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News from around the Church of Ireland

In recent weeks, the Church of Ireland has entered a new season of activities – the most normal beginning of autumnal services and activities since 2019.  While some events were placed on hold due to commemorations of the life of Queen Elizabeth II, the familiar patterns of thanksgiving for harvest, ordinations and new appointments, and welcoming back families after the summer holidays were features of parish life all around our island.

Please see below for a selection of stories from each diocese.

Armagh

St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, hosted a Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving for the Life of the Queen.  The Revd Matthew Hagan was appointed Rector of Brackaville, Donaghendry & Ballyclog.

Prayers of thanksgiving on the Hill of Armagh.
Prayers of thanksgiving on the Hill of Armagh.

Cashel, Ferns & Ossory
The Church of Ireland tent at the National Ploughing Championships at Ratheniska, Co. Laois, was well attended and provided a great opportunity for worship and outreach.  Canon Nicola Halford takes up the story on the third day of the event (Friday, 23rd September).


Clogher

Services of Enthronement for Bishop Ian Ellis took place in Clogher and Enniskillen Cathedrals; the latter also held a Service of Prayer and Reflection for the late Queen in co–operation with St Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, with the congregation following in her steps across the street.
Bishop Ellis strikes the West Door of Enniskillen Cathedral at the start of his Service of Enthronment.
Bishop Ellis strikes the West Door of Enniskillen Cathedral at the start of his Service of Enthronment.

Connor

More than 750 Mothers’ Union members and friends from across Britain and Ireland attended the Annual Gathering held in Belfast over the weekend of September 23 and 24, including services in Belfast Cathedral.  The Rev David Luckman also launched his latest book, Thomas Cranmer – The King’s Ambassador, which is aimed at children aged 10–14, and is published by Trailblazers series of Christian Focus Publications.
The Revd David Luckman with his book from the Trailblazers series.
The Revd David Luckman with his book from the Trailblazers series.

Cork, Cloyne & Ross
The Tercentenary Celebrations of the Parish Church of Saint Anne, Shandon, culminated in a Service of Thanksgiving on Sunday, 2nd October 2022. The Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, the Right Rev. Dr Paul Colton presided over the service, which was led by the Priest–in–Charge, the Rev. Meghan Farr. Dr Paula Gooder, Canon Chancellor of Saint Paul’s Cathedral, London and renowned preacher and New Testament scholar, preached at the service.

Clergy and guests after the service outside Saint Anne's Church, Shandon.
Clergy and guests after the service outside Saint Anne's Church, Shandon.

Derry & Raphoe
The Bishop’s Curate–in–Charge of the Gweedore group of parishes, the Rev Liz Fitzgerald, has been commissioned as the new Diocesan Chaplain of Derry and Raphoe Mothers’ Union at a service in St Columb’s Cathedral in Londonderry.  The commissioning happened during the colourful annual Mothers’ Union Diocesan Festival Service, which was returning to ‘normal service’ after almost three years’ disruption caused by Covid–19. 

Down & Dromore

The diocese has released a series of four films on the topic of Generosity. ‘The Generosity Initiative’ was launched at a recent evening for clergy and church treasurers and is designed to help congregations think biblically about the generosity of God and how we should respond.  Here’s the first one, which considers the many ways in which God is generous to us.


Dublin & Glendalough

Dublin City Council has unveiled a plaque marking the site of St Olave’s Church, which stood on Fishamble Street, in the heart of the Viking town.  The Dublin church was founded sometime in the 11th century and was in use for over 200 years.

The Revd Einar Vegge, Bishop Herborg Finnset of the Church of Norway, Dean Dermot Dunne of nearby Christ Church Cathedral and Norwegian ambassador Mari Skåre.
The Revd Einar Vegge, Bishop Herborg Finnset of the Church of Norway, Dean Dermot Dunne of nearby Christ Church Cathedral and Norwegian ambassador Mari Skåre.

Kilmore, Elphin & Ardagh

On Sunday evening, 18th September, Canon Mark Lidwill joined Bishop Martin Hayes, Bishop of Kilmore, in an ecumenical prayer event at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick and Saint Felim to celebrate the Season of Creation.  Crocus bulbs were planted on the front lawn of the Cathedral. When the bulbs bloom they will spell out the word ‘hope’.

Photo credit: Donal Kilduff.
Photo credit: Donal Kilduff.
Meath & Kildare
St Brigid’s Cathedral in Kildare is starting a ‘Centre of Mission’. This is in partnership with Church Army. It will be led by the Rev Philip McKinley, recently ordained for the parish Group of Dunboyne and Rathmoylon, from where he is seconded part–time to lead this new initiative.
https://www.mixcloud.com/TLKCOMMS/tlk-podcast-in-conversation-with-revd-andy-pierce/

Tuam, Limerick & Killaloe
Stephen Fletcher is continuing his In Conversation podcast series with three priests ordained in the diocese in the last week of September. In the episode below, you can listen back to his interview with the Revd Andy Pierce, the Curate of the Skreen Union of parishes in Co. Sligo.

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