Dear parishioners and friends,

 
Our churches may be closed, and in light of the statement by An Taoiseach yesterday evening, our ability to travel is now restricted and we cannot meet up with friends and family in the usual way. However that does not mean that as a parish we cannot pull together for the benefit of our mental, spiritual and physical health, while at the same time raising much needed funds for charity.
In January 2021 let us all get outdoors and walk, cycle or jog for three good causes. Try doing 5km a day, or any distance you can, and donate via the special GoFundMe page that has been set up for this purpose. The link is here:
 
 
 
All donations received will be lodged into a parish account for distribution in February. If you find it easier to donate directly to the parish treasurers, please do but make it clear that it is in response to this challenge so the money is recorded and dispersed correctly. A suggested amount (if walking) is €1 per km but any amount will be appreciated. All proceeds will be divided equally between the parish, the Church of Ireland Bishops’ Appeal for overseas  aid and development, and Cork Penny Dinners.  Because we didn’t have packed churches and carol services at Christmas,  our parish and these charities all lost out on desperately needed funds. If you are not in a position to walk yourself, why not sponsor me for any sum you like – I aim to walk 5km every day in January or a total of 155Km by the end of the month. If you are much fitter than me, you might want to set yourself a more ambitious target for a figure less than 1€ per Km and get your family and friends to sponsor you too via the GoFundMe account. Or if 5Km per day is too difficult, set your own target. The important thing is that we all try and do something together as a parish in these dark and challenging days of January, when we are not able to see each other in church or at parish events and activities. It would be great if many of you joined me in any way you can.  
I will be in contact with you at the weekend again with the link to a service I will be recording and putting up online for this Sunday. While today is the last day of 2020, a year that has been so difficult for many, tomorrow we turn over a new page on what we hope will be a brighter and better 2021. I hope this prayer, which I have written, might be of some help to you at this time of transition.
 
O God of time and eternity;
our days are in your hands and the future is known only to you.
On the cusp of this New Year, we give thanks for all that has been good and true in the past, we ask forgiveness for any mistakes made and that you would help us to lay whatever burdens we carry at the feet of your Son. 
As we look forward with hope and confidence, give us your Spirit to guide and strengthen us, that we may see our unique potential and purpose in this life and so glorify you, until our journey is ended and we rejoice forever, where all time is ended in your everlasting kingdom. Amen.
 

Happy New Year to you all,

Adrian

 

 

 

—

Archdeacon of Cork, Cloyne and Ross.

 
The Rectory,
Carrigaline Road,
Douglas,
Cork.
T12 A2RC