General

09.12.2024

Advent Hope in D&G – Life in a Rural Parish

Join us throughout Advent 2024 as we explore signs of hope of the Spirit at work in Dublin and Glendalough. During this time of watching and waiting, we are celebrating the life of parishes in the United Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough – urban and rural, large and small. We are sharing stories of people in parishes who are working with dedication to reach out to people who are new to their communities, to those who have moved to the many new housing developments springing up or those who come to the country seeking sanctuary from war. There are stories of people exploring how to share the Good News of the Gospel with people who haven’t heard it, or who have forgotten about it. There is news of people carefully preserving their parish churches and buildings so they can continue to provide facilities to parishioners and the whole community and there are rural ministries which provide a focal point for their communities. You are encouraged to reflect on these good news stories but also invited to share stories from your parishes so that we can continue to communicate the joy of parish life and fellowship with others.

By the Revd Suzanne Harris

The parishes of Castlemacadam and Ballinaclash with Aughrim, are all set in the heart of the “Garden of Ireland” (County Wicklow), in locations revered for their natural beauty – a place that displays God’s creative powers so well.

God’s presence and handiwork radiate from a mix of rolling hills, lakes, green fields filled with animals or crops; trees of every colour line the small winding roads and lanes and hedgerows burst with wildlife. Rivers and streams and old fashioned bridges are common and best of all…there is no traffic! Not as city folk might call “traffic” but of tractors and farm machinery purposely built for working these beautiful lands.

It can be a challenge though, daily navigating these roads as part of my ministry, as an unexpected pedestrian is more likely to be a panicked deer or pheasant or cyclists who are not commuting but more resemble a challenging stage on the Tour De France, with traffic backed up behind them like support teams. There’s no point getting exasperated or flustered …. Life moves at a more relaxing pace in a rural parish.

My favourite sight, among many, has to be the free daily air display put on by Ireland’s native bird of prey – the majestic Red Kite. They soar to heights on the wind then sweep into the fields below, in search of daily bites.

Travelling to see parishioners at church services, parish activities or visiting at home plays such an important part of rural ministry. Nearly all our parishioners live in isolated houses up lanes or boreens and generally beside farms or on their own grounds.

Our three beautiful churches are situated in a triangular pattern within the Wicklow hills. St John the Evangelist Church is located at one end of the beautiful village of Aughrim. Ballinatone Church is a short distance from the bridge and only combined shop and pub in quiet Ballinaclash. Holy Trinity Church, Castlemacadam lies a short walk from the quaint village of Avoca.

Each church has a very dedicated and committed group of parishioners who look after their church and the surrounding grounds immaculately. These parishioners are very supportive and appreciative and willingly volunteer, faithfully attend and generously support all parish and community events – church services, coffee mornings, activities, fetes, parish sales, special events and a mix of different social events.

Living in the countryside, means that meeting up together for church services or parish and local activities becomes a very important part of rural life. In our parishes there are weekly gatherings with our walking group, our craft group and our table tennis club which all meet in the parish hall or in the local area.

The ever–faithful Parish coffee morning, hosted by different parishioners in their homes, with its customary offering of delicious home–made tray bakes is never off the monthly diary!

Parish Social Outings take place in various locations – it might be a Parish breakfast or lunch, an outing to local beauty spot, walks or exhibitions and local shows. We are spoilt for choice with Avondale, Kilmacurragh Gardens, Glendalough, Glenmalure and Avoca on the doorstep. All great excuses to gather, enjoy and chat.

These gatherings attract groups numbering from five to 40 parishioners, depending on availability and interest but they are particularly important for people who are living alone.

Parish Picnic at the Meetings of the Waters.

On Sundays we gather in our three beautiful churches for worship, scripture and prayer but also to see our church family, our friends and neighbours and catch up on news of weather, farming, family and welfare.

Most of all as a rural rector, I thoroughly enjoy visiting parishioners at home –getting to know people on a more personal level, looking at family photos and hearing stories of the past or how the family are getting on in Ireland or abroad. There are no schools or nursing homes within the parish boundaries but I am kindly invited to nearby schools which our young parishioners attend, and also visit nearby nursing homes where some of our older parishioners reside. A typical day in the life of this rural rector includes office work or attending parish activities in the mornings and visiting parishioners in the afternoons.

I am blessed to live and minister among such a wonderfully supportive community in this beautiful part of County Wicklow.

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If you have a story to tell from your parish please email the diocesan communications officer – dcodublin@gmail.com