St. Macartin's Cathedral
Enniskillen, Northern Ireland
Announcements
The Church of Ireland - part of the Anglican Communion
Services & Meetings
We would like to draw your attention to the following notices. Make a note of any that are relevant!
PARISH VISITATION - MARCH 2012
VISION 2012+
St Macartin's – At the Heart of the Community
Strengthening Commitment, Outreach, Worship and Christian Love
The month of March 2012 will be a very special and important time in the life and history of our parish. Sunday 4th March will bring the launch of VISION 2012+. This will be the beginning of a month-long engagement with all our parishioners which we pray will be the beginning of a new and exciting relationship for us with God, the Church and the wider community.
VISION 2012+ will involve a visitation to all homes in the parish to speak with you about your involvement, opinions and most of all your vision for the future.
The visit to your home will have several purposes. Firstly it is an opportunity to show a commitment in Christian love to you by acknowledging your importance to God as a parishioner in this parish. You and your family matter....to God, to the parish and to your fellow parishioners. We want you to know you are valued and loved as a Child of
God.
A second purpose of the visit is to collect information about you and your family that will be useful and relevant to us as we plan for the future. We hope to take a snapshot of the parish in 2012 and use the information we collect to plan how best we can further the Kingdom of God in Enniskillen over the next years. With a new leadership team in place, who are committed to serving God, by serving you in the best way possible to the glory of God and in furtherance of his Kingdom in this parish. We hope you can see evidence of this already taking place.
A third purpose is to ask you what you can offer to the parish as a commitment to fuller and more active involvement. A parish of this size requires much back room activity to stay alive and this is where you can be of greatest value. Yes, we will be talking about money and about sustaining or growing your contribution to ensure the
financial health of the parish in the future but we are also looking to ask you about other ways you can help with your talents and expertise. For example, can you offer expertise in IT, Music, or in helping with catering or hedge cutting or 101 other needs the parish has? Any offer of help will be valued and appreciated.
Finally we want your opinions on the present and your vision for the future. No parish or rector ever gets it all right, but with your input we can try to build a parish and a worshipping community that best meets the needs of the people it serves, but which, more importantly, serves God and proclaims the gospel in the most effective and best way possible.
We are offering you an input to this process and while the Rector and Select Vestry carry the responsibility, they value your input. Please use this opportunity to make constructive and positive contributions. Please plan to be at the Launch Service on Sunday 4th March and the lunch which follows to hear of the exciting plans being put in place for St Macartin's VISION 2012+.
The life of a parish is dynamic...
“...continuously changing, growing, or developing”
“...characterized by energy or effective action.
MISSIONARY SUNDAY – Sunday 12th February at 11.00am
Missionary Speaker Linda Chambers (National Director of USPG)
CHORAL EVENSONG – Sunday 12th February at 4.00pm
St Macartin’s Cathedral, Enniskillen
Preacher: Canon Helene T. Steed, Prebendary of Devenish
ASH WEDNESDAY – 22nd February
10.30am – Holy Communion
7.30pm – Penitential Service with Holy Communion
8.15pm – Lenten Reflection
FAMILY SERVICE– Sunday 26th February at 11.00am (Scouts & Guides in
attendance)
This is an opportunity for the whole family to worship together. This is not a holiday from church for the Sunday School! A cup of tea/coffee is provided after this service in the side chapel. It is a wonderful opportunity to get to know others. Many parishioners in the Cathedral do not know each other so why not take the opportunity to stay behind for a short period (10-15 minutes) and speak to others? The Family Service usually ends within the hour!
REGISTRATION OF VESTRY PERSONS
The Easter Vestry is planned for Monday 16th April at 7.30 pm in the Hilliard Room. In order to be entitled to vote, you must be on the Register of General Vestrymen. If you are eighteen or over, male or female, worship in the Cathedral and contribute at least £50 to the sustentation fund, then you are entitled to be on the Register which is
revised each February when names are added or deleted. To have your name included, ask the Churchwardens for the appropriate form or pick one up from the Office. The Easter Vestry is responsible for electing people to the Select Vestry and other important positions and for receiving the Parish Accounts. This is your invitation to contribute in a positive way to the healthy working of our Parish. Some decline to come to Easter Vestry saying they don’t want to be given a job. We can assure you that, should you be nominated for any position which you feel unable to accept, all you have to say is ‘No, thank you!’
PARISH VISITING
The Clergy and our Diocesan Pastoral Assistant are continually visiting in the parish but they may not be in your area at present. If you would like a visit please contact Beth at the Parish Office and she will arrange it for you.
