ideas on improving our input into the Parish.
  • Covid preventative measures in the Church. More stewards are required to assist at weekend Masses.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION AND CONFIRMATION POSTPONED
First Holy Communions and Confirmations have been postponed following the government announcement on 29th June regarding the postponement of the lifting of restrictions on Monday 5th July.

PARISH ALTAR SOCIETY
We are very grateful to the Parish Altar Society who enhance the beauty of our church with wonderful flower arrangements.
If you would like to volunteer to help please contact Eileen O’Brien 0214773256.

THANK YOU FROM THE PARISH FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Parish Finance Committee members are very grateful to all who send in contributions for the upkeep and running of the parish through the offertory, envelope and online donate systems. We really want our parish community to know to that the Finance Committee deeply appreciates the ongoing support that allows us to maintain God’s House to the best of our ability. There is a reflection at the start of every Finance Committee meeting and we always remember our parish community  in our prayer. This committee sees its role as acting on your behalf to maintain the Lord’s house as a place of welcome for all and your generous support helps us to achieve this.

FINANCE COMMITTEE UPDATE
The Parish Finance Committee are very grateful to all who send in contributions for the upkeep and running of the parish through the offertory, envelope and online donate systems.
A small number of remedial projects are taking place:
• Painting of the hallways leading to the galleries will take place shortly
• The pump on the heating system was replaced and sealant applied to fix the leakage
• The roof of the Church on Our Lady’s Statue side requires some works and is being assessed. We will receive a grant to financially support some of this work under the Historic Structure Fund 2021 for which we are very grateful to Cork County Council and the assistance of Cllr. Kevin Murphy.
• The windows of the Church were cleaned externally
• We are replacing the old oil tank and removing some stone and shale debris which has fallen at rear of the church.

MASS ATTENDANCE IN ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH
Since Monday 10th May we have had the joy of welcoming people back to Mass. Sincere thanks to the volunteers who steward at weekend Masses to ensure the safety and welfare of the congregation, and who sanitise the church after each Mass.
In recent weeks, the 12 Noon Sunday Mass has been busier than the 6.30pm Vigil Mass and the 10.00am Sunday Mass. It would be ideal if attendance was spread more equally across the three weekend Masses to ensure the safety and comfort of all. Thank you.

PARISH ASSEMBLY MEETING
There was a meeting of the Parish Assembly (via Zoom) on Tuesday 8th June at 7.30pm.
Items discussed included:

  • Season of Creation 2021
  • Life in the Spirit Seminars
  • Aims and hopes for September
  • Stewarding at Mass
  • First Communion and Confirmation programme

TRÓCAIRE
Thank you to everyone who returned their donations to the parish for Trócaire’s Lent Campaign. €5,033 was donated to Trócaire on behalf of Kinsale parish.

JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH GUIDELINES FOR ATTENDING MASS
The church is open for Mass with restrictions in place.

  • Safety for everyone is the top priority. We need to be patient, tolerant and respectful of each other.
  • Face masks must be worn inside the church.
  • Be guided by signage and stewards. Enter through the centre aisle. Exit by the side aisles.
  • Families can sit together. Children remain with parents at all times.
  • Sanitise hands on entry and exit.
  • Maintain social distance of 2 metres.
  • Observe cough and sneeze etiquette.
  • Receive Communion in the hand only.
  • Take Mass leaflet home with you after Mass, as people are not encouraged to use leaflets that have already been used.
  • No gathering of people outside the church before or after Mass.

MASS BOOKS
‘My Mass Book’ is on sale at the back of the church and in the Parish Office for €3. The book contains:
• The Order of Mass
• Morning, Night & Occasional Prayers
• Prayers for Confession and Communion
• Novenas & Devotion to the Saints

BIBLE STUDY ONLINE
There are currently two groups in the parish who meet online to study the Bible every week. These groups are ecumenical and meet for about an hour. One group meets on Wednesday mornings and the other group meets on Sunday evenings. Call David 0861727747 or Ger 0876775126 for more information.

BIBLES
Bibles are on sale in the parish office. Cost €25

BEACON NEWSLETTER AVAILABLE ON PARISH WEBSITE
The Beacon newsletter is available on www.kinsaleparish.org (go to the ‘News and Notices Page’ tab at the top of the homepage). If you would like to receive a copy of the newsletter by email, please contact the parish office parishoffice@kinsale-parish.org

‘YOU CAT FOR KIDS’
Catholic Catechism handook for 8 – 13 year olds and their parents
This beautifully illustrated book is written in a language suitable for children.
The material is structured in question and answer format.
The book is available from the parish office at a cost of €15.

SAFEGUARDING

All Clerics and Religious are Mandated persons. The Children First Act 2015 places a legal obligation on them to report child protection concerns to Tusla – Child and Family Agency. These mandated persons must also assist Tusla, on request, in its assessment of child protection concerns about children who have been the subject of a mandated report.
The Diocese recognises and upholds the dignity and rights of vulnerable adults and is committed to safeguarding all our members. Therefore, the Diocese has introduced Guidelines for Clergy, Staff and Volunteers for Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults which can be found at www.corkandross.org and click the safeguarding tab.
The Diocese continues to ensure and maintain compliance with the Safeguarding Children Policy and Standards for the Catholic Church in Ireland 2016. For more information on the policy please visit www.corkandross.org and click the safeguarding tab.

REMEMBERING OUR PARISHIONERS WHO HAVE DIED
The parish has started a special book of remembrance for parishioners who have died recently, so that they remain in a tangible way a part of our parish and its memories. If you would like a family member to be included please contact the parish office, with a photograph of your loved one and the date of death.

AL-ANON MEETINGS
The Al-Anon group will meet every Monday evening @ 7.30 pm in the Carmelite Friary, Kinsale (this will include bank holidays.) Everyone is welcome and the only requirement is that ones life is affected by another persons drinking.

CCTV IN OPERATION
CCTV is in operation in the church and church grounds. Unacceptable behaviour is captured on camera and will be brought to the attention of the Gardai