Over the next number of months, with the assistance of the Arles Church Restoration Committee, I hope to oversee some remedial works in the Graveyard in Arles.
These improvements will come in the shape of resurfacing the existing pathways in the graveyard to make accessibility somewhat easier for you when you visit the resting place of your departed loved ones.
The upkeep of such grounds are expensive but it is important to preserve and maintain the graveyard as best we can. This burial ground is a special place at the heart of the community where family members regularly visit.

The Committee have decided that such works be divided into two phases, and pending funds, we hope to complete both.
Phase One
Improve existing pathways and make new additions to serve the more recent burial plots.
Along with that we aim to resurface the pathway in front of the hall that connects the graveyard with the front of the church. A map on the Church Noticeboard clearly outlines this plan and I encourage you to view it.
Phase Two
The resurface of the grounds in front and to the sides of the church.

Both Phases will cost in the region of €35,000 each and so we are looking at an overall target of €70,000 to complete all these works. Phase One will take priority and be completed first.
I mentioned this project at our Graveyard Mass during the summer, and since then a number of people have kindly contributed to the project. To date €11,340 has been donated by people from the locality and further afield who have links with the graveyard and the area.
I am now making a formal appeal for your support for this project and ask that you contribute as generously as possible. I also ask that you spread the word and invite others to support this work; anyone who has links to the area may well wish to help out.
Donations (cheques made payable to Arles Parish) can be given to me in person or handed into the Parish Office. Or the you can pay by electronic transfer.
IBAN: IE75 AIBK 9331 0400 0080 00
(BIC. AIBKIE2D)
Over the next number of weeks and months I will keep you updated with our progress.
Thank you for your support.
Fr. Padraig