From the Diocesan Children’s Office
Hello from Waterford!
LOOKING AT WORSHIP- WORSHIP FOR ALL THE FAMILY
A vision for all inclusive worship:
Church services should provide for the needs of all present. It is the tradition of many parishes to have a ‘family’ service perhaps once a month- a specific time especially for the school children to take part, which is wonderful especially if you’re a parent! But we must consider the children other Sundays too.
Worship should be:
-A time when the whole congregation, children, youth and adults worship together.
-A meaningful fellowship experience, which meaningfully integrates all ages.
-A balance of hymns and contemporary songs and music, all of which are relevant and lively.
-A worship experience that nurtures and stimulates the faith of all who attend.
All age worship or all-inclusive worship is a gathering of the whole church to worship together. It is not just a children's service, nor an adult service in which children are onlookers. It is for the whole congregation, old, young, single, married, adult and child. Such worship shows us all members as one group, while keeping us conscious of a diversity of people. We must give children and young people a place in worship - so they too can feel they belong.
TEACHER TRAINING:
There is Sunday School teacher training going on at parish level across the diocese, let me know if your parish would like specific training.
SAFEGUARDING TRUST:
We have had two very well attended Safe Guarding Trust training seminars in Kilkenny lately- one, for those working with children and the other for parish panels. ‘Safe guarding trust’ is the COI Code of good practice for ministry with children.
The COI has to set standards for the welfare of all children sharing in its ministry with a view to protecting them from physical, sexual and emotional harm.
Each parish is expected to implement this code and train leaders and also panel members. All workers/helpers paid or voluntary need to know the code.
The code exists to safeguard children, young people and their leaders.
There will be another training in the South East in January, contact me for details.
RESOURCES:
There are many resources available for Sunday School and children’s ministry. Do continue to contact about these.
Isobel
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BOUGH YOUTH CLUB
BOUGH YOUTH CLUB:
Happy New Year to you and I trust, like myself you are all walking a couple of miles each day to burn off the christmas delights.
Another Calander year started, and life continues on.
With the November meeting in Bough Hall well and truly over the night passed with fun and games with a nice number in attendance.
CAROL SINGING:
We sang our little hearts out in Baltinglass Hospital on Sunday evening 17th December the patients always love to have visit and sing with them. Thank you to everyone who came on the night.
We will have headed to Dublin on 28th December to go Skiing in Kilternan or Shopping in Dundrum, details next month.
YOUTH ALIVE:
The December Service was hosted in Tullow Group of Parishes in Mullinacuffe parish church. The service took on board the theme of Advent and it was a very warm service both physically with the heating in the church but also from the sizable congregation. It was lovely to have pupils of Shillelagh National School with us on the night who play superbly for us, also Ms. Hannah Driver who also played on the night.
There was a meeting of all parishes involved in the Youth Alive. It was held in the rectory in Baltinglass and sadly there was a very small attendance. Four in number to be exact, but we had a productive meeting with the Calendar of 2007 drawn up, watch the space below.
ASKING FOR PRAYER:
With a heavy heart and a lot of sadness, we have all heard of Ellen Kinch’s return to poor health. Sadly cancer has raised its ugly head once again, and I ask you on behalf of the family and from myself to remember Ellen, Marcella, Clifford, Michelle and Jacqueline and surrounding family in your prayers. Ellen with the strength and courage you have shown and are showing us all, is testament to your capability of fighting this illness with great admiration. We are all with you on the road again. God bless you and all who are unwell.
Dates for the Diary:
January Youth Alive Youth Service on Saturday 6th January in St. Peter’s Kiltegan.
Bough Youth Club on Saturday 27th January in Bough Hall. 9 -11 p.m.
February Youth Alive Youth Service in Donoghmore on Saturday 3rd February at 8 p.m.
March Youth Alive Youth Service in Baltinglass on Saturday 3rd March at 8 p.m.
If you need any information on any of the above contact me on 087 2776282 or 087 2522947 or 053 9429171 or email ericgjdriver@yahoo.ie.
Till next month
Eric Driver
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GIRLS’ FRIENDLY SOCIETY
I would like to wish all the GFS Leaders and Members thoughout the United Dioceses a very happy New Year. I am sure you all have your New Year resolutions made by now and one of mine is to try and have the GFS notes into our Editor by the 10th of each month!
DIOCESAN COUNCIL MEETING:
There was a good attendance at the Diocesan Council Meeting held on Saturday 25th November in Tinahely Hall with most branches represented.
Mrs. Mavis Thompson opened the meeting with prayer and ably assisted by Mrs. Hilda Bailey got through the long agenda with speed and efficiency.
An exciting calendar of events has been planned for 2007, which includes a Bowling Night in Carlow Bowl, Diocesan Camp the weekend after Easter. The Annual Diocesan Service will be on Sunday 20th May in St. Canice’s Cathedral and the Day Camp for
under nines is scheduled for Saturday 30th June. Leaders should note that the next Diocesan Council Meeting will be on Saturday 10th March, 2007 at 3 p.m. in Abbeyleix Hall, and it the Bible Study Projects and Arts and Crafts can be brought along that day. Mrs Thompson thanked the Tinahely Branch Leaders for facilitating the meeting and the generous hospitality that was enjoyed by all.
GFS Dates and Events in 2007
Friday 9th February Bowling Evening Carlow Bowling Centre
Saturday 10th March Diocesan Council Meeting Abbeyleix Hall at 3 p.m.
Weekend 13th – 15th April Diocesan Camp for girls over nines Venue to be confirmed
Sunday 20th May Diocesan Service and Prize Giving St. Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny
Saturday 30th June Day Camp for girls under nines Venue to be confirmed
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