Irish Times Notes
Church of Ireland Notes from ‘The Irish Times’
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In recent times Canon John Bartlett, sometime Precentor of Christ Church cathedral, Dublin, has been working on a project to render the Sunday gospel readings, as found in the Revised Common Lectionary, into iambic pentameter and illustrating them with his own line drawings.
His introductory booklet, Meet the Apostles: An introduction in Iambic Verse to the Apostles of the New Testament, was published last year by Christ Church cathedral, with the support of the Friends of Christ Church. Next Monday evening in the Church of Ireland Theological Institute, Dr Margaret Daly–Denton, musician, liturgist and theologian, will launch the first of a three–part series of booklets which will cover the Lectionary’s three–year cycle that is intended to highlight the distinctiveness of each Evangelist’s writing: Matthew’s in Year A, Mark’s in Year B, Luke’s in Year C and John’s during Lent, Easter and Christmas.
Iambic Gospels (Revised Common Lectionary) Year A has been published by Church of Ireland Publishing for Christ Church cathedral, and as the use of the Revised Common Lectionary is not confined to the Church of Ireland, should have an appeal across the Christian traditions. It will be available from Christ Church cathedral or through the on–line store of the Church of Ireland website.
Next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday – the beginning of Lent. Fuel is the Church of Ireland Youth Department’s Lent resource to help young people engage with the Bible. Space is also provided for writing down notes, prayers and thoughts.The booklet includes a reading plan for St John’s Gospel and a 50–page journal. Fuel is free and copies are available from the CIYD office in Belfast (by email at admin@ciyd.org), and from diocesan youth officers and youth council representatives.
Pupils, teachers and people connected with Church of Ireland primary schools have all contributed to a new book of prayers which can be used in school assemblies. Praying Together: Prayers for Primary School Assemblies was launched recently by the President of Dublin City University, Prof Brian MacCraith, at the university’s All Hallows Campus. Supported by DCU, the book has been edited by Jacqui Wilkinson, who lectures in religious education in DCU, with Dr Brigid Nichols, of the Church of Ireland Theological Institute, as theological advisor. Copies of the book will be sent to all Church of Ireland primary schools.
This morning (Saturday) the Archbishop of Dublin will speak at the Anniversary Service of the Blessed John Sullivan SJ. At noon in St Philip’s church, Milltown, Aisling Kenny and the Dublin Viols, directed by Andrew Robinson, will give a recital of music for soprano and viol consort.
In St Mary’s cathedral, Limerick, at 1pm on Tuesday Zeb Moore will give the last lecture in the current lunchtime series. He will reflect on the 40th anniversary of the death of film director, Alfred Hitchcock, and the 95th anniversary of the first public demonstration of television..
On Wednesday the Bishop of Cork will preside at the Eucharist of the First Day of Lent with the imposition of ashes in St Fin Barre’s cathedral, where the liturgy will be sung by the choirs of schools in the Diocese who participate in the Diocesan Church Music Scheme.
The bishops of the Church of Ireland will meet to elect a new Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland on Thursday and Friday in succession to Dr Richard Clarke on Sunday, 2nd February. The bishops have asked for the prayerful support of the members, parishes and dioceses of the Church of Ireland.
Published in the Saturday edition of The Irish Times