Wednesday 9th September
Zion Church Rathgar

‘Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works’

Between the hours of 8.00 pm and Midnight we will host a vigil of prayer for Syria, for all refugees and migrating people, for those who have become the new exodus.

As we consider how we might be effective in terms of practical help, we will begin our efforts in communal prayer.

The evening has been arranged as below:

8.00 pm – Eucharist led by the Archbishop of Dublin & Glandalough, the Most Revd Michael Jackson

On the half hour –Led meditations

Throughout – Peaceful time for your personal prayers and reflection

12.00 pm – Compline

Refreshment through the evening.

We hope to turn this into an expression of collective witness by the people of Rathgar for all caught up in the crisis.

Everyone is truly welcome, those of all faiths, those of none. Sit with us a while as a community.

For information, please contact Margaret Healion, Parish Administrator, on 01 406 4730. Zion Church is on the corner of Zion Road and Bushy Park Road, Rathgar.

For further information please contact:

Lynn Glanville
Diocesan Communications Officer
Dublin & Glendalough

Mobile: 087 2356472
Email: Dublin & Glendalough DCO
Website: www.dublin.anglican.org

Three new priests were ordained in Connor Diocese by the Bishop of Connor at a service in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, on Sunday September 6.

The Revd Julie Bell was ordained for the Parish of Christ Church, Lisburn; the Revd Philip Benson was ordained for the Parish of Larne and Inver; and the Revd Cameron Jones was ordained for the Parish of Carrickfergus.

The preacher at the Service was the Rt Revd Ken Good, Bishop of Derry and Raphoe.

Julie served her internship in Glenavy Parish. Born and raised in Belfast, she studied music at Queen’s University, completing a BMus and an MA, in which she specialised in violin performance and performance practice research. She was leader of the Ulster Youth Orchestra and later worked as organist and director of music in Bangor Parish and then in Hillsborough Parish.

Julie was ordained deacon in September 2014 and served her internship in Glenavy Parish. She is a member of the Church of Ireland Liturgical Advisory Committee, and worked on the sub–committee which prepared ‘Thanks and Praise,’ a supplement to the Church Hymnal which was published earlier this year.

The Bishop of Connor the Rt Revd Alan Abernethy, with new priests, from left: the Revd Cameron Jones, the Revd Julie Bell and, far right, the Revd Philip Benson.

Philip, who served his internship in Grouped Parishes of Finaghy and Upper Malone, is from Bangor. He was a pupil at RBAI and later studied theology at Queen’s University, Belfast.

After graduating Philip worked for Goldsmiths Jewellers while completing a theology Master’s Degree part–time. He was later a full time youth worker at St Gall’s Carnalea before training for ordination. His internship was in the Grouped Parishes of Finaghy and Upper Malone.

The newly ordained Connor priests with the Bishop of Connor and the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe (preacher) and other clergy at the service of ordination in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, on September 6.

Cameron was born in Sydney, Australia. He attended Sydney Church of England Grammar School and studied at the University of Sydney, receiving a BA in Studies of Religion, Sociology and Education and then a Diploma of Biblical Studies at Moore Theological College.

He worked in telecommunications for 13 years, but retained his passion for his church, personal evangelism and lay church leadership.

In October 2005 he was employed by a Church of England parish in Hampshire as assistant minister, and in 2008 began serving as Lay Curate at All Saints, Belfast, Committed to long–term ministry in Ireland, after training Cameron served his internship at St Nicholas’ Church, Carrickfergus

For further information contact Karen Bushby, Connor Diocesan Communications Officer, on 028 9082 8874 or 07766 103880 or email dco@connor.anglican.org

For further information please contact:

Karen Bushby
Connor Diocesan Communications Officer

Tel: 028 4066 0798
Mob: 07766103880
Email: Connor DCO
Web: www.connor.anglican.org

As the human cost of the refugee crisis continues to escalate, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral has launched an appeal for donations of clothing and other items urgently required at refugee camps across Europe.

The Cathedral has also opened a solidarity space where visitors and those living in the community can drop in leave a message of solidarity, light a candle and make a donation that will go directly to agencies working to alleviate the suffering of those fleeing conflict.

‘Saint Patrick’s Cathedral has always been an open place for those fleeing conflict and persecution,’ explained Dr Eimhin Walsh, Civic Engagement and Outreach Officer at the Cathedral. ‘In the 17th century the Huguenots fleeing France were welcomed here and more recently in 2006 a group of asylum seekers sought refuge in the building. We are trying now to provide a space for people, moved by the scale of the tragedy, to make some small response and gesture of solidarity.’

