Major Extension of Midleton Church of Ireland School Opened and Dedicated

On Friday, 22nd November the Minister for Education and Skills, Mr Ruairí Quinn, T.D. returned to St John the Baptist National School, Midleton, County Cork to see the end-product of the foundations he had viewed just over a year ago.  A substantial 6 classroom extension to the school was dedicated by the Bishop, the Right Reverend Dr. Paul Colton, and opened by the Minister.  Chairperson of the School Board, Daphne Spillane welcomed the Minister and the Bishop (who is also Patron of the School).  Ms Elma Huggard, School Principal, said that it was an exciting and proud day for everyone in the school community.  Earlier in the morning the Dean of Cloyne, the Very Reverend Alan Marley, led a Service of Thanksgiving in the Parish Church of St John the Baptist nearby and the Bishop presided.

Here are the photos of the day of celebration and new beginnings:

A jolly group of fifth class pupils with the Minister for Education and Skills, Mr Ruairí Quinn, T.D.  (Photo: Andy Ferreira).

A jolly group of fifth class pupils with the Minister for Education and Skills, Mr Ruairí Quinn, T.D. (Photo: Andy Ferreira).

l-r the Bishop who is Patron of the School, Dr Paul Colton); Chairperson of the Board of Management, Mrs Daphne Spillane;, the Minister for Education and Skills, Mr Ruairí Quinn, T.D., School Principal, Ms Elma Huggard; and Minister of State, Sean Sherlock, T.D. (Photo: Andy Ferreira).

l-r the Bishop who is Patron of the School, Dr Paul Colton); Chairperson of the Board of Management, Mrs Daphne Spillane;, the Minister for Education and Skills, Mr Ruairí Quinn, T.D., School Principal, Ms Elma Huggard; and Minister of State, Sean Sherlock, T.D. (Photo: Andy Ferreira).

Prayers of Dedication  (Photo: Andy Ferreira).

Prayers of Dedication (Photo: Andy Ferreira).

The Minister unveiled the plaque.  (Photo: Andy Ferreira).

The Minister unveiled the plaque. (Photo: Andy Ferreira).

A well-deserved tribute to the school Board of Management. (Photo: Andy Ferreira).

A well-deserved tribute to the school Board of Management. (Photo: Andy Ferreira).

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Licensing of Four New Diocesan Readers for Cork, Cloyne and Ross – Photos

Licensing of Diocesan Readers, St Finbarr's.

l-r Patrick Culleton, Emmanuel Adebisi, the Bishop, the Dean of Cork (the Very Reverend Nigel Dunne), Carole Pound, and Gordon Coombes. Photo: Neil Danton

Readers of Cork, Cloyne and Ross with the Bishop Photo: Neil Danton

Readers of Cork, Cloyne and Ross with the Bishop Photo: Neil Danton

Canon Eithne Lynch (Mallow Union) with Emmanuel Adebisi and the Bishop. Photo: Neil Danton

Canon Eithne Lynch (Mallow Union) with Emmanuel Adebisi and the Bishop. Photo: Neil Danton

The Reverend David White (Curate, Bandon Union), Patrick Culleton, the Bishop and the Reverend Denis MacCarthy (Rector, Bandon Union). Photo: Neil Danton

The Reverend David White (Curate, Bandon Union), Patrick Culleton, the Bishop and the Reverend Denis MacCarthy (Rector, Bandon Union). Photo: Neil Danton

The Reverend John Ardis (Abbeystrewry Union), Carole Pound and the Bishop. Photo: Neil Danton

The Reverend John Ardis (Abbeystrewry Union), Carole Pound and the Bishop. Photo: Neil Danton

The Reverend Daniel Owen (KIlgariffe Union), Gordon Coombes, and the Bishop. Photo: Neil Danton

The Reverend Daniel Owen (KIlgariffe Union), Gordon Coombes, and the Bishop. Photo: Neil Danton

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Bishop of Cork Licenses Four New Diocesan Readers

At Choral Evensong on Sunday, 17th November 2013 the Bishop of Cork, the Right Reverend Dr Paul Colton, licensed four new Diocesan Readers to serve in the Diocese.

Four new Diocesan Readers with the Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross (centre).  l-r:  Patrick Culleton (Bandon), Emmanuel Adebisi (Mallow); Carole Pound (Skibbereen) and Gordon Coombes (Clonakilty)  [Photo: Neil Danton].

Four new Diocesan Readers with the Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross (centre). l-r: Patrick Culleton (Bandon), Emmanuel Adebisi (Mallow); Carole Pound (Skibbereen) and Gordon Coombes (Clonakilty) [Photo: Neil Danton].

Readers are lay people who have been selected, trained and licensed by the Bishop of a diocese to preach, teach and lead worship in a pastoral context.

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Cork Diocesan Youth Council Hosts 7th Annual 5-a-Side Mixed Soccer Tournament

The 7th soccer CDYC tournament was hosted on Saturday, 9th November at the National Maritime College, Ringaskiddy, County Cork.  

It was a great success – over 60 teenagers (boys and girls) from youth groups all round the diocese participated.  11 teams played almost 30 matches in a great spirit of fun and competition (not a yellow card in sight so well done to the referees!!)  (There was even an opportunity for the leaders to show off some skills!!)

The National Maritime College is a great venue.  We were allowed to set up a games room with playstation, fuss ball, giant jenga and other games to entertain those waiting for their next game, plus a tuck shop to keep their energy up !

After the games finished,  we made short work of a huge delivery of Pizzas and then Matt Gould led us in a reflection. We focused on John Chapter 10 v 10. where Jesus tells us” ….. I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full”  and the great news that God was present at our event , encouraging us to enjoy ourselves and try our very best in Christian fellowship. The young people were encouraged to chat to their youth leaders if they had any questions about the thoughts we had discussed. 

We then had the trophy presentations:

  • Bandon won The Junior Trophy.
  • Midleton emerged victorious from the senior competition.
  • Carrigaline/Crosshaven were chosen as displaying the best team spirit during the day
  • Special individual prizes were awarded to Claire Roche and Catherine Deane recognising their great enthusiasm throughout the competition.

Congratulations to all the participants who were a credit to their parishes and many thanks to all who helped on the day – Bring on Tournament Number 8 in 2014!

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Douglas Art Sale and Exhibition a Great Success

A huge thank you to all who supported the Douglas Union of Parishes Art Sale and Exhibition on 8th to 10th November!

Art Sale and Exhibition ~ Canon Packham Hall, Douglas, Co Cork

Art Sale and Exhibition ~ Canon Packham Hall, Douglas, Co Cork

We kicked off on the Friday night – a great social occasion as we toasted the exhibition and our guest speaker Elmarie Mawe (from 96FM’s The Art’s House programme).  Elmarie very kindly opened the exhibition as well as giving us a plug on her show.  We were delighted with the more than 140 paintings (embroidery, tapestry, mixed media etc., etc.!) submitted by over 40 talented artists and all who came commented on the quality and quantity of work on show.  The exhibition was open all day Saturday and concluded on Sunday but not before the final raffle prizes were drawn!   Children too had great fun at their competition prize giving with treats and slushies as well as admiring all the highly creative entries. 

All in all it was a great way to meet up with friends old and new and enjoy the fabulous paintings.  We are also delighted to have raised €4,500 for parish funds.  Many, many thanks to all who worked hard to make the exhibition happen, those that came along and of course to all our very talented artists!

Contemplating a Purchase at Douglas Parish Art Sale and Exhibition

Contemplating a Purchase at Douglas Parish Art Sale and Exhibition

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