Irish Times Notes
Church of Ireland Notes from ‘The Irish Times’
New Refugee Resource
The Church of Ireland’s Refugee Working Groups have launched a new resource on supporting asylum seekers and refugees in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The 14–page document summarises how the Church of Ireland has supported asylum seekers and refugees in recent years and highlights opportunities for members of the Church to become more involved in this area of ministry and service.
The Bishop of Tuam, Chairman of the Republic of Ireland Working Group, said: ‘This is an excellent resource for all those who want to be informed about the refugee crises and what the response of the two Governments and the Church of Ireland has been. The many statistics and other factual points it contains are testament to the research and information gathering involved.’
The Bishop of Derry, Chairman of the Northern Ireland Working Group, said: ‘It is clear that public awareness of the plight of asylum seekers and refugees fluctuates considerably depending on the emotional impact of media coverage. This resource seeks to provide helpful information to keep before us the scale of the human need while also acknowledging people’s fears and concerns. Being informed about the facts is important. It is also encouraging to read some good news stories about the practical ways in which Christian Churches and other agencies are responding to this crisis.’
The resource is available online from www.ireland.anglican.org/resources
Next Monday the Revd Abigail Sines, Dean’s Vicar in Christ Church cathedral, Dublin, will travel to Thessoloniki in Greece to visit friends, who have been working with refugee families, to gain some experience of their work. They have worked on a small scale befriending families, providing food and cooking equipment, and helping them with enquiries to track down separated relatives. Most recently they have been preparing packs of school supplies and conducting simple lessons for schoolchildren who, in the last two years, have fallen behind in their schooling. Their work can be supported by making a donation via https://www.gofundme.com/SupplyRefugeeThess
The Gaudete Singers, conducted by David Leigh, with tenor Warwick Harte and Tristan Russcher on the organ, will give a recital of Lenten music by Leighton, Finzi, Grier and Walton this evening (Saturday) at 8pm in St Bartholomew’s church, Dublin. In St Andrew’s Parish Centre, Church Road, Malahide, at 7.00pm there will be an Italian Night in aid of the St Doulagh’s Restoration Fund which is seeking to raise €300,000 for the restoration of the historic church in Balgriffin.
The series of candle–lit film evenings on the theme of ‘Sun Sea and Soil: Our Planet in the 21st Century’ concludes in the Music Room of Christ Church cathedral, Dublin, on Monday at 6.30pm. Atlantic is a 2016 award winning documentary which follows the struggles of three fishing communities. It will be introduced by the Minister for Communications, Climate Change and the Environment, Mr Denis Naughton, TD.
On Tuesday evening the Bishop of Derry & Raphoe will preside at the institution and installation of Canon Raymond Stewart as Dean of Derry in succession to Dr William Morton who is now Dean of St Patrick’s, Dublin. The new dean has been Rector of Tamlaght O’Crilly Upper since 2003 and Prebendary of Cumber on the cathedral chapter since 2005.
There will be a fun free workshop ‘Make your own Easter Garden’ at Christ Church cathedral, Dublin, on Saturday 8th April 2–4pm, for adults and children – 7 years old and up. All materials will be provided and normal cathedral admission applies. Booking is essential. Please email Ruth at ruth@christchurch.ie to reserve a place.
Published in the Friday edition of The Irish Times