MINI BUS APPEAL
Having a Special Birthday or Anniversary?" Our Mini Bus is now over twelve years old and won’t go on for ever! Why not consider donations to this worthy cause instead of presents ? Over £5,000 has already been received in this way.
SICK AND HOUSEBOUND
The Dean makes an appeal to parishioners to inform him if anyone is ill or requires a home visit. The Dean is always pleased to make home visits but he may not be aware that you or someone else would appreciate a call.
If you want to make a request for a home visit please contact the office, email the Dean directly, leave a message on the Deanery answering phone or give him a written note at church. Please don’t expect him to remember a verbal message on a Sunday Morning at the church door as he is probably in contact with 200 parishioners and it could easily slip his memory!
To the sick in hospital, the ill at home and to the bereaved we pray for God’s Blessing and assure you of our thoughts and prayers.
PRAYER BOOK
There are many copies of the Prayer Book available in the pews and we should be thankful to the Select Vestry for supplying them, however how many have the Book of Common Prayer in their homes and use it on a daily basis? This is what it was designed for. A simple structure for daily prayer is found on the inside cover of the Prayer Book. If you would like to have one, copies are on sale in the Parish Office. Standard Green copy £14.00 or a beautiful presentation copy (maroon colour) £20.00. The churchwardens can also order you a copy.
There are 3 markers in the Prayer Book. While you are waiting for the service to begin mark your Prayer Book. Place the white marker at the order of service as printed on front page of the bulletin. Place the light green marker at the page of the collect, and the dark green marker at the page of the Psalm.
THE CHURCH HYMNAL
The hymns are available on the screens, but some parishioners may prefer to use a ‘light weight’ Hymn Book. Some have already made enquiries about them so they are now also available from the Parish Office in a beautiful presentation edition (maroon colour with large print) for £20.00. The churchwardens can also order you a copy.
WEEKLY PARISH BULLETIN & BIBLE READINGS
Each Sunday all three readings from the Revised Common Lectionary are printed on a Parish Bulletin; the Psalm and Collect are also listed. Make sure you get this sheet each week (if for some reason you are not out - get someone to take one for you). Please keep it and use one of the readings or psalm each day throughout the week with your private prayers.
Copies of Our Daily Bread (Bible Reading Notes) are available free of charge at the back of the church. Please take one and you will find an order form included so that you can order them direct by post to your own home. These will make the reading of the Bible easy, enjoyable, interesting and even relevant to every day life.
‘ Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path’ Psalm 119
MISSION OUTREACH
USPG SUNDAY
Sunday 12th February—Linda Chambers
Confirmation Class
A Confirmation service will be held in the spring of 2012 for young people of school year 10 and above. Confirmation Class will begin in January, but in the meantime, those who expect to be confirmed should regularly attend church with their family. There is no logical sense in being confirmed if you are not a regular attender at church!
Application forms for Confirmation are available in the Parish Office. Last year’s ‘Year 9’, who attended Sunday School, will automatically receive them by post. Any other candidates should collect forms from the Parish Office and return as soon as possible.
ADULT CONFIRMATION
Any adults, who are not already confirmed, and would like to be Confirmed should contact the clergy or fill in a questionnaire available from the Parish Office and a member of the Clergy will contact you. It will only involve three nights of preparation. They can then be Confirmed by the Bishop on the same day as our young people during the season of Lent or on Ascension Thursday in Portora Royal School Chapel where several adults from across the Clogher Diocese are Confirmed each year.
ADULT BAPTISM
Any adults who have not been baptised and would like to be should contact the clergy. This can be arranged privately at a suitable time.
CHILDREN'S BAPTISM
If there are any children not baptised, the parents should contact the clergy to arrange a suitable time. This can be at either the morning or the evening service. All baptisms are held in the context of a Sunday Service. For older children who may feel self-conscious about being baptised in front of their friends it is possible to baptise them after a Sunday Evening service.
Sunday School
In term time this begins at 11:00am with our morning worship and parents are asked to accompany their children into church. Some weeks we have a short children’s talk and a children’s hymn before children are escorted to their Sunday School classes in the Cathedral Hall.
Children are divided into 4 classes according to their school year.
P1/P2 meet in the Coffee Lounge
P3/P4 meet in the Hilliard Room
P5/P6/P7 meet in the Minor Hall
Y8/Y9 meet in the Main Hall
Sunday School classes are scheduled to last until 12:15pm. If the church service finishes earlier, then parents are requested to wait until the classes have ended. If Sunday School classes finish before the church service, then children will be kept in classes until they are collected.