The Cathedral collection point will remain open for donations until 17.30 on Monday 7 September, until 20.00 on Tuesday 8 September and will be open from 9.30–17.30 from Wednesday 9 September onwards. People or parishes wishing to make donations are asked to be mindful of the items that are required.

Urgent need

– Men’s trainers (size 7–9)
– Men’s hiking boots (size 7–9)
– Men’s wellies (size 7–9)
– Tents
– Men’s jackets (small and medium size)
– Travelling bags
– Men’s socks
– Candles
– Belts
– Men’s tracksuit trousers
– Blankets
– Men’s jeans (sized 28–32)
– Smartphones (with SIM)
– Sleeping bags
– Soap
– Shampoo
– Toothbrushes
– Plastic bags
– Wooly bags
– Men’s underwear
– Pots
– Pans

Less urgent

– Women’s clothes & shoes
– Children’s clothes & shoes
– Jumpers & sweaters
– Nappies & baby wipes
– Tampons & other feminine hygiene products

Not needed

– Sheets
– Pillows
– Suits
– Formal shoes

Donations of money can also be made by cash or credit card at the Cathedral’s Welcome Desk.

For further information please contact Eimhin Walsh at 01 453 9472 or community@stpatrickscathedral.ie

For further information, please contact:
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
Saint Patrick’s Close
Dublin 8

Tel: + 353 (0)1 475 4817
Fax: + 353 (0)1 454 6374
Email: Contact Us 
Website: www.stpatrickscathedral.ie 

Forthcoming Special Services at St Columb’s Cathedral, Londonderry: 

Wednesday, 9th September at 7.30 pm
A special service honouring longest–reigning monarch in British history

Wednesday, 23rd September
Canadian Orpheus Male Choir to sing in Cathedral

Wednesday, 30th September at 8.00 pm
Mothers’ Union Diocesan Festival Service

Friday, 2nd October at 8.00 pm
Recital by Martin Neary DMus FRCO

Sunday, 4th October
Harvest Thanksgiving

Holy Communion at 8.00 am
Choral Eucharist at 11.00 am
Festival Evensong at 7.00 pm

For further information please contact:
	Mr Paul McFadden Diocesan Communications Officer Tel. 028 7126 2440 Email:  press@derryandraphoe.org Website: www.derry.anglican.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/DerryAndRaphoe Twitter: www.twitter.com/DerryAndRaphoe

Last Sunday 6th September, Revd. Alastair Donaldson and Revd. Raymond Kettyle were ordained for ministry in the Church of Ireland by Rt. Revd. Ferran Glenfield, the Bishop of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh in St John’s Cathedral, Sligo – Alastair as Presbyter/Priest and Raymond as Deacon.

Revd. Alastair Donaldson, who is from Crossmaglen in Co. Armagh and has recently served as Deacon Intern to Fivemiletown Parish, Diocese of Clogher, was ordained for the curacy of the Roscommon Group of Parishes, Elphin.

Revd. Raymond Kettyle, from Virginia in Co. Cavan, will be serving as a Deacon Intern in the Boyle and Riverstown Group of Parishes, Elphin, with Canon Ronnie Bourke.

Revd. Eddie Coulter, Superintendent of Irish Church Missions, gave the Address. In his sermon he encouraged the congregation, saying that God uses ordinary people, a praying people to build his church. He reminded us that we can have confidence in a God who is attentive to prayer, who loves us and the people for whom we pray and who is a forgiving God.

For information please contact:
The Diocesan Communications Officer
Mrs Jenny Horner
Email: Kilmore Diocesan Communications Office
Web: www.kilmore.anglican.org

‘And you are to love the stranger, for you were once strangers’ Deuteronomy 10:19

As large scale conflict and economic destitution pushes thousands of people to travel perilously to find refuge, Archbishop Richard Clarke and Archbishop Michael Jackson call on members of the Church of Ireland to respond as an integral action of Christian faith and welcome.

The Church’s response is three–fold. We invite parishes and individuals to participate in as many ways as they deem able. We recognise the local responses that many individuals and parishes have already undertaken and thank people for their compassion and action.

1. Pray for the people who are displaced and traumatised, that they receive peace, security and welcome. Pray for all those who have lost loved ones in the conflict or through drowning in the Mediterranean. Pray for empathy and wisdom for the European governments as they make decisions on how to respond to the crisis. 

2. Engage with political representatives in order to encourage governments to show courage and leadership in their responsibilities to refugees and to expand provision of refuge and resettlement to people who are fleeing. You can do this by writing to or seeking to meet with your local TD or MP. You could also join with one of the campaigns organised by charities and agencies working actively in these fields. 

