Diocesan News
New Life in Clonlara
The church in Clonlara had its Harvest service on Sunday 16 October, led by Dean Gary Paulsen, with the Harvest sermon preached by Bishop Kenneth Kearon. There was a turnout of around 75 people in spite of the local hurling team qualifying for the final and many people being at that sports event. The local choir led the singing and did a few pieces on their own. Everyone helped to put on tea and eats afterward.
That’s not really news, is it? Pretty much every Church has its Harvest services. What’s different about this one?
Two years ago, Clonlara church was closed, vandalized, damaged and unloved. There was no Church of Ireland congregation left in this small rural village. Sadly, one of those meetings we all dread had to be called, inviting everyone in the community to explain that the building was on the way to becoming just one of many other many church ruins around Ireland.
But the community decided otherwise.
A young couple had bought the parish house next door to the church; Philippa and Stephen with their three young children were renovating, and were keen that the neighbouring church building should not deteriorate any further. Another young couple, David and Sarah, had bought the old rectory a couple of years previously, and had renovated the building that was in really bad shape. They eventually moved in – and it became a home once more. They dearly wished to be married in Clonlara church and the community decided to make this happen.
To get it ready for the wedding, work parties were organised and it was transformed. The local mayor, the parish priest, and many others rolled up their sleeves to help repair, clean and paint for the wedding which took place in September. Stephen Holmes, the Churchwarden of Castleconnel church, chairs a newly–formed committee of locals and parishioners to keep it going and continue to bring it back to its former glory. In addition to church services, a community choir uses the building each week to sing together; the local scouts meet; a market day with local stalls and produce was held in the grounds during the summer. Clonlara is a remarkable witness to what can be done when people are willing to work together. Everyone is welcome – there are no labels placed on anyone. We are often told that the church is in decline. Not in Clonlara it ain’t!
Communications Officer, Tuam, Limerick & Killaloe
089 448 9353
Stephen Fletcher
comms@tlk.ie