Our Sunday School includes a monthly Family Service (usually the fourth Sunday of each month). These are especially organised for families and our children’s and youth organisations play an active part in these services. The Praise Group helps lead worship and there is a special child-friendly sermon. Immediately after the service, refreshments are served in the side chapel which provides an opportunity for parishioners of all ages to meet for a time of fellowship.
In addition, there are two special Sunday School services: The annual Nativity Service, which this year takes place on Sunday 11th December and an end of year service in June when we celebrate the year's work and present prizes.
Children are asked to bring a collection each week. P1 and P6 are asked to bring 20p and P7 and above 50p. The collection money is used to sponsor Edomias Abebe.
We need a number of new leaders for Sunday School, who will be trained this year in preparation for taking on more responsibility in September 2012. If you are interested, please contact Karl Saunders.
Sunday Morning Crèche
The Crèche operates during the morning service every Sunday. Would you be willing to help out on a Crèche Rota? If so could you please add your name to a list in the church porch or contact Helen Thompson on 66324619?
The crèche room is located on the first floor of the church just as you enter the gallery from the north door staircase. We will be aiming to provide child care from 10.45 each Sunday morning until after the morning service for babies and toddlers up to Sunday School age, thus enabling parents to attend the service knowing that their child/ children are being well cared for.
For the crèche to be successful we need children to avail of it and adults to help run it. Volunteers are always needed.
Youth Club and Youth Fellowship
The Youth Club meets on Saturday nights from 7pm till 9pm followed by Youth Fellowship from 9.00 till 10.30pm in Shakers.
The leaders are Ronnie and Anne Carson together with Alan and Beverley Elliott. Meetings are suitable for young people of secondary school age.
Beavers
Age 6-8 years, every Monday from 6:30 -7:45pm in the Minor Hall
Cub Scouts
Age 8-10½ Mondays 6:30 - 7:45 pm in the Main Hall.
Scouts
Age 10-16 Mondays 7:30 - 9:00 pm at the Hall.
Rainbows
Age 4- 7 Tuesdays 6:30-7:30 pm in the Main Hall.
Brownies
Age 7- 11 Tuesdays 6:30-7:45 pm in the Main Hall.
Wanted Urgently!
Numbers are good, girls enjoy it, but we need more adult help with Brownies. Please speak to one of the leaders or contact one of the clergy if you can help.
Guides
Age 11-13 Tuesday 6:30 -7:45 pm in the Coffee Lounge.
Mothers’ Union
Before Christmas twenty members went to the Ardhowen Theatre to see the musical "OLIVER", a superb show, enjoyed by all. The New Year commenced with a service of Holy Communion, at which both the Dean and Rev. Alistair officiated and the Rev. Samson Ajuka joined the service. The next meeting will be held on Monday 13th February at 8.00 p.m. We look forward to hearing Helen Humphries speak on "The Ministry of Healing". There will also be a Bring and Buy Sale with proceeds going to the Overseas Fund.
NEW MEMBERSHIP
Membership is for anyone who is baptised and wishes to support the MU's Aims and Objectives. It is for both men and women, regardless of age or marital status. We hope to enrol at least ten new members at the start of the next season beginning in September. Why not consider joining St Macartin’s Mothers’ Union? It meets in the Hiilliard Room on the second Monday of each month at 8.00pm. If you have any questions please talk to the Dean, Mrs Estelle Latimer (Enrolling Member) or Mrs Valerie Thompson (Secretary). A warm welcome awaits you!
THE MOTHERS’ UNION AIMS and OBJECTIVES
Vision: Our vision is of a world where God's love is shown through loving, respectful and flourishing relationships.
Aim & Purpose: To demonstrate the Christian faith in action by the transformation of communities worldwide through the nurture of the family in its many forms.
Mission: To promote and support married life.
To encourage parents in their role to develop the faith of their children.
To maintain a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in prayer, worship and service.
To promote conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children.
To help those whose family life has met with adversity.
Values: Mothers' Union is firmly rooted in a voluntary ethos. Its governance, leadership, and programmes are driven by and undertaken through members around the world as they respond to God's call to faith and action.
Beliefs: We believe in the value of each individual and their unique qualities. We believe in the value of relationships. Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind. This is the first and greatest cornmandrnent. And the second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself."
Tuesday Club
Members attended the 60+ Christmas Party on 13th December and enjoyed a lovely meal and a great evening’s entertainment. Our thanks to all those who made it happen! We look forward to 28th February when we will have an afternoon of ‘Skin Care’ with Mrs Sally Redman.
It is lovely to see old friends but new members would also be very welcome.
