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Church of Ireland Notes from ‘The Irish Times’

Black Santa Launch

On Monday the ‘Black Santa’ tradition at St Anne’s cathedral, Belfast, will be launched. Established in 1976 by Dean Sammy Crooks, it is in its 43rd year and  reaches over 500 charities across Northern Ireland each year, Inspired by Dean Crooks, the four succeeding Deans of Belfast (Deans Jack Shearer, Houston McKelvey, John Mann, and Stephen Forde) have continued the Black Santa tradition over more than forty years, so that each year the generosity of the people of Belfast and individuals across the world continues to help hundreds of charities. The charities involved with Black Santa range from mental health and homeless charities, medical research, those caring for children, youth and the elderly, the improvement of employment opportunities, as well as a host of small charities which cannot afford paid fundraisers. A proportion of the funds is also given to Christian Aid.

The Dublin ‘Black Santa’ appeal, fronted by the Rector of St Ann’s, Canon David Gillespie, will be launched, in the presence of the Archbishop of Dublin, on Tuesday at 1.30pm, outside St Ann’s church, Dawson Street, while on Thursday at 8.30am the Christmas Annual Sit–out by Archdeacon Brian Harper, Rector of Magheracross, and the Revd John Beacom, Ballinamallard Methodist Church, outside Magheracross parish church will begin.

Today (Saturday) at 1pm the Mornington Singers will give a lunchtime concert entitled ‘NOEL’ in St Ann’s church, Dawson Street, Dublin. They will sing on Saturday 21 December in Christ Church cathedral, Dublin, at 8pm.

Tomorrow (Sunday) BBC Radio Ulster’s Morning Service will be broadcast from St Columba’s, Knock, at 10.15am. The service will be conducted by the Rector,  Canon John Auchmuty, and Assistant Priest, Canon Ken Smyth.  The preacher will be the Bishop of Clogher. In St Patrick’s cathedral, Dublin, there will be ‘Carols for All’ at 3.15pm with the Cathedral Choir and the Choir of St Patrick’s Grammar School. The Dublin Civic Carol Service will be held in St Ann’s church, Dawson Street, at 7pm and at the same time, in St Mary’s cathedral, Limerick, the Annual Civic Carol Service will take place.

On Tuesday evening at 7.30pm in Christ Church cathedral, Dublin, there will be a ‘Quiet Christmas’ This will take the form of a Taizé Eucharist with Prayers for Wholeness and Healing.

Limerick City Parish’s series of talks leading up to Christmas concludes on Friday in St Michael’s church, Pery Square, at 1pm when the speaker will be Fr Peter McVerry. These talks are aimed at all who experience overwhelming circumstances and difficulties within their lives. Each session will offer hope encouragement and perhaps a way forward. Within the talk there will be time for questions interaction and refreshments.  

Music in Calary has taken over responsibility for the Annual Candlelight Carol Service in Calary parish church, Co. Wicklow. The Carol Service will take place on Friday at 7.30 pm, followed by mulled wine and mince pies in the Church Room.  No booking is required and there will be a voluntary collection for Simon, which helps young people tackle homelessness, and Tiglin, which assists people to deal with different forms of addiction. The service is a collection of seasonal readings and well known carols for everyone to join in. There will also be a carol sung by Calary’s own Pop Up Choir.

On Saturday 21 December there will be ‘Carols by Candlelight’ in St John’s church, Park Avenue, Sandymount, Dublin 4, featuring traditional Christmas music and readings.   Admission is free and there will be a voluntary collection for the Capuchin Day Centre.

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