MARIA'S FAREWELL

It was a great surprise to most of us when Maria announced that she was leaving to become Dean of Waterford. The Institution will take place in Christ Church Cathedral in Waterford on 4th December at 4.30 p.m.
On the 20th November we celebrated two services in the morning where Maria preached for the last time in our parish. At both occasions the churches were full. 250 parishioners gathered in the afternoon for a parish lunch at the Stanville Hotel to say fare well to Revd Maria. Peter Hudson as MC guided us through the speeches. Georgina Rothwell spoke on behalf of the joint union. June Hawkins presented e check to Maria, talking about the last 9 years in a very direct and humorous way. And Margaret Hawkins read a poem she had written. In the end I spoke and thanked Maria on behalf of the parishioners.The speech ended with the following words
We thank you for your love and the tremendous efforts you put into your ministry.
We thank you for your devotion with which you have carried out your pastoral care.
The parish you leave behind is a much better place than it was before you came because your mind always was set on God's will.
Together with the people of the Wexford and Kilscoran union of parishes I wish you all the best in your coming work. And may the blessing of God Almighty be with you now and remain with you forever.
She will absolutely be missed and remembered after her 9 years here.

Looking back at the year

The day before Advent Sunday last year the first snow came. More snow came just before Christmas but despite all difficulties the Christmas fast was completed. Revd Maria Jansson and Fr. Jim Fegan did a marvellous job and collected a large sum of money.
Other fundraisings during the year - Christmas sale at Balloughton Hall, Coffee morning in Cushen's Pub, Table quiz at Castle View Heights, Rosslare summer sale and the field day at Johnstown Castle. All with great results. In our present economical situation I hope that we will continue and raise money in any way possible.
For me personally it was the first year in Church of Ireland. Ursula and I were met with kindness and great hospitality, which made the transition easier. But we both realized that to make such a big change at the age of 64 was more difficult than we imagined.
Many things have been taking place during the year. I do not try to make a complete recapitulation but just mention a couple of things.
The Easter celebration this year was something special. The Bishop had asked us to make an extra effort. Which we did. There were services each day in holy week and the Easter garden behind St Iberius was beautiful. Thanks to Sam and Margaret Hawkins, Ursula Rasmussen, Tina Mansell and Colin Walker for their efforts. Thanks also to The very Revd Leslie Forrest who preached in Holy Week.
10 young people were confirmed in June in St Iberius.
And in the beginning of June Maria walked her many miles around the parish with great support from parishioners.
The new school extension was officially opened by the Bishop. The renovation in Kilscoran started and plans for St Iberius was made up and are proceeding according to decisions made.
In September we were taken by surprise when someone set fire to the church in Mulrankin. Fortunately the church was restored beautifully and reopened in October.
And now it is once more Advent Sunday. And a new year begins in our churches.

Sunday 13th November in Killinick: Charlotte Goff, daughter of Dianne and Damian And the same day in St Iberius: Beatrice Elsbeth, daughter of Eamon and Madeleine Mulhall baptized by the Rt Revd Martin Shaw, grandfather to Beatrice.

SINCERE SYMPATHY

Joy Fletcher's aunt on her father's side has died.She was Dorothy Eileen Fletcher, born in Johannesburg on 31st March 1921.She came to live at her grandmothers place in Raheenduff, Foulksmill in 1924, went to school in Waterford and married Richard Hamilton Webb of Wygram Cottage in St Iberius, Wexford 1945. They lived for a while in Rosslare before they built a house, called Dunderrow, near Wexford, where she gave birth to her 2 sons, David and Tim. In 1960 the family moved to Reading, but she returned to Dunmore East 18 years ago. Dorothy died on 8th October and was buried on Thursday 13th October in Dunmore East, Co. Waterford. One of her sisters is still alive and she has 3 grand children and 4 great grandchildren. Sincere sympathy to the Fletcher family.