The Tuesday Club is a friendly group of senior citizens who meet on the last Tuesday of each month to hear a speaker (on a wide range of topics) and to enjoy a cup of tea and a chat. If it helps, transport can be arranged for any parishioner, just contact Eleanor Lynn on 66 324 603 or Jean Stinson on 66 322 570 Our meetings are normally at 2.00 pm in the Hilliard Room.
Bell Ringers
On Easter Monday we hosted the AGM of the Irish Association of Change Ringers (Northern District). Everything went well and we had a great day. The meeting was held in the morning and after lunch we had a lovely service conducted by the Dean. We would like to thank him very much for all the work he put into it. The music was provided
by Mrs Angel Nawn. In the afternoon there was a ringing competition which was won by St Thomas’, Belfast. Tea was provided afterwards and everyone went home happy.
Bell-ringing Practice
If you are interested in learning the bells do please come along - you will be very welcome. Simply make your way to the Bell Tower at 7.00pm on Friday evenings (sessions last one hour) or speak to one of the bell ringers on a Sunday morning. Alternatively, further details can be obtained from Mr Stewart Scott through the Cathedral Office.
Have you noticed, we haven’t rung very often on Sundays lately? We have four new ringers in training! They are Stephen and Sandra Richmond and Ewan and Michael Richmond and are coming along very well.
We would like to congratulate Derek and Helen Allen on the birth of their son Roger and Noble and Muriel Sheridan on celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary.
Bowling Club
St Macartin’s Cathedral Bowling Club is one of the oldest and most successful clubs in Fermanagh, but in recent years, the membership has fallen dramatically and in order to ensure its future there is an urgent need of new members. No one is too old or too young, so come along and give it a go, all you need is shoes such as trainers with flat soles to protect the mats. Everything else can be supplied by the club. The evening session starts at 7.30 and ends at 10.00pm. There is also the usual Wednesday morning bowls commencing at 10.30am and finishing at 12.00 noon, so come along to either or both sessions and enjoy the fun and company and, of course, learn a new skill.
Badminton Club
St Macartin’s Badminton Club is in operation every Thursday night. Anyone with a passion for badminton, or anyone who would like to take up this sport, should contact Keith Hicks - 07725734150
Cathedral Choir
The Dean and the Organist, Mrs Gillian Spence are making a special appeal for new members to join the choir. If God has gifted you with a singing voice could you use it to bring glory to Him by assisting with leading our singing on Sunday mornings. We ideally need at least ten new members. A warm welcome awaits you any Wednesday night at 7.30pm at our choir practice in the Cathedral.
Junior Choir Practice
Junior Choir meets for practice before family services or special events. New members are welcome. Please contact the office for details
Praise Group (NOT in competition with the choir!)
We are looking for new members. Can you sing or play an instrument? We rehearse one or two evenings a month. Contact Karl Saunders or Claire Holmes for more details.
St. Macartin's Youth Benevolent Fund
The (rather underused!) Benevolent Fund was set up with the express purpose of offering financial assistance in circumstances where the parents or guardians of a young person belonging to a youth organisation within the Parish of Enniskillen have difficulty meeting the costs associated with his or her membership. Examples would include:
Membership fees
Uniforms
Weekend camps
Course fees
However, this list is not exhaustive and we would be willing to consider the grant of a bursary where there is a broader need, for instance costs associated with school textbooks, uniforms, Christmas etc. As our financial resources are not limitless of course, we would ask that any application for assistance be only submitted in cases of genuine difficulty.
We would emphasise that all transactions will be carried out in the strictest confidence.
Should you wish to make application please ask for the appropriate form which is available from:
Jenifer Johnston, 9a Hollyhill Road, Enniskillen. Tel: 028 66322880
We also welcome donations to this fund. Cheques should be made payable to St Macartin’s Benevolent Fund and sent to the Cathedral Office.
FLOWER LIST FOR 2012 - GIVE THANKS WITH FLOWERS!
Many of you admire and appreciate the flowers which adorn the church each Sunday, placed there by members of the congregation. You may also have seen the “Flower List” for the year which hangs in the front porch- and the blank spaces on it! We all have reasons to give thanks to God - remembering a loved one, an engagement or marriage, exam results, success in the work place, another birthday or wedding anniversary, birth of a child or grandchild, recovery from illness or surgery, another year with the Lord. The list is endless.
Would you consider identifying a date to mark your “special reason” with flowers? You do not need to have “flower arrangement” skills. The flower containers provided are similar to those found in many homes and a simple arrangement and modest quantity will be more than welcome. Access to the church to arrange your flowers can be made with the verger or office. And should you need help someone can accompany you.
CATHEDRAL NEWS
We always welcome notes from organisations or articles of interest for publication in our monthly magazine and/or website. You can forward material to the Parish Office or if possible, preferably e-mail to: stmacartins@btopenworld.com. Copy for the March 2012 edition should be sent to us by Monday 13th February.
