02.03.2016
The Clarion Heralds New Era in Parish Communication in Enniskerry
Hot off the presses, the new monthly newsletter of the Enniskerry Joint Parishes was launched in the village yesterday evening (Tuesday March 1). The Clarion is a joint initiative of the Church of Ireland Parish of Powerscourt with Kilbride (Bray) and the Roman Catholic Parish of St Mary in Enniskerry. Its production is facilitated by Liturgical Publications Ireland (LPi).
The full colour 16 page magazine is packed with information from both parishes as well as from the wider community. The centre pages contain listings of community events alongside each parish’s events, making it essential reading for all residents of the area. The first edition is to be delivered to all households in Enniskerry. Future editions will be available from businesses in Enniskerry as well as from the parish churches.
The launch in the Powerscourt Arms Hotel was attended by Archbishop Michael Jackson and Monsignor Enda Lloyd. Introducing proceedings the Rector of Powerscourt with Kilbride, Archdeacon Ricky Rountree, said there was a longstanding commitment between the parishes in Enniskerry to do as much as possible together and to work collaboratively. The Clarion was an extension of this, further connecting the parishes and bringing their news and events to the attention of the whole community. He thanked all involved in making the production possible.
Don Browne detailed LPi’s background. The company, which began in America, specialises in connecting parishes and their parishioners. He said they were delighted to be part of the project to connect the Enniskerry communities. Speaking of the first edition of The Clarion he said: “What you see here is really a reflection of your community”.
Fr John Wall, PP Enniskerry, said he was delighted that the two parishes could continue their work together and thanked the volunteers and those in the parish offices for their work on the newsletter. “Any functioning community has to have communication and this is an excellent communication,” he commented. Monsignor Lloyd praised the ongoing collaboration between the parishes and said The Clarion helped set the context of that work.
Archbishop Jackson commented that working together helped to build community and bring people together. “While both communities may be distinct, when working together we find we have more in common than what divides us” he said. “The Clarion offers an invitation and hospitality through the information it provides.”
There will be 10 issues of The Clarion a year and the deadline for copy will be on the 15th of every month at midday.
Photo caption: The Clarion team are pictured with Monsignor Enda Lloyd and Archbishop Michael Jackson.