Inishbiggle blessings, on the Eve of St Bartholomew's Day, 23 August

 

Return to Inishbiggle 

A happy day was enjoyed on Saturday 23rd August when a group of ten people, which included some from Castlebar, Westport, Galway, Kilkenny and Dublin - made the short crossing by currach from Doran’s Point to ‘Biggle’.  As always the passengers were well cared for by ferrymen Michael and Tim, and we were delighted and privileged to have, amongst others, Valerie Raitt, Diocesan Co-ordinator of Spiritual Tourism and Pilgrimages, join us for the trip.

Church wardens Chris and Jeremy, outside the old national school,

with the wardens' recently acquired wand. 

Just disembarked: the 'crew', minus two

Tom Smith, a member of the Holy Trinity Westport congregation 

Photo by Susie Fry, Castlebar

Michael, ferryman

Tim, ferryman

Valerie

Having been welcomed at the pier by islanders and Holy Trinity Inishbiggle church wardens, Christine Gibbs and Jeremy Holt, we took the short stroll to the church. A service of Prayer and Praise (a 'Service of the Word'),  on the Eve of St Bartholomew's Day, was begun outside the church in the fresh air and sunshine and continued and ended at the shore, a few minutes' walk from the church. The Lessons were read by Chris Gibbs and Jeremy Holt, and the Intercessions were led by Jen McCormack and Susie Fry.

The Collect of Saint Bartholomew’s Day

Almighty and everlasting God,
who gave to your apostle Bartholomew
grace truly to believe and to preach your word:
Grant that your Church may love that word which he believed
and may faithfully preach and receive the same;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Some TLC and a fresh colour for the church door

Pictured: Jen McCormack, a member of Castlebar (Christ Church) Parish and congregation.

Chris, Jen and PJ

Tom, Valerie and Christine examine the in-progress floor repairs.

'Women at the tomb'

An 'Easter garden' in-the-making

Recently purchased rainwater butts,

behind the vestry 

Seal-searching on the way back to the mainland

Elma from Newport

Back at Ballycroy

Stop-off on the road home, for coffee, cake and planning,

at the lovely Wild Nephin Centre

Thanks to the islanders and our fantastic church wardens for the welcome and hospitality, and all the ongoing work. It was encouraging to learn that the church (Holy Trinity Inishbiggle) had had 71 visitors over the August bank holiday weekend.

Pastoral care and enquiries:  

Revd Suzanne Cousins  Phone 083 800 3233     

Email aughaval@tuam.anglican.org  

Website   aughaval.tlk.ie       

Please see also the Aughaval Parishes Facebook page.