Just a few weeks ago the scaffolding went up at the rear of our church, and work on the first phase of the restoration project commenced. It represents a huge commitment in time and money from members of the parish who have responded so well to the call for financial help.

The members of the Restoration Committee would like to thank you for your continued support in their endeavours to find ways to fund the much-needed work.

In particular, the Bible Reading Marathon, which took place in November, was a great success. It was wonderful to witness such team spirit among parishioners and friends.

The priginal cost of Phase 1 was E1.46m, however, with building inflation,the revised cost, including the cost of restoring the organ, is now E1.85m. Currently, we have E1.3m. We still have to raise E500,000.

Now is the time therefore, to get involved in our latest fund-raising event. We are planning a Sponsored Walk along Saint Kevin's Way, a 26 KM walk through beautiful Wicklow, finishing up at the historic site of Glendalough. This will talk place on Saturday 12 May, with a starting time of 10am at Saint Kevin's Church, Hollywood and an estimated finish at Glendalough at 5pm. It is hoped to have a short prayer service at the end of this walk. Please join us for a day in the countryside and encourage your friends, family and colleagues to do the same. If the full walk is too much for you, please consider joining the walk at a point that suits you, for a 6km or 9km walk.

If walking is not for you, the following volunteers are also needed: Drivers, sandwich makers, water providers, etc, etc.

To register as a walker or volunteer, please contact Fiona Deverell at 087 682 3951, or fdeverell@hotmail.com

The Monkstown Restoration Fund Committee are Mr Lyndon MacCann (Chairperson), Gillian Donnelly, Fiona Deverrell, Eileen Kennedy, Roger Hill and Jarda Svejdar.