Diocesan News28 Nov 22

News from around the Church of Ireland

Cashel, Ferns & Ossory

The Rt Revd Adrian Wilkinson, Bishop of the United Dioceses of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory, was in the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, Christ Church Waterford on Sunday 13th November, for the first of his enthronements of six over the next few months. On this occasion he was inducted, installed and enthroned as Bishop of Waterford.

Clogher

The Revd Canon Jennifer McWhirter has been nominated by the Board of Nomination and appointed by the Bishop of Clogher to be Rector of Cleenish and Mullaghdun. Canon McWhirter, who is wife of the Revd Stephen McWhirter, recently instituted Rector of Rossorry Parish, is currently Rector of Aughaval Group of Parishes in the Diocese of Tuam.

Connor

In a busy month, parishes around Connor prepared for Advent and shared stories of how they were continuing to serve their communities in these tough times.  One of many examples is Carnmoney parishioner Carolyn Moore’s recent coffee morning for Hope House, a respite facility for adults with cancer, their carers and adult friends, which raised £3,015.  You can read more about this superb work and other November news from Connor here.

Cork, Cloyne and Ross

Hilary Dring, Diocesan President of the Mothers’ Union, has written: “A provocative exhibition which is touring Ireland is coming to St. Mary’s Church, Carrigaline, Co. Cork. It will take place during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence which takes place each year from 25th November to 10th December. Initially shown in Edinburgh in 2017, ‘Souls of our Shoes – A Journey into and out of Domestic Abuse‘ is an exhibition which walks viewers through the reality of domestic abuse. This incredibly powerful and compelling exhibition is an initiative of Mothers’ Union Ireland; its main purpose is to raise awareness of domestic violence.”  It is open from Monday to Thursday (inclusive) this week.

Derry & Raphoe

The words ‘God save our gracious King!’ rang out around the war memorial in the centre of Londonderry on Remembrance Sunday morning for the first time in over 70 years, as local people gathered to remember servicemen and women who had died in past conflicts.  The service was attended by Bishop Andrew Forster and other senior clergy.  Parishioners and their neighbours marked this special and solemn day along with millions of others around our island and around our world.

Down & Dromore

The Diocese of Down and Dromore is delighted to announce a partnership with SOMA (Sharing of Ministries Abroad) for a diocese–wide mission in the two weeks leading up to its Diocesan Synod in June 2023.  Bishop David has invited SOMA to send 150 people to us from the Anglican Church worldwide – from Singapore, South Africa, America and England – to help run mission and outreach: enough for a team in every parish.  For other news from Down and Dromore in November, just click here.

Dublin & Glendalough

Ukrainian students at Temple Carrig School in Greystones gave their fellow students and visitors a wonderful taste of their country’s vibrant culture, history and food on Thursday, November 17.  A total of 18 Ukrainian students attend Temple Carrig across various year groups and they, with the help of their parents, organised the event to show their appreciation for the welcome they have received.  More November news from Dublin and Glendalough can be found here.

Kilmore, Elphin & Ardagh

The Diocese of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh is highlighting the Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme (CVESS) which is open for applications until Friday, 2nd December. This scheme provides a once–off payment to eligible charities and community organisations towards their energy costs for 2022.  While premises which are confined to members of a religious community and/or used exclusively for religious purposes are not eligible for these payments, they may well be helpful for charities in the Republic of Ireland.  Another scheme, the Community Support Fund, provides small grants to a diverse range of local community groups to assist with energy bills and running costs, including parish halls.

Meath & Kildare

The diocese is grateful to Dean Paul Bogle, the Meath Diocesan Choir, David Lamb (Organist – who kindly stood in for Ms Doreen Kinberley, who had a prior commitment), and Bishop Pat Storey for leading its Diocesan Service of Remembrance for those who had died during the pandemic. People came from across the dioceses, and beyond, for the event, which took place on the evening of Sunday 13 November, in St Patrick’s Cathedral in Trim.

Tuam, Limerick & Killaloe

Christ the King Sunday was also Mission Sunday in the Dioceses of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe with a focus on two home–based charities dealing with the cost–of–living crisis, namely St Vincent De Paul and Protestant Aid. Please watch the video and decide whether you might become the Amen to your prayers for those most in need this winter.  The new diocesan website is also now online at www.tlk.ie