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Church of Ireland Notes from ‘The Irish Times’

Autumn Ordinations

The autumn ordination season has continued during September albeit in a somewhat constrained fashion.

Six new deacons were ordained at a service in St Anne’s cathedral, Belfast, on 13 September. Brendan O’Loan, ordained for St Patrick’s, Jordanstown, and Janet Spence, ordained for St Stephen’s & St Luke’s and St Michael, Belfast, will serve in the Ordained Local Ministry, while Sarah Crawford was ordained for the Parish of Derryvolgie, Andrea Cotter for the Parish of Skerry, Rathcavan and Newtowncrommelin, Nathan Ervine for the Parish of Magheragall, and Alan McCracken for the Parish of Ballynure and Ballyeaston.

This was the Rt Rev George Davison’s first ordination service since he was consecrated Bishop of Connor on 2 September. Due to Covid–19 restrictions, the service was open to invited guests only. The preacher at the service was the Ven Barry Forde, Chaplain at Queen’s University Belfast, and recently appointed Archdeacon of Belfast.

The service was conducted under strict Covid–19 guidelines. All those in attendance were temperature tested before entering the building and everyone, including clergy, wore face coverings or visors unless exempt. There was no congregational singing, although hymns and anthems were sung by Cathedral Choir, socially distanced in the choir stalls and conducted by Director of Music, Matthew Owens. At Communion bread only was served, which was eaten on return to seats. Bishop George used hand sanitiser between the laying on of the hands with each candidate, and the sign of the peace was spoken only.

St Brigid’s cathedral, Kildare, was the setting for  the ordination of four new deacons for the Ordained Local Ministry, on 20 September. Each of the newly ordained deacons will initially serve in their home parishes – Alan Robinson  in Portarlington, Alan Melbourne  in Edenderry, James Reid in Clane, and. Yvonne Hutchinson in Tullamore. The ordination service was conducted by the Bishop of Meath & Kildare, the Most Revd Pat Storey, and the preacher was the Rev Alison Irvine.  The service was conducted in compliance with government Covid–19 regulations. Whilst no singing was possible, music was provided by organist.

In contrast, in a city quietened by new Covid restrictions, the Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Michael Jackson, ordained two deacons on 20 September. Alistair Doyle will serve in Kilternan and the Leonard Madden in Blessington. The cathedral was closed to the public and the congregation of three included the deacons’ wives Cecilia and Catherine, and Alistair and Cecilia’s son Toby. The Archdeacon of Glendalough, the Ven. Neal O’Raw was the preacher.

In similar circumstances the Archbishop of Dublin will ordain the Revd Christopher West to the priesthood tomorrow (Sunday) in Taney Parish Church. Mr West will serve as curate of Taney.  

The annual Down and Dromore and Connor Organ Scholarship Scheme service will be held in St Anne’s cathedral, Belfast tomorrow (Sunday) at 3.30pm. At this service, Scholars who have successfully completed the Scheme receive their certificates, while new Scholars are welcomed. Unfortunately, certificates will not be presented this year, as assessments have had to be postponed until December because of Covid–19.  Nevertheless, those present will again give thanks for the musical benefits bestowed upon the Dioceses by the Scheme. This year, in particular, as they have come to terms with the absence of traditional choral music and organ playing, they will acknowledge with gratitude not only the commitment of the Scholars and their Tutors but also the dedication of the many parishioners who sing in choirs, and organists who, together, lead our worship.

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