3. Hold a special or a retiring collection on Sunday 13th and Sunday 20th September to respond to the needs of refugees fleeing Syria and Iraq both at their own borders and at European borders. These funds can be sent through Bishops’ Appeal and will be dispersed to agencies such as Christian Aid which is responding directly to the need of 12.2 million people in Syria and 4 million refugees in neighbouring Iraq and Lebanon as well as directing funds to NGOs responding to the need in EU countries.

For more information contact Lydia Monds, Education Advisor, Bishops’ Appeal: bishopsappeal@ireland.anglican.org

Further information may be obtained from:

Lydia Monds
Bishops’ Appeal Education Advisor
Church of Ireland Bishops’ Appeal 
Church of Ireland House
Church Avenue
Rathmines
Dublin 6

Tel: +353 (0)1 412 5610
Email: bishopsappeal@ireland.anglican.org 
Website: www.bishopsappeal.ireland.anglican.org

www.facebook.com/coi.bishopsappeal
www.twitter.com/bishopsappeal

St Fethlimidh’s Cathedral, Kilmore was full last Friday evening as colleagues, friends, family and parishoners gathered for the Institution of the Revd Nigel Crossey as Incumbent of the Kilmore Group of Parishes and his Installation as Dean of Kilmore. The service was led by The Rt Revd Ferran Glenfield, Bishop of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh, assisted by the Ven. Craig McCauley, the Archdeacon of Kilmore.

The Very Revd Nigel Crossey (pictured, right, with Dean Arfon Williams, making his declarations of office) served as Chaplain to St Columba’s College in Dublin prior to his appointment as Dean of Kilmore. He was born in Belfast and read Classics at Christ’s College, Cambridge before studying for ordination at the Church of Ireland Theological College in Dublin. He was ordained for Drumglass Parish, Dungannon in 1984 before becoming Rector of Magheraculmoney Parish, Kesh in Clogher Diocese. He has also served in chaplaincy roles across the United Kingdom and Europe.

Nigel is married to Yvonne and they have four children and one grandchild.

The music for the service was led by the Cathedral choir directed by Raymond Ferguson and accompanied Vera Pollock playing the organ. In an address given by the Revd Barry Paine, Rector of Ballinderry Group of Parishes, Armagh, Nigel was described as ‘an intelligent, challenging, fair, faithful, tough, forthright, professional, loyal, committed man; a man who would champion injustice, a person of God, a person of prayer and a person of the Scriptures’. The Revd Barry Paine said that the Church should be a ‘beauty spot’ in ‘a world of fear, desperation and fragility’. Speaking from 2 Corinthians v.8, he said that the Church should be searching for a vision for a better way forward and excellence in faith, speech, knowledge, earnestness and giving. He encouraged the congregation to pray for the new Dean as he came to serve in the Cathedral Church of St Fethlimidh and Ballintemple Parish Church.

The service was followed by a wonderful tea in the Parish Hall and the warm reception was very welcome on a chilly evening. Canon Horace McKinley, Rector of Whitechurch, Dublin opened a series of speeches welcoming the new Dean which was followed by words of welcome from Wendy Swan, representing the Kilmore Group Parish Nominators; Sam Scott, the Rector’s Church Warden of St Fethlimidh’s Cathedral Church and Robert Lowry, the People’s Church Warden of Ballintemple. Canon Mark Lidwell, the longest serving Rector in the Diocese, extended warm wishes on behalf of the clergy and the Cathedral Chapter. Nigel said that he was touched by the generosity of his welcome and thanked everyone who had gathered and travelled and made the effort to attend the service. The formal proceedings of the evening concluded when Alana Cowan presented Nigel’s wife, Yvonne, with a bouquet of flowers.

(Photo above taken by the Revd Andrew Quill)

For information please contact:
The Diocesan Communications Officer
Mrs Jenny Horner
Email: Kilmore Diocesan Communications Office
Web: www.kilmore.anglican.org

September’s Archive of the Month at the Representative Church Body Library answers the question: ‘What is a preacher’s book?’ – one often asked by researchers who use the library’s resources – by presenting an online exhibition of extracts from the unique content of such an original source.

Alongside baptism, marriage and burial registers, Church of Ireland parishes kept further records including vestry minute books, churchwarden lists, account books and preacher’s books.

Preacher’s books typically recorded the date a service was held, the names of the clergy officiating, the number of the congregation receiving Communion, the amount collected and also a column for ‘observations’ or ‘comments’. The comments often related to the weather, collections for charity and, in some cases, significant extra snippets of genealogical and local history value.

The RCB Library holds over 1,000 collections of parish registers from all over the country, and many of these include runs of preacher’s books. One such example is the parish of Clones, county Monaghan (and diocese of Clogher), which includes no less than 12 preacher’s books, and it is the first of this collection, commencing on 11th April 1841 – Easter Sunday of that year – and ending in December 1863, that has been digitised.

