Irish Times Notes
Church of Ireland Notes from ‘The Irish Times’
Appeal for the Diocese of Jerusalem
The United Dioceses of Dublin & Glendalough will officially launch the Shine a Light for the Diocese of Jerusalem appeal next Monday in St Ann’s church, Dawson Street, at 6.30pm. The launch will be followed by a Vigil for Peace.
The appeal, which has been running since shortly after the outbreak of the current war, will support our partners in the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem in their outreach to those impacted by war in the Holy Land. Among the many ministries run by the Diocese of Jerusalem is Al–Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City and the Princess Basma Centre in the Mount of Olives, a centre for children with disabilities. Through these and other institutions, the diocese serves all people, regardless of faith or background.
In this dark time in the Holy Land we are asking everyone to ‘Shine a Light for the Diocese of Jerusalem’. We join with Anglicans around the world in raising funds to support the work of the diocese in serving those affected by the war.
The Appoeal has already raised over €25,000. A further €3,000 has been donated by the Diocesan Council for Mission. The appeal will run throughout Advent and Christmas 2023 and into the New Year.
In the aftermath of this war, it is expected that there will be much infrastructural need. But there will also be need for services like those provided by the Princess Basma Centre which will support newly maimed children and those suffering from Post–Traumatic Stress Disorder.
You can support the appeal by donating to: Diocesan Funds of Dublin and Glendalough No 1 A/C Current Account, Bank of Ireland, 2 COLLEGE GREEN DUBLIN 2 IBAN: IE50 BOFI 9000 1769 3548 78, BIC: BOFIIE2D. Cheques may be sent to Diocesan Offices of Dublin and Glendalough, Church of Ireland House, Church Avenue, Rathmines, Dublin 6, D06 CF67. All funds will go directly to our partner Diocese of Jerusalem.
St. Paul’s church, Glenageary, will host a Seasonal Lunchtime Concert on today (Saturday) when the parish’s organist Caroline Barnes and her three sisters will perform a recital at 1pm. This event is in support of Kisiizi Hospital in south–western Uganda. Admission is free, but donations will be warmly welcomed.
In Dublin tomorrow (Sunday) there will be Advent Processions in Christ Church cathedral at 5pm and in St Patrick’s cathedral at 6pm All are welcome to join these dramatic, candle–lit services with beautiful seasonal music sung by the cathedral choirs.
In Belfast, St George’s parish church will hold its Advent Carol Service tomorrow (Sunday) at 5pm, followed by wine and refreshments to celebrate the launch of the St George’s Organ Fund. In addition to covering the cost of the urgent repairs on the organ, the Organ Fund will provide for two new stops to be added to the instrument. The new stops will commemorate and celebrate the important contribution the late David McElderry to St George’s for over 40 years as a singer, vestry member and organ builder.
The Season of Advent begins tomorrow (Sunday) and so starts a new liturgical year and a fresh cycle of daily scripture readings. Church of Ireland Publishing has announced that Sunday and Weekday Readings 2024 is now available. This annual booklet is compiled by the Revd Ken Rue. It may be obtained from the Church of Ireland’s online bookstore (https://store.ireland.anglican.org) or from Richard Ryan at the Book Well, Belfast (email: info@thebookwell.co.uk; mobile: 07581 143 596) at £3.50/€4.00 per booklet.
Published in the Saturday edition of The Irish Times