Diocesan News
Call in at the Church of Ireland stand at National Ploughing Championships!
Everyone is welcome to the Church of Ireland stand at the National Ploughing Championships which are running until tomorrow (Thursday), having started on Tuesday.
Here is how you can find us!
CHURCH OF IRELAND STAND no. 591
BLOCK 2
ROW 37
Near the CATERING C area, amusements, toilets and bandstand
The Mothers’ Union tent (with baby changing facilities) is beside us
Getting your bearings – With NPA HQ entrance on your left continue straight to the end of Block 2, Row 31. The bandstand is on the right. Our stand is in Row 37, at an angle to Row 31. see map below.
Our ‘Make and Break’ team, led by Eric, spent time in Rathaniska again to make sure that all is in absolute readiness for ‘The Ploughing’ and so it is! Tables are laid out, the cups are ready and waiting and the prayer space (that will be an oasis for many each busy day) looks very welcoming with its sofa and soft furnishings.
The three prayer trees are there also waiting for you to hang your prayers on – prayers that will be in included in the 3 p.m. service each day.
This year there’s a 3–chair invitation feature in the ‘inner sanctum’ prayer space also. This is where a member of the clergy will take the hot seat in a row of three chairs – the one in the middle – and visitors to the tent will be invited to take time out, if they so wish, to ask that cleric anything or tell them anything that might be of concern to them.
In the outer space there is a colouring corner awaiting children’s attention and if you like looking at photographs there will be a slideshow of images from events in our diocese in the past year running on screen each day. You never know who you might spot on the video or on the photo display board so do pop in!
You can also check out the art work of pupils from Stradbally school on the theme of The Ploughing. Well done to all!
In the foyer space the Diocesan Magazine will feature also and if you’re not familiar with it or if it’s a while since you’ve read an issue, please do take time to look at the sample copies to see if you would like to subscribe.
The 11 issues a year Magazine is an important part of our Diocese, bonding us as a community with its monthly collection of parish notes. It also provides helpful and inspiring stories related to the Diocese as a whole to lift the spirits and keep us all up to date so it’s well worth reading each month.
THREE THEMES
As in 2019 – the last ‘Ploughing’ – each day has a particular theme.
Tuesday – YOUTH
With diocesan youth organisations like GFS and BB and youth clubs there to talk about their work and a Board for Ministry with Children and Families representative also. Hear more about Church of Ireland youth activities, see examples of resources for use in Sunday clubs and get some tips on how to engage with families also. Don’t forget that there will also be a VIRTUAL MUDDY TRAIL designed specifically for the Ploughing.
“The trail will be accessed via a QR code onto your mobile phone and will encourage families to ‘wander, worship and wonder in their wellies,” says Rachael Murphy, Church of Ireland Children and Families Development Officer.
Wednesday – ECOLOGY
This special focus day will be led by the Reverend Trevor Sargent who will be available to answer any questions related to the care of God’s creation in these climate–challenging times.
Thursday – MISSION AND MINISTRY
Mission and ministry will be in the spotlight and clergy, including Diocesan Director of Ordinands, Dean Paul Draper, will be on hand to discuss these topics – and vocations also.
Videos related to the themes each day will be screened too.
So there is lots to see and do including having the very important cup of tea, sit down and chat on what are very busy days. We look forward to seeing you there.
This initiative has been kindly supported by the Priorities Fund.
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Cashel, Ferns & Ossory
085 812 0650
Mr Shane Reynolds
cfodco2023@gmail.com