VISION 2012+
St Macartin's – At the Heart of the Community
Strengthening Commitment, Outreach, Worship and Christian Love
The month of March 2012 will be a very special and important time in the life and history of our parish. Sunday 4th March will bring the launch of VISION 2012+. This will be the beginning of a month-long engagement with all our parishioners which we pray will be the beginning of a new and exciting relationship for us with God, the Church and the wider community.
VISION 2012+ will involve a visitation to all homes in the parish to speak with you about your involvement, opinions and most of all your vision for the future.
The visit to your home will have several purposes. Firstly it is an opportunity to show a commitment in Christian love to you by acknowledging your importance to God as a parishioner in this parish. You and your family matter....to God, to the parish and to your fellow parishioners. We want you to know you are valued and loved as a Child of
God.
A second purpose of the visit is to collect information about you and your family that will be useful and relevant to us as we plan for the future. We hope to take a snapshot of the parish in 2012 and use the information we collect to plan how best we can further the Kingdom of God in Enniskillen over the next years. With a new leadership team in place, who are committed to serving God, by serving you in the best way possible to the glory of God and in furtherance of his Kingdom in this parish. We hope you can see evidence of this already taking place.
A third purpose is to ask you what you can offer to the parish as a commitment to fuller and more active involvement. A parish of this size requires much back room activity to stay alive and this is where you can be of greatest value. Yes, we will be talking about money and about sustaining or growing your contribution to ensure the
financial health of the parish in the future but we are also looking to ask you about other ways you can help with your talents and expertise. For example, can you offer expertise in IT, Music, or in helping with catering or hedge cutting or 101 other needs the parish has? Any offer of help will be valued and appreciated.
Finally we want your opinions on the present and your vision for the future. No parish or rector ever gets it all right, but with your input we can try to build a parish and a worshipping community that best meets the needs of the people it serves, but which, more importantly, serves God and proclaims the gospel in the most effective and best way possible.
We are offering you an input to this process and while the Rector and Select Vestry carry the responsibility, they value your input. Please use this opportunity to make constructive and positive contributions. Please plan to be at the Launch Service on Sunday 4th March and the lunch which follows to hear of the exciting plans being put in place for St Macartin's VISION 2012+.
The life of a parish is dynamic...
“...continuously changing, growing, or developing”
“...characterized by energy or effective action.
MISSIONARY SUNDAY – Sunday 12th February at 11.00am
Missionary Speaker Linda Chambers (National Director of USPG)
CHORAL EVENSONG – Sunday 12th February at 4.00pm
St Macartin’s Cathedral, Enniskillen
Preacher: Canon Helene T. Steed, Prebendary of Devenish
ASH WEDNESDAY – 22nd February
10.30am – Holy Communion
7.30pm – Penitential Service with Holy Communion
8.15pm – Lenten Reflection
FAMILY SERVICE– Sunday 26th February at 11.00am (Scouts & Guides in
attendance)
This is an opportunity for the whole family to worship together. This is not a holiday from church for the Sunday School! A cup of tea/coffee is provided after this service in the side chapel. It is a wonderful opportunity to get to know others. Many parishioners in the Cathedral do not know each other so why not take the opportunity to stay behind for a short period (10-15 minutes) and speak to others? The Family Service usually ends within the hour!
REGISTRATION OF VESTRY PERSONS
The Easter Vestry is planned for Monday 16th April at 7.30 pm in the Hilliard Room. In order to be entitled to vote, you must be on the Register of General Vestrymen. If you are eighteen or over, male or female, worship in the Cathedral and contribute at least £50 to the sustentation fund, then you are entitled to be on the Register which is
revised each February when names are added or deleted. To have your name included, ask the Churchwardens for the appropriate form or pick one up from the Office. The Easter Vestry is responsible for electing people to the Select Vestry and other important positions and for receiving the Parish Accounts. This is your invitation to contribute in a positive way to the healthy working of our Parish. Some decline to come to Easter Vestry saying they don’t want to be given a job. We can assure you that, should you be nominated for any position which you feel unable to accept, all you have to say is ‘No, thank you!’
PARISH VISITING
The Clergy and our Diocesan Pastoral Assistant are continually visiting in the parish but they may not be in your area at present. If you would like a visit please contact Beth at the Parish Office and she will arrange it for you.
MINI BUS APPEAL
Having a Special Birthday or Anniversary?" Our Mini Bus is now over twelve years old and won’t go on for ever! Why not consider donations to this worthy cause instead of presents ? Over £5,000 has already been received in this way.
