Mallow Union of Parishes raised over €1,000 at their Carol services this year. Their Rector Meurig William writes:

The popular – but often unfair – perception is that the Church is always asking for money as a way of looking after our own and meeting our own internal needs. But throughout the world, including in our own Church of Ireland, the vast majority of parishes support local, national and international projects and this is a regular part of mission and outreach. 

This year, even with around 50% capacity at our three carol services, the parishes of Mallow Union (Castletownroche, Doneraile and Mallow) were delighted to donate the collections from these services to three projects:

The Bishop of Cork’s Pastoral Care Fund (initiated in 2021) supports community welfare, religious and racial harmony, the advancement of education and the relief of economic hardship.

The work of the Cork Simon Community has, for many years, been at the sharp end of responding to homelessness, as well as supporting personal development.

The Irish Community Air Ambulance, based at Rathcool, Co Cork, provides a vital lifesaving service. During the past year it has responded to 83 cardiac arrests, 46 farming accidents and 147 trauma calls (including serious road accidents), as well as falls from great heights and equestrian incidents.  

The Rev. Meurig Williams thanked parishioners and all the visitors joining these services for their generosity. “We raised just over €1,000 between our three churches which means we are able to make a donation to each of the nominated projects”, he said. “At this time of year, we proclaim how the incarnate Christ brings light into the darkness of the world, and I hope these donations can be a practical expression of our determination to celebrate this truth touching the lives of men and women beyond our churches.”