Irish Times Notes13 May 17

Church of Ireland Notes from ‘The Irish Times’

New Book by the Primate

In his new book, Shouldering the Lamb: reflections on an icon, the Archbishop of Armagh presents eleven meditations, viewing the image of the ancient figure of the shepherd carrying a lamb across his shoulders. He reflects on how any carrying of another in the loving service of God and humankind is an echo, in some respect at least, of the God who is love. His reflections show that the emotions experienced throughout the caring journey, can never be undertaken from a safe distance and will involve occasions when the care–giver must accept being carried, without succumbing to a sense of being, in any way, a burden.

‘These reflections are not just for the ordained, but will speak to the needs of anyone whose life includes an element of identifying with the fear and pain of others’ said Bernard Treacy OP, editor at Dominican Publications.

‘Prepare yourself to be taken on an unexpected journey!’ said Archbishop Eamon Martin. ‘Archbishop Richard brings a unique combination of pastoral and literary insights to these reflections, drawn from his studies, meditation, and life experience.’

Shouldering the lamb has been published by Dominican Publications at €12/£10.60.

Next week the Archbishop of Armagh will visit Hong Kong and Macau where he will give preach at All Saints cathedral, give a public lecture at Ming Hua Theological College and address the diocesan clergy at St John’s cathedral. Dublin University Far Eastern Mission is continuing to develop links with the Anglican Provence of Hong Kong and with Ming Hua Theological College. Church of Ireland Theological Institute student Emma Carson has spent three weeks in Hong Kong studying at Ming Hua and taking placements in St John’s cathedral and at St Philip’s parish. Walter Lau from Ming Hua has been in Dublin since January studying at CITI and will take placements in Christ Church and St Patrick’s cathedrals in Dublin and Enniskillen cathedral before returning to Hong Kong.

This weekend the 150th anniversary of St Philip’s church, Temple Road, Dublin, will be celebrated with a Flower Festival and Exhibition which will be open today (Saturday) 10am–5pm and tomorrow (Sunday) 11am–4.30pm.

Today (Saturday) the Archbishop of Dublin and members of the diocesan staff will be attending the Beatification Service of Fr John Sullivan in Gardner Street Church.

Tomorrow (Sunday) morning at 11am RTE 1 will televise a service led by Christian Aid to mark Christian Aid Week which continues until next Saturday. In Clonmore, Co. Carlow, at 3pm, a Prayer Garden, funded by Clonmore Development Association, Carlow County Council and the Church of Ireland Priorities Fund will be opened by the Revd Ray Simpson and the Bishop of Cashel, Ferns & Ossory. In St Patrick’s cathedral, Dublin, there will be a memorial service at 3.15pm for Dean Victor Griffin at which the preacher will be the Ven David Pierpoint. The last in the organ recital series, in memory of Theo Saunders, the former organist of St Patrick’s cathedral, Armagh, will be given by the Revd Dr Peter Thompson at 4.15pm in the Cathedral. The retiring collection will go towards the cost of a new piano for the Cathedral Choir’s rehearsal room.

In Christ Church, Bray, tomorrow (Sunday) at 3pm there will be a Service of Celebration for 140 years of the GFS in Ireland.

On Wednesday afternoon the Archbishop of Dublin will officiate at the commissioning of chaplains of the City Universities and Hospitals in the chapel of the Church of Ireland Theological Institute.