SICK AND HOUSEBOUND
The Dean makes an appeal to parishioners to inform him if anyone is ill or requires a home visit. The Dean is always pleased to make home visits but he may not be aware that you or someone else would appreciate a call.
If you want to make a request for a home visit please contact the office, email the Dean directly, leave a message on the Deanery answering phone or give him a written note at church. Please don’t expect him to remember a verbal message on a Sunday Morning at the church door as he is probably in contact with 200 parishioners and it could easily slip his memory!
To the sick in hospital, the ill at home and to the bereaved we pray for God’s Blessing and assure you of our thoughts and prayers.
PRAYER BOOK
There are many copies of the Prayer Book available in the pews and we should be thankful to the Select Vestry for supplying them, however how many have the Book of Common Prayer in their homes and use it on a daily basis? This is what it was designed for. A simple structure for daily prayer is found on the inside cover of the Prayer Book. If you would like to have one, copies are on sale in the Parish Office. Standard Green copy £14.00 or a beautiful presentation copy (maroon colour) £20.00. The churchwardens can also order you a copy.
There are 3 markers in the Prayer Book. While you are waiting for the service to begin mark your Prayer Book. Place the white marker at the order of service as printed on front page of the bulletin. Place the light green marker at the page of the collect, and the dark green marker at the page of the Psalm.
THE CHURCH HYMNAL
The hymns are available on the screens, but some parishioners may prefer to use a ‘light weight’ Hymn Book. Some have already made enquiries about them so they are now also available from the Parish Office in a beautiful presentation edition (maroon colour with large print) for £20.00. The churchwardens can also order you a copy.
WEEKLY PARISH BULLETIN & BIBLE READINGS
Each Sunday all three readings from the Revised Common Lectionary are printed on a Parish Bulletin; the Psalm and Collect are also listed. Make sure you get this sheet each week (if for some reason you are not out - get someone to take one for you). Please keep it and use one of the readings or psalm each day throughout the week with your private prayers.
Copies of Our Daily Bread (Bible Reading Notes) are available free of charge at the back of the church. Please take one and you will find an order form included so that you can order them direct by post to your own home. These will make the reading of the Bible easy, enjoyable, interesting and even relevant to every day life.
‘ Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path’ Psalm 119
MISSION OUTREACH
USPG SUNDAY
Sunday 12th February—Linda Chambers
Confirmation Class
A Confirmation service will be held in the spring of 2012 for young people of school year 10 and above. Confirmation Class will begin in January, but in the meantime, those who expect to be confirmed should regularly attend church with their family. There is no logical sense in being confirmed if you are not a regular attender at church!
Application forms for Confirmation are available in the Parish Office. Last year’s ‘Year 9’, who attended Sunday School, will automatically receive them by post. Any other candidates should collect forms from the Parish Office and return as soon as possible.
ADULT CONFIRMATION
Any adults, who are not already confirmed, and would like to be Confirmed should contact the clergy or fill in a questionnaire available from the Parish Office and a member of the Clergy will contact you. It will only involve three nights of preparation. They can then be Confirmed by the Bishop on the same day as our young people during the season of Lent or on Ascension Thursday in Portora Royal School Chapel where several adults from across the Clogher Diocese are Confirmed each year.
ADULT BAPTISM
Any adults who have not been baptised and would like to be should contact the clergy. This can be arranged privately at a suitable time.
CHILDREN'S BAPTISM
If there are any children not baptised, the parents should contact the clergy to arrange a suitable time. This can be at either the morning or the evening service. All baptisms are held in the context of a Sunday Service. For older children who may feel self-conscious about being baptised in front of their friends it is possible to baptise them after a Sunday Evening service.
Sunday School
In term time this begins at 11:00am with our morning worship and parents are asked to accompany their children into church. Some weeks we have a short children’s talk and a children’s hymn before children are escorted to their Sunday School classes in the Cathedral Hall.
Children are divided into 4 classes according to their school year.
P1/P2 meet in the Coffee Lounge
P3/P4 meet in the Hilliard Room
P5/P6/P7 meet in the Minor Hall
Y8/Y9 meet in the Main Hall
Sunday School classes are scheduled to last until 12:15pm. If the church service finishes earlier, then parents are requested to wait until the classes have ended. If Sunday School classes finish before the church service, then children will be kept in classes until they are collected.
Our Sunday School includes a monthly Family Service (usually the fourth Sunday of each month). These are especially organised for families and our children’s and youth organisations play an active part in these services. The Praise Group helps lead worship and there is a special child-friendly sermon. Immediately after the service, refreshments are served in the side chapel which provides an opportunity for parishioners of all ages to meet for a time of fellowship.
