Rector's Page

Dear parishioners and friends,

We find ourselves in the midst of a new way of doing things as restrictions are eased and new advice on living begins to come on stream. We are in a sort of limbo period, with uncertainty continuing to raise its head as we go about our ‘new normality’ of living. I suppose this is also true of parish life. We have reopened the church building, most of our services in church are happening again but other parts of normal parish life continue to be a struggle. Visiting the sick is a problematic area and some of our hospitals and nursing homes have not reopened to general visiting. This is terribly difficult for families and indeed the clergy and parish visitors but beyond our control at the current time.

Normally at this time of year we are looking forward to a run of pleasant and light-hearted events and festivities and in Monkstown this usually means our pet service, heritage related events, concerts, the art exhibition and also preparations for the parish sale in November. All of these things are currently on hold and many of them won’t alas take place. We still may be able to hold something on Culture Night in September and maybe the sale will indeed take place but it is the great unknown that makes planning ahead near nigh impossible!

Please remember when attending church to sanitize you hands using the dispensers at the main door, to follow carefully the directions of the churchwardens or stewards as to where to sit and to fill in the contact tracing slip on your service sheet. Service sheets are placed in the pews ready for your use in designated seating areas. Please do not sit in ‘closed pews’ or in undesignated area. A careful observation of the guidelines and directions given are necessary to ensure safety for all our worshippers.

Please continue to take care of yourselves and one another and contact me if you need me.

With love, prayers and my very best wishes,

Roy