Rector's Page

Dear parishioners and friends,

Last week, we were fearful that Dublin might be placed in level 5 of pandemic restrictions but thankfully we remain (for the moment at least) at level 3. The continued inability to provide public worship in our churches is heart breaking and whether this will change anytime soon is anybody’s guess. Planning is non-existent and all of us are in reality leading a day to day existence, making the best of what we have and endeavouring to keep our spirits cheerful and positive in whatever way we can.

Last Friday evening’s interview on the Late Late Show with a 17 year old and his mother brought home to me most forcefully how indiscriminate this virus is and how it is most important that we continue to care for ourselves and our loved ones and keep our guards high. For those of you who didn’t see the interview the 17 year old suddenly felt unwell following a walk and was rushed to Tallaght Hospital ending up on a ventilator for 12 days, critically ill. Following his eventual release form hospital he had to learn to walk again due to nerve damage in his feet and is using crutches to get about. He contracted the virus in April and is still recovering.

This virus knows no bounds and we must continue to exercise care and caution and to follow public health advice. We continue our prayers for all who working in our hospitals and in the medical fields, for researchers and scientists, for our health officials and Government, for all who are sick at home or in hospital. Let us also continue our prayer for one another in these very difficult times and pray with thanksgiving for the blessings we have in our own lives.

Last week, Shirley brought us the news of the special appeal for Des Vallely, the son in law of the Revd Kevin Dalton. Following Des’ horrific accident in January, his wife, Tara has set up a gofundme page #walkdeshome to raise €400,000 towards the costs of allowing Des to be cared for at home with his family. The appeal total has reached €200,000 in a week and we will continue to bring you updates over the coming weeks. You can support the appeal by going to the gofundme page and making a donation online or by sending a cheque made payable to Tara Dalton to me in Winton Lodge and I will pass it on to Shirley. The family really appreciate your support, prayers and concern at this time. 

The October edition of Monkstown Voice is now available and will find its way to you by delivery or by post. The magazine contains tickets for our November raffle and we trust our parishioners and friends will support us in this fundraising effort. Normally we do this in conjunction with the November parish sale but this will not take place this year due to Covid-19 restrictions. This year’s raffle is a truly bumper affair and we thank all those who kindly donated fabulous prizes. These include a Waterford Crystal ice bucket and champagne (worth over €400), a €150 Tesco voucher, prosecco, spirits, crystal, china, hair dressing vouchers, an Osteria restaurant voucher, a leather handbag, a case of wine, a luxury food hamper, a voucher to exchange for a knitted pullover and a host of other prizes. Tickets are available from the Parish Office or from St. Patrick’s church office.

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