In addition, there are two special Sunday School services: The annual Nativity Service, which this year takes place on Sunday 11th December and an end of year service in June when we celebrate the year's work and present prizes.
Children are asked to bring a collection each week. P1 and P6 are asked to bring 20p and P7 and above 50p. The collection money is used to sponsor Edomias Abebe.
We need a number of new leaders for Sunday School, who will be trained this year in preparation for taking on more responsibility in September 2012. If you are interested, please contact Karl Saunders.
Sunday Morning Crèche
The Crèche operates during the morning service every Sunday. Would you be willing to help out on a Crèche Rota? If so could you please add your name to a list in the church porch or contact Helen Thompson on 66324619?
The crèche room is located on the first floor of the church just as you enter the gallery from the north door staircase. We will be aiming to provide child care from 10.45 each Sunday morning until after the morning service for babies and toddlers up to Sunday School age, thus enabling parents to attend the service knowing that their child/ children are being well cared for.
For the crèche to be successful we need children to avail of it and adults to help run it. Volunteers are always needed.
Youth Club and Youth Fellowship
The Youth Club meets on Saturday nights from 7pm till 9pm followed by Youth Fellowship from 9.00 till 10.30pm in Shakers.
The leaders are Ronnie and Anne Carson together with Alan and Beverley Elliott. Meetings are suitable for young people of secondary school age.
Beavers
Age 6-8 years, every Monday from 6:30 -7:45pm in the Minor Hall
Cub Scouts
Age 8-10½ Mondays 6:30 - 7:45 pm in the Main Hall.
Scouts
Age 10-16 Mondays 7:30 - 9:00 pm at the Hall.
Rainbows
Age 4- 7 Tuesdays 6:30-7:30 pm in the Main Hall.
Brownies
Age 7- 11 Tuesdays 6:30-7:45 pm in the Main Hall.
Wanted Urgently!
Numbers are good, girls enjoy it, but we need more adult help with Brownies. Please speak to one of the leaders or contact one of the clergy if you can help.
Guides
Age 11-13 Tuesday 6:30 -7:45 pm in the Coffee Lounge.
Mothers’ Union
Before Christmas twenty members went to the Ardhowen Theatre to see the musical "OLIVER", a superb show, enjoyed by all. The New Year commenced with a service of Holy Communion, at which both the Dean and Rev. Alistair officiated and the Rev. Samson Ajuka joined the service. The next meeting will be held on Monday 13th February at 8.00 p.m. We look forward to hearing Helen Humphries speak on "The Ministry of Healing". There will also be a Bring and Buy Sale with proceeds going to the Overseas Fund.
NEW MEMBERSHIP
Membership is for anyone who is baptised and wishes to support the MU's Aims and Objectives. It is for both men and women, regardless of age or marital status. We hope to enrol at least ten new members at the start of the next season beginning in September. Why not consider joining St Macartin’s Mothers’ Union? It meets in the Hiilliard Room on the second Monday of each month at 8.00pm. If you have any questions please talk to the Dean, Mrs Estelle Latimer (Enrolling Member) or Mrs Valerie Thompson (Secretary). A warm welcome awaits you!
THE MOTHERS’ UNION AIMS and OBJECTIVES
Vision: Our vision is of a world where God's love is shown through loving, respectful and flourishing relationships.
Aim & Purpose: To demonstrate the Christian faith in action by the transformation of communities worldwide through the nurture of the family in its many forms.
Mission: To promote and support married life.
To encourage parents in their role to develop the faith of their children.
To maintain a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in prayer, worship and service.
To promote conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children.
To help those whose family life has met with adversity.
Values: Mothers' Union is firmly rooted in a voluntary ethos. Its governance, leadership, and programmes are driven by and undertaken through members around the world as they respond to God's call to faith and action.
Beliefs: We believe in the value of each individual and their unique qualities. We believe in the value of relationships. Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind. This is the first and greatest cornmandrnent. And the second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself."
Tuesday Club
Members attended the 60+ Christmas Party on 13th December and enjoyed a lovely meal and a great evening’s entertainment. Our thanks to all those who made it happen! We look forward to 28th February when we will have an afternoon of ‘Skin Care’ with Mrs Sally Redman.
It is lovely to see old friends but new members would also be very welcome.
The Tuesday Club is a friendly group of senior citizens who meet on the last Tuesday of each month to hear a speaker (on a wide range of topics) and to enjoy a cup of tea and a chat. If it helps, transport can be arranged for any parishioner, just contact Eleanor Lynn on 66 324 603 or Jean Stinson on 66 322 570 Our meetings are normally at 2.00 pm in the Hilliard Room.
