Christmas Festival this weekend 10-12 December – Carrigrohane, Blarney, Ballincollig & Inniscarra

Christmas Festival this weekend 10-12 December – Carrigrohane, Blarney, Ballincollig & Inniscarra

Dec 7, 2021 | Blog, CUP Update, Latest News

Carrigrohane Union of Parishes  (the Church of Ireland parishes in and around Carrigrohane, Blarney, Ballincollig & Inniscarra)   are hosting a weekend of Christmas cheer and reflection this weekend – 10-12 December 2021.  Details of events can be found on https://www.christmasfestivalcork.ie/events

The festival – which builds upon a festival held 5 years – is a celebration of the Christmas Nativity story and whilst also taking time to reflect upon the times that are currently being experienced in 2021.

At the heart of the festival is 50+  trees which tell the gospel story decorated by schools, individuals and community groups in the area as well as having trees dedicated to prayer and remembrance of those who have died during the pandemic. For young kids in addition to the trees,  each of the venues have a Sheep Hunt.

On Saturday a pop-up market is being held in the West Wing of the Carraig Centre in Ballincollig. The market Stalls include: Books, Craft, tasty treats, a local Wood turner, craft, Art and handmade bears and more.

St. Peter’s Church at Carrigrohane is hosting a number of reflective prayer stations –  Inside the building, there is a special focus on the journey made by Mary and Joseph and an opportunity for visitors to reflect upon their own faith journey following reflective prayer stations in the peace and space of the church building 

On Sunday the parish is hosting carols by car light service in St. Senan’s Church, Inniscarra – where families and individuals are welcome to drive in and join with some familiar carols from the comfort of their car – This is a ticketed event – 1 ticket per car – details are available on christmasfestivalcork.ie/events 

The majority of trees are outside to allow for social distancing. Where inside masks are required and hand sanitizer is provided. 

Revd Robert Ferris – Rector of Carrigrohane Union says – “No matter what the weather we encourage people to come along to Carrigrohane Union this weekend! – wrap up warm and experience the Christmas story with us this weekend in this unique way – At the end of a crazy year the hope of the Christmas story and the joy of community is important – I would encourage all of our neighbours, and those reading this near or far to pop along to our tree trail across our 4 locations and to take a bit of time to reflect upon the story which has changed the world”

Admission is free for all – buckets will be available for donations towards parish mission and ministry appeal and also a collection cup is available beside our ‘homeless tree’ towards the work of St. Vincent de Paul. We will also be collecting gifts of non-perishable foods which will be donated to a local food bank. 

Pop-up choirs will be performing outside at random times during the festival to bring an extra level of festival cheer. If you are coming after dark you might want to bring a torch with you as you tour the trees! 

Each of the church buildings is open during the festival for private prayer.

A programme & news sheet is available

Timings of all events are as follows:

Friday 10th December

12noon-7pm    Reflective Prayer stations – St. Peter’s Church Carrigrohane

12.30-2pm  Seniors Lunch (Tickets Required) – The Carraig Centre

2-7               Christmas Trees & Churches open

7.30             Youth Festive Fiesta ’21 (Tickets Required)

Saturday 11th December

10am-7pm  Christmas Trees open

10am           Pop-up Christmas Market – Carraig Centre West Wing

11-7pm       Reflective Prayer stations – St. Peter’s Church, Carrigrohane

3.30-4.30     Live Crib & Carols – St. Peters Field

Sunday 12th December

11am           Church Service – St Senan’s Inniscarra

11am           Sunday AM – Carraig Centre (Booking Required)

11am           Church Service – Blarney Service of the Word

2.30-4.30     Prayer Stations St Peter’s Church, Carrigrohane

2.30-5.30     Christmas Trees Open

3-4pm         Family Christmas Crafts (booking required)

6-7pm         Church Service – Choral Evensong (Booking required)

7.30-8.30     Carols by Carlight – St Senan’s Inniscarra (Booking required)

How do I book?

Where booking is required – you can find the events & links for tickets on www.christmasfestivalcork.ie/events 

Where?

  • St Peter’s Field, Church Hill, Carrigrohane, T12 TX89
  • Grounds of St Senan’s Church, Canon’s Cross, Inniscarra, P31 NX78
  • Grounds of Church of the Resurrection, The Square, Blarney, T23 HH90 
  • The West Wing, The Carraig Centre, Old Fort Road, Ballincollig, P31 PV20

For information on the festival contact info@cupcork.ie or phone 0874137560

Carraig Centre Appointment

Carraig Centre Appointment

Oct 18, 2021 | Blog, Latest News

It is with great joy that I am able to announce the Appointment of Matt Gould as Lead Evangelist / community leader at the Carraig Centre. Matt has spent 13 years as youth worker in Carrigrohane Union of Parishes and has recently completed his Evangelist Training at the Church Army Training college in Sheffield.

Matt’s appointment is a brand new pioneering role in the staff team which will see him taking a lead in developing the Carraig Centre, developing links with groups and individuals who use the centre and its activities as well as continuing to develop the outreach and worship activities.

This appointment is part of the Partnership between Church Army, Cork Cloyne and Ross Diocese and The Carraig Centre / Carrigrohane Union of Parishes. Matt takes up this role in mid-November

Revd Robert Ferris – Rector

Matt comments – “I’m humbled and delighted to be appointed to this new pioneering role with CUP in the diocese of Cork, Cloyne & Ross. At the heart of this project is an amazing community of Christians who are stepping out in faith to be and share the good news of Jesus here in Ballincollig. I’m excited to see what God has in store in the years ahead”