I write the front page of the newsletter most weeks currently. However, I am not a part of the Newsletter Team. Therefore, I can quite objectively write about the team and the machinery of the newsletter from a slightly outside perspective! I was amazed at the whole operation when I first experienced it two years ago.

The first newsletter was published in 1967 - 58 years ago! It is quite a feat to have continuous publication weekly from humble beginnings using a Gestetner to current times using computers and a coloured printer.

The Newsletter appears in the local shops and spaces on Thursday afternoons. From the very moment that the newsletter arrives in the public arena in Lucan, the next newsletter is beginning already! Mary, Anna and Rose receive articles, photos, advertisements by email and in hard copy form and build the pages of the newsletter throughout the week. The deadline for receipt of items is 10pm on Wednesday.

Every Thursday morning, the team arrive in the St Mary's Parish Office with most of the work already done with the exception of adding anything that might have been left in the office in hard copy. The printer starts rolling from 9.00a.m. Calm, chat and good humour reigns throughout along with coffee and buns! Yes, sometimes technology sits down or electricity fails - but solutions are always found so that the pages are arranged for collating and folding by lunch time by another team.

The team of people who deliver take over from mid-afternoon every week, so that you may then find copies in the shops throughout Lucan.

The Newsletter addresses current local, national and international issues, concerns and celebrations. It engages the writing, artistic and creative talents of those who wish to contribute. It provides updates on local organisation and advertising for local businesses. It has something for everyone and is read far and wide through its' hardcopy edition and online edition of more modern times.

As we arrive in the depths of summer, the Newsletter Team take a break until the end of August. We thank all concerned for the voluntary work on the newsletter since last summer and wish that the members of the team take a good rest. Sincere thanks to the Newsletter Team.

Cathy Burke,
Catechist in the Lucan Partnership of Parishes