Bell Ringers
On Easter Monday we hosted the AGM of the Irish Association of Change Ringers (Northern District). Everything went well and we had a great day. The meeting was held in the morning and after lunch we had a lovely service conducted by the Dean. We would like to thank him very much for all the work he put into it. The music was provided
by Mrs Angel Nawn. In the afternoon there was a ringing competition which was won by St Thomas’, Belfast. Tea was provided afterwards and everyone went home happy.
Bell-ringing Practice
If you are interested in learning the bells do please come along - you will be very welcome. Simply make your way to the Bell Tower at 7.00pm on Friday evenings (sessions last one hour) or speak to one of the bell ringers on a Sunday morning. Alternatively, further details can be obtained from Mr Stewart Scott through the Cathedral Office.
Have you noticed, we haven’t rung very often on Sundays lately? We have four new ringers in training! They are Stephen and Sandra Richmond and Ewan and Michael Richmond and are coming along very well.
We would like to congratulate Derek and Helen Allen on the birth of their son Roger and Noble and Muriel Sheridan on celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary.
Bowling Club
St Macartin’s Cathedral Bowling Club is one of the oldest and most successful clubs in Fermanagh, but in recent years, the membership has fallen dramatically and in order to ensure its future there is an urgent need of new members. No one is too old or too young, so come along and give it a go, all you need is shoes such as trainers with flat soles to protect the mats. Everything else can be supplied by the club. The evening session starts at 7.30 and ends at 10.00pm. There is also the usual Wednesday morning bowls commencing at 10.30am and finishing at 12.00 noon, so come along to either or both sessions and enjoy the fun and company and, of course, learn a new skill.
Badminton Club
St Macartin’s Badminton Club is in operation every Thursday night. Anyone with a passion for badminton, or anyone who would like to take up this sport, should contact Keith Hicks - 07725734150
Cathedral Choir
The Dean and the Organist, Mrs Gillian Spence are making a special appeal for new members to join the choir. If God has gifted you with a singing voice could you use it to bring glory to Him by assisting with leading our singing on Sunday mornings. We ideally need at least ten new members. A warm welcome awaits you any Wednesday night at 7.30pm at our choir practice in the Cathedral.
Junior Choir Practice
Junior Choir meets for practice before family services or special events. New members are welcome. Please contact the office for details
Praise Group (NOT in competition with the choir!)
We are looking for new members. Can you sing or play an instrument? We rehearse one or two evenings a month. Contact Karl Saunders or Claire Holmes for more details.
St. Macartin's Youth Benevolent Fund
The (rather underused!) Benevolent Fund was set up with the express purpose of offering financial assistance in circumstances where the parents or guardians of a young person belonging to a youth organisation within the Parish of Enniskillen have difficulty meeting the costs associated with his or her membership. Examples would include:
Membership fees
Uniforms
Weekend camps
Course fees
However, this list is not exhaustive and we would be willing to consider the grant of a bursary where there is a broader need, for instance costs associated with school textbooks, uniforms, Christmas etc. As our financial resources are not limitless of course, we would ask that any application for assistance be only submitted in cases of genuine difficulty.
We would emphasise that all transactions will be carried out in the strictest confidence.
Should you wish to make application please ask for the appropriate form which is available from:
Jenifer Johnston, 9a Hollyhill Road, Enniskillen. Tel: 028 66322880
We also welcome donations to this fund. Cheques should be made payable to St Macartin’s Benevolent Fund and sent to the Cathedral Office.
FLOWER LIST FOR 2012 - GIVE THANKS WITH FLOWERS!
Many of you admire and appreciate the flowers which adorn the church each Sunday, placed there by members of the congregation. You may also have seen the “Flower List” for the year which hangs in the front porch- and the blank spaces on it! We all have reasons to give thanks to God - remembering a loved one, an engagement or marriage, exam results, success in the work place, another birthday or wedding anniversary, birth of a child or grandchild, recovery from illness or surgery, another year with the Lord. The list is endless.
Would you consider identifying a date to mark your “special reason” with flowers? You do not need to have “flower arrangement” skills. The flower containers provided are similar to those found in many homes and a simple arrangement and modest quantity will be more than welcome. Access to the church to arrange your flowers can be made with the verger or office. And should you need help someone can accompany you.
CATHEDRAL NEWS
We always welcome notes from organisations or articles of interest for publication in our monthly magazine and/or website. You can forward material to the Parish Office or if possible, preferably e-mail to: stmacartins@btopenworld.com. Copy for the March 2012 edition should be sent to us by Monday 13th February.
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(last updated 1st February 2012)