Pastoral Letter in Advent from the Archbishop of Dublin

Archbishop Michael Jackson has encouraged the people of Dublin and Glendalough to “shed and share such light for others in Advent and at Christmas in whatever ways are possible, sensitive and appropriate” in his most recent pastoral letter.

‘Suffering passes but memory remains’

Grief in the pandemic has layers and layers of added pain. This was the message at a special Service of Light in St Saviour’s Church in Arklow on Sunday (November 28) acknowledging the impact that the pandemic has had on grieving. The service was held for those in the Diocese of Glendalough who had lost loved ones over the last 20 months and gave space for people to recognise their grief and loss.

New pitch for Blessington school

Ireland and Leinster Prop Andrew Porter made a special appearance at Blessington No 1School last Wednesday (November 24). The player, who featured prominently in the recent Autumn Rugby Internationals, traded the hallowed turf of the Aviva Stadium for the Blessington primary school’s brand new all–weather pitch.

The Connor Christmas Panto Trail!

This year’s Diocesan Synod was again held online on Saturday 27th November.  Like last year, we would much prefer to gather and meet in person, but considering current circumstances, a brief functional meeting online appears to be the safest course of action again. 

Until this meeting takes place, you can watch this year’s ‘Synod in 30 minutes’ today or in the coming days to catch up with what has been happening throughout the Diocese during this past year.

Further news from Cork, Cloyne and Ross

On Remembrance Sunday, 14th November, parishioners of Youghal Union joined with people from all over the seafaring town to remember those who died at sea in both World Wars and deceased members of the Naval Service, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and Coastguard.

Since the beginning of November the choristers of St Fin Barre’s Cathedral Choir have been back in action, having waited for the guidelines to allow this for several months. In addition to this, a new group of Junior Lay Vicars Choral has been formed.

On the same day, Hilary Dring was commissioned by Bishop Colton for the work of a Lay Local Minister in the area of pastoral care.

Cork, Cloyne and Ross joined Instagram earlier this week!  And the Bishop sent a pastoral message to the people of the diocese on Advent Sunday, which is available here.

Book of poems launched in celebration of Kilmood bicentenary

Canon Raymond Fox, a former rector of the United Parish of Killinchy, Kilmood, and Tullynakill, has published a book of poems to celebrate the bicentenary of St Mary’s Church, Kilmood.

Rebekah makes final of BBC ‘Young Chorister of the Year’

All Saints’, Belfast, parishioner Rebekah Devlin’s stunning rendition of ‘He will hold me fast’ has earned her a place in the final of the BBC Songs of Praise and Radio 2 ‘Young Chorister of the Year’ competition.

Tributes to the late Archdeacon Jack Patterson

The Ven Jack Patterson kept ‘the simple truth that Christ died for you’ at the heart and centre of his life, the Rev Malcolm Ferry told mourners at Jack’s Funeral Service on November 20.

Remembering parishioners who have died during pandemic

On Remembrance Sunday, the parishioners of the United Parish of Ballynure & Ballyeaston (Ballyclare) gathered outside Christ Church to plant a tree recognising the trauma that has been experienced by so many over almost two years of Covid–19.

Eglantine MU prepares washbags for hospital patients

Following a Harvest Appeal, members of Eglantine Parish Mothers’ Union, with the help of parishioners, made up 135 washbags to be distributed to local hospitals.

Connor Connections autumn issue online

The autumn issue of the diocesan magazine Connor Connections is now available online. You can view an e–paper or download a PDF.