The Rector writes…….
Yes, we are back to this format again!
Probably the worst kept secret ever, it was officially announced last evening that Dublin was to be put under the restrictions of Level 3 in an attempt to stem the alarming rise in Covid-19 infections in the capital and the surrounding county. I suppose it was inevitable that this surge or “wave” would happen. Over the past few months, and especially since the schools re-opened, there was a feeling that things were getting back to normal and we readjusted our behaviour and lifestyles accordingly. However, the virus had never gone away and while it is around, we need to be extremely careful of ourselves and of those around us. While this virus is around and there isn’t a vaccine, things can never be labelled “normal”.
Now, I am no expert, and I know that some have tried to frustrate the attempts of the Government by picking holes in their messaging, saying it is incoherent and confusing. However, the core message couldn’t be clearer and has been consistent:
- Wash and/or sanitise your hands regularly.
- Maintain a distance of at least 2 metres from those around you.
- Wear a mask or face-covering in particular when you are in situations where physical distancing is not possible.
- As far as is possible, avoid crowded places and situations where people are gathering without physical distancing.
- Limit the number of people that you interact or socialise with in accordance with health guidelines.
Level 3 has implications for us all, including our parish life.
For the next three weeks, public Worship will be suspended. This means that we will now cancel the 8.30am Holy Communion Service in St. Nahi’s. The 11am Service in Christ Church will be live-streamed as usual, but without a congregation present. Tomorrow’s Service will be that of Holy Communion. You can watch this live on ‘YouTube’ at “Taney Parish” or via the Parish Website www.taneyparish.ie
The Parish Centre and grounds will again be closed for all activities, with the exception of the Taney Playschool, as educational facilities are allowed to continue to operate. The Parish Office will continue to be operational between 9.00 am and 12.00 noon (Monday-Friday). Please make contact by phone – 01-298 5491.
All this, of course, is most disappointing as we were in the planning stage of getting back to our usual schedule of Sunday morning Services. This situation is now a setback in our plans – but keep an eye on “Taney News Extra” and the Parish Website for up-to-date information.
The Select Vestry Meeting Scheduled for Monday evening next is now postponed until further notice.
The Archbishop has confirmed that the Ordination of The Rev. Chris West can proceed next weekend in Christ Church Cathedral, as it is a “one off” occasion similar to a marriage ceremony or funeral, but with very restricted numbers attending. We wish Chris every Blessing as he prepares for this important occasion and we look forward to him moving into Church Cottage during the coming week.
Do take care and stay safe and well.
Rev. Canon Robert Warren
Rector
The Archbishop writes……
As I write it is looking more and more likely that we in Dublin will have further restrictions imposed on us and be put into Level 3 of the government’s Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID19. I am sure that you, like me, find the prospect of this both frustrating and frightening but it is important that we face this with resilience and hope. The resilience that we will once again find ways of coping with these restrictions and in the hope that by abiding by these imposed restrictions, by looking after ourselves, our families, our neighbours and our communities, we will supress this rise in cases.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1)
Michael, Archbishop of Dublin
18th September 2020
HARVEST THANKSGIVING
Due to the fact that congregations cannot be present at services for the moment, we will defer our Harvest Thanksgiving services until we are up and running again. Please keep an eye on Taney News Extra and the Parish website for up-to-date information. Harvest Appeal envelopes, which were distributed with the Taney News magazine, can be returned by post or dropped into the Parish Office during office opening hours. This year’s Appeal, as outlined here, will go towards the provision of toilet facilities at St. Nahi’s.
COFFEE SHOP
Due to Covid restrictions Taney Coffee Shop will remain closed for the foreseeable future. However, Yvonne and her helpers would like to continue to provide goods on request. Cakes & brown bread will be available from 14th Sept. Also they will take orders for soup & sandwiches. These can be delivered in the Dundrum & surrounding areas. Please contact Yvonne 087 232 9557 to place an order & give the date & time for delivery or collection. We look forward to your custom. We will be offering this service every Monday, Wednesday & Friday.
LECTORS & INTERCESSORS
We value the Ministry of those who read the Scripture readings and lead the Intercessions at the Sunday morning services. If you would be interested in joining this group, please contact the Parish Office (01-2985491) as we have some vacancies at present.
HOSPITAL VISITS
The clergy would appreciate being told if parishioners are in hospital, going into hospital, are being transferred or if they have been discharged, and will be pleased to offer pastoral support. Please understand that the clergy are not automatically informed when parishioners are admitted to hospital.
TRANSPORT
We have a number of Parishioners who would dearly love to attend Sunday Services, and who require transport. If you feel in any way that you could offer to collect one or two of these parishioners it would be very much appreciated. Please contact the parish office or one of the clergy if you can assist.
CONTACT US
The Parish Office, is attended from 9.30 am to 1.00 pm Monday – Friday, this coming week. 01-298 5491. Email info@taneyparish.ie
On-call telephone number. The clergy now operate a designated emergency telephone number: 083 477 1673.
This number may be called in case or cases of pastoral emergency only, should there be no reply from the parish office or clergy numbers.
Taney Parish National School is a co-educational Primary School in the state education system. It is also a parish school and is attached to the Church of Ireland parish of Taney, here in Dundrum.
The school is above all a happy school, a place where pupils enjoy coming each morning. A caring community of adults and children where each is valued for her/his own unique contribution and effort, Taney School has a long tradition of providing the widest range of opportunities for children from the arts to sport and crucially and centrally in the academic area.