St Mary's Church , Bunclody

31/05/2026

Thanks to the 70 young Christians from Open Circle, from Dublin, Cork and elsewhere, who came on retreat to St Mary’s Church, Bunclody, this holiday weekend. They inspired us, prayed with us, worshipped the Lord Jesus with us, played and sang the most wonderful gospel worship songs, got our wildflower meadow up and running, and brought joy to us all. As Blossom read this morning at our united Eucharist service from Isaiah 40: 32, ‘those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.’ Safe home to our new friends in Christ, and we hope to meet again, before long!

12/05/2026

Thanks Valerie for being a local champion for tge vital and life saving work of Christian Aid! 💒🙏🏻🌍

Bunclody woman grows vegetables in tin cans to highlight Kenya poverty project - News - Carlow Nationalist

08/05/2026

Congratulations to choirmaster Dr Jeffrey Cox, the ‘intergenerational’ St Mary’s Choir and the new Bunclody Boys Brigade leaders preparing to start our ‘new’ BB Company next September, alongside Bunclody GFS members & leaders, getting ready for the Church Badge in St Mary’s Church tomorrow. You are famous!

Bishop Wilkinson spoke at General Synod this afternoon commending the work of the uniformed organisations like GFS and Boys’ Brigade in working with children in our parishes. He also spoke of the intergenerational worship through music, in the all age choir in St Mary's Church , Bunclody last Sunday. Great things happening in CFO!

08/05/2026

Breithlá shona duit, Sir to David Attenborough, on your 100th birthday. Like Moses who (also at a good age!) led his people to a ‘promised land’, Sir David has led us to a greater awareness of God’s love as expressed in the unimaginable biodiversity of nature. Psalm 104:24 How many are your works, LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures

Today we wish Sir David Attenborough a very happy 100th birthday! 🎂

It is wonderful to be a part of the celebrations of one of our national treasures, and in recent weeks Juniors across the country have been getting into a series of activities themed around Sir David, learning about his incredible life and career. They have also been collaboratively creating an art project which will be turned into a special birthday card to say thank you for all he has done to raise awareness of the natural world around us! 🌍

08/05/2026

An dara lá ag Sionód Ginearálta Eaglais na hÉireann. Timely debate this morning about the future of ordained ministry. The Venerable Peter Thompson of Armagh said that of the 420 full time stipendary C of I priests serving, just 106 are under 50 years of age. Please pray and consider who you might know who’d be open to explore a vocation to ordained ministry, or as a lay reader. Your rector would love to meet you if you are interested in discussing ministry in any context. 🙏🏻💒📖🚶‍➡️👨‍🦽‍➡️🚶‍♀️‍➡️🌅

08/05/2026

Thank you Children & Families Ministry CFO 🎶

What music do children enjoy in church? Sometimes the answer is surprising!

The church choir in Bunclody has a number of children and teenagers who enjoy a wide range of music and are singing some beautiful sacred pieces. We sometimes assume that all children enjoy upbeat modern music with accompanying dance moves - but that’s not always the case. “All of God’s Creatures Got a Place in the Choir” as the song says there’s a place for everyone and a song for everyone!

Well done to Bunclody Union for supporting and encouraging children and young people to participate - this is multi-generational ministry!

St Mary's Church , Bunclody

07/05/2026

Archbishop John McDowell speaking at the Church of Ireland General Synod in Newcastle, Co Down in his Presidential Address described our attitude to immigration as the great current touchstone of our Christian authenticity. Christians are called on to care for the stranger as Jesus emphasises in the parable of the Good Samaritan. In facing our Maker, be prepared to hear Christ’s words, ‘Depart from me! I was a stranger and you did not take me in!’.

06/05/2026

Sunrise at St Mary’s Rectory, Bunclody. Praying for all who are heading to the Church of Ireland General Synod in Newcastle, Co. Down.

‘Young men and women alike, old and young together! Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name is exalted; his name is above earth and heaven.’
(Psalm 148:12-13).

04/05/2026

Thanks to Shane Reynolds for capturing in great pictures our big 250th Anniversary Choral Eucharist at St Mary’s St Mary's Church , Bunclody. The choir was outstanding! Bishop Adrian’s sermon inspired! The parish organisations filled us with hope. The many visitors, councillors, TDs & Minister made it all even more special. Very grateful to former rector, ecumenical & diocesan colleagues and friends for celebrating with us. Thanks especially to church wardens, parking attendants, church decorators
and most especially the hardworking hospitality team who provided sustenance and sumptuous big birthday cake, and not forgetting those who helped selling Oliver’s fabulous book, ‘Celebrating 250 years of St Mary’s’ plus Keith’ stained glass bookmarks. Call to Deborah in the parish office Wednesday-Friday 10-4pm or check website www.bunclodyunionofparishes.ie to order your copy, all proceeds go to raise then€66,000 needed to repair the spire. See you soon, ideally to worship & give thanks to God next Sunday at 11.30am!

03/05/2026

What a fantastic day, celebrating 250 years of St Mary’s Church, Bunclody.