Dear parishioners and friends,

Today (Sunday 5 May) is observed as Rogation Sunday. Winchester Cathedral has posted a very helpful synopsis of what Rogation and Rogationtide is all about and you may find what Bishop Alastair Redfern has to say interesting. ‘Rogation is an ancient church festival to seek blessing for a community and its sustenance. The word rogation comes from the Latin verb rogare, meaning “to ask”, which reflects the beseeching of God for protection from calamities. As the Book of Common Prayer puts it: “Rogation Days are the three days preceding Ascension Day, especially devoted to asking for God’s blessing on agriculture and industry.”

Since mediaeval times there has been a tradition of “beating the bounds” of the parish, praying for God‘s blessing upon the crops and thus the well-being of that particular settlement. It is still observed by some parishes today – with a procession, prayers and a sharing of hope in God‘s goodness to nourish every endeavour which enables people to flourish.

The Sixth Sunday of Easter (the fifth Sunday after Easter Sunday) is traditionally known as “Rogation Sunday” in the Church of England (and Ireland’s) calendar of festivals. This is because the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of the following week are known as the “Rogation Days,” days for fasting and prayer. The Thursday of that week is the feast of the Ascension, which comes on a Thursday, the 40th day after Easter (when Easter Sunday is counted as the 1st day).

Rogation invites people to ask for blessing – for a particular place; for all its inhabitants; for every endeavour to promote the common good. It is totally inclusive – joining everyone in seeking sustenance and a commitment to play their part in its provision.

What could be a more appropriate occasion for recognising that modern slaves are hidden in many rural settings, as well as in urban areas, their “work” unrecognised, and their well-being ignored. As churches celebrate the opportunity to ask for blessing in each parish, may we recognise the realities of those denied a proper place in the community, and include in our prayers, and through our endeavours over the coming months, a commitment that they may be properly seen, set free, and enabled to make their own desires known, that they may be a precious part of the fuller unfolding of God’s goodness.’

Ascension Day:        There will be a celebration of the Eucharist on Wednesday 8 May, our normal Wednesday eucharist, and a celebration of the Eucharist to mark Ascension Day on Thursday 9 May. Both services will be at 10:45 and all are most welcome to attend.

Bishops’ Appeal:     Bishops’ Appeal donations may be placed in a Bishops’ Appeal envelope and placed on the collection plate or in the basket at the door. Please use one of the envelopes for this appeal. The appeal will continue through the season of Easter until Sunday 12 May. The Bishops’ Appeal funds are sent to the diocesan office and allocations from the fund are made to relief agencies and charities around the world for humanitarian purposes.

 The Sick:  We continue our prayers in the parish for all who are unwell and the recently bereaved. We also remember those who are in hospital currently and those who are recovering at home from serious illness. Our hearts go out to all who are in need of our continued prayers and support, and we pray that you may have a real sense of the love that surrounds you.

On-line Banking: It would greatly assist our parish treasurer if you would please fill in the line describing what your donation is for and your name also. Sometimes donations are given online without any information provided and it is very difficult to work out who the donor is.

Cabinet of Curiosities: The glass cabinet at the back of the church contains antique and collectable items and we are selling these in aid of the schoolhouse restoration fund. New items are added as they are donated to us, so please keep an eye out, as the stock changes frequently. Please ask one of the churchwardens or Liz if you would like access to the cabinet. Money from the sale of items should be placed in the wooden schoolhouse donation box.

Schoolhouse Restoration:    Parishioners, friends and well-wishers may like to contribute to the fundraising appeal for the Schoolhouse restoration. Our bank details are as follows: Account Name: Monkstown Parish Church Business Current Account. Account no:   86014381. IBAN  IE 17 BOFI 9011 8386 0143 81. You may prefer to send a cheque, made payable to ‘Monkstown Parish Church’ and send it to Winton Lodge, 62 Monkstown Road, Monkstown, Co Dublin. Please indicate that your donation is for the Schoolhouse Restoration Fund.

General Financial Support: Thank you for your continued financial support of the parish and for remembering that our work of ministry continues week after week and year after year. We appreciate your generous and supportive giving. There is a collection at every service in the church. Donations to parish funds may also be posted by cheque made payable to ‘Monkstown Parish Church’ to me here at Winton Lodge if you do not have access to online banking. Our Bank of Ireland bank details are: Account Name: Monkstown Parish Church Business Current Account. Account no: 86014381. IBAN IE 17 BOFI 9011 8386 0143 81. If any of our envelope subscribers wish to talk to Ruth Carnegie, she may be contacted at 087 4339367. We now have a direct payment button on the parish website for those who would like to utilize this facility

With love and prayers  Roy