The Parish
| Situated
approximately 30 miles to the South West of Cork City,
the area is one of great beauty and the town and villages
have their own special charm, bringing scores of tourists
every year. Indeed in 1999, the town of Clonakilty won
the prestigious national award as Irelands tidiest
town, with a record number of points. Increasingly, many
local people commute to work in Cork City, less than an
hour away, but there are also a growing number of job
opportunities locally. The Church of Ireland community is to be found mainly in the farms surrounding Clonakilty, Balliniscarthy to the north and Timoleague and Courtmacsherry to the East. The Church of Ireland members play a small but significant part in the life of the community, especially through representation on the committees of local festivals and agricultural shows. With roots that go back centuries, in todays world, we aim to witness to the living Christ through our worship and daily work. To bring the reconciling love of Christ to everyone, to share together with Christians of all traditions in that task, and to work with people of good will to encourage the values of the kingdom of God in society.
The Church of Ireland community today has inherited church buildings that are highly valued for their character and beauty. The Church of the Ascension, Timoleague, is unique with its walls covered in mosaics. Kilgariffe with its balcony and elevation overlooking the town of Clonakilty gives a character all of its own. Kilmalooda set in the middle of the country near Balliniscarthy has stain glass windows, which are highly prized by experts in the field. St Johns Courtmacsherry, formerly used as a school, nestles at the foot of the cliffs overlooking the bay, and conveys a peace that speaks deeply of the Christ who calmed the storms of Galilee and of our lives. But as wonderful as our buildings are, the people of God in Kilgariffe Union face the challenge like all churches in this third Christian Millennium, of developing a Christian Community that is open and loving, welcoming and accepting, so that Christ who is the Head of the Church is glorified. It is in his name, we invite you to worship with us and participate in the social life of the Union, We will also gladly receive any enquiries you may have. Please contact the appropriate numbers. |
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All pages and art-work designed by Cian Hayes