2021 Lenten Challenge

Gillian intends to walk 5km every day of Lent 2021

Wednesday 17th February – Saturday 3rd April 2021

in aid of:

The Irish Cancer Society

Protestant Aid

Parish Funds

 We are in difficult times, and for many, this third lockdown has been, and is, the hardest.  In Lent 2021, I am suggesting that rather than giving things up, that we could pull together as a parochial group for our mental, spiritual, emotional and physical wellbeing and health, whilst at the same time raising funds for three charities.

The idea is to try and do 5km a day, whether you walk it, cycle it or run it.  If 5km is too much, set yourself a lower target; if it is too easy, set a higher one!  Or you can set yourself whatever challenge works for you: learning the ‘Jerusalema’ and dancing it every day in Lent; learning sign language… it’s up to you, but do something that benefits you physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, this Lent.

The money raised will be divided equally between the three charities.

Last year, the Irish Cancer Society’s major fundraiser, Daffodil Day, was severely affected by COVID-19 and it will be again this year.  Each year, on the fourth Sunday of March, we have a Daffodil Service followed by a Daffodil Coffee Morning with a Bring-and-Buy, in aid of the Irish Cancer Society, but, of course, we were not able to have it last year and we will not be able to have it this year.  Please note that we will be having a Daffodil Service as part of our Palm Sunday Service on Sunday 28th March 2021.

Protestant Aid (also known as PA) is the Church of Ireland version of St Vincent de Paul.  It treats genuine calls for help equally, regardless of religious, ethnic or social backgrounds. It was established as a charity over 180 years ago to relieve deprivation in Ireland.

 Its primary activities include:

Grants to alleviate poverty or distress

  • Annuities for the elderly
  • Allowances for heating/energy costs
  • School expenses
  • Second-level education grants
  • Third-level loans
  • Sheltered housing and nursing care for over 200 elderly people through our sister companies, the Brabazon Trust and St John’s House

And the third cause to benefit is our parishes.

You can help by sponsoring or donating to Gillian’s 5km Lenten Challenge, or you could take up a Challenge yourself.

As we are in lockdown, we are not asking people to take sponsorship cards or to handle money, donations may be made via the GoFundMe page –

https://gofund.me/996d06a6

or to

to the following IBAN:

Booterstown and Mount Merrion Account

IBAN: IE92ULSB 985330 00606072

BIC: ULSBIE2D