Accompanying explanatory text to the online presentation reveals the information and value of this particular resource, providing the in–depth analysis of the Clones volume, which throws light on prevailing economic and social conditions during the period of An Gorta Mór (the Great Famine) which is covered by the volume.

The online exhibit also includes extracts from other parish preacher’s books and their unique content. One such example is that for the parish of St Stephen’s in Dublin which, as extracts from its entries in April 1916 tell, has the very interesting story of the local impact of the 1916 Easter Rising on the church and congregation.

The ‘Preacher’s book’ exhibit will be available online from Tuesday, 1st September, and represents another collaboration between the library and a historian – this time Maeve Mullin, a Masters student on the Irish History programme in Maynooth University.

Commenting from the RCB Library, Dr Susan Hood, who manages the Archive of the Month project, says: ‘We are grateful to Maeve Mullin for her colourful and illustrated analysis of these valuable and often over–looked resources, and her generous willingness to share her research via this medium.’

Having completed the project Maeve Mullin observes: ‘Having used the preacher’s books in conjunction with other parish records and local history resources, I would recommend a visit to the RCB Library to browse the preacher’s books for your parish of interest as they may hold a nugget of information that will embellish your family history research or augment your local history story.’

Notes for Editors

‘Archive of the Month’ aims to showcase the collections of the Church of Ireland for a worldwide audience.

Maeve Mullin is a Masters student on the Irish History programme in Maynooth University. She is also a professional genealogist based in Dublin with a qualification in Genealogy from UCD. Maeve has been a member of the Genealogy Advice team in the National Archives, the National Library and on the Kerry Genealogy Roadshow with Ancestor Network Ltd. A native of Glaslough, County Monaghan, Maeve has recently been researching the experiences of men and women from Glaslough in the First World War.

For further information please contact:
Church of Ireland Press Office Church of Ireland House 61–67 Donegall Street Belfast, BT1 2QH Tel: (028) 9082 8880 (from NI) Tel: (048) 9082 8880 (from RoI) Fax (028) 9032 3554 Email: Press Office
Paul Harron: (duty phone) +44 (0)7787 881582 Janet Maxwell: (duty phone) +353 (0)87 948 4412  www.ireland.anglican.org/news

From The Most Revd Dr Richard Clarke, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland:

‘In the company of many other members of the Church of Ireland, I wish to extend congratulations and best wishes to the Queen on the landmark achievement of becoming the United Kingdom’s longest–reigning monarch today (Wednesday, 9th September 2015).

‘In marking this moment, it is an appropriate opportunity to express gratitude to the Queen for her faithful life of service and for her dedicated witness to the Christian faith throughout her long reign.’

+Richard

For further information please contact:
Church of Ireland Press Office Church of Ireland House 61–67 Donegall Street Belfast, BT1 2QH Tel: (028) 9082 8880 (from NI) Tel: (048) 9082 8880 (from RoI) Fax (028) 9032 3554 Email: Press Office
Paul Harron: (duty phone) +44 (0)7787 881582 Janet Maxwell: (duty phone) +353 (0)87 948 4412  www.ireland.anglican.org/news

On the last night of the Bible Week Bishop Harold invited Jasper Rutherford (Church Army and Summer Madness) to share about his recent visit to Lebanon and the fundraising campaign he has run at this summer’s youth festivals.

Jasper has helped lead the campaign which was put in place back in the spring, focusing on Tearfund’s support of Syrian and Iraq refuges entering Lebanon.

We are pleased to announce that the offering lifted that evening totalled approximately £4,200. You can view Jasper’s Lebanon film at this link.

Introducing it, Bishop Harold says: ‘At this summer’s festivals I had the privilege of seeing the film that Jasper Rutherford made with Tearfund amongst the Syrian Refugees in the Bekaa Valley. I found it incredibly moving and it has become even more poignant in the light of the developing situation.

‘I urge you to watch it and be ready to respond, inspired by the generosity of our young people and young adults. They have raised most of the current total of just over £50,000 for Syrian refugees in Lebanon who, without the legal right to work, struggle to pay for even their most basic needs.’

Background

Today Lebanon bears by far the biggest burden of the Syrian crisis, proportionally: one in four people in Lebanon is now a Syrian refugee. Its economy is under severe strain from the huge influx of people and the conflict in neighbouring Syria constantly threatens to spill over the border. Life is extra hard for the refugees in Lebanon. No formal camps are allowed, so they have to pay rent or work for free for the space they occupy.

While the refugee crisis has become topical recently, Tearfund and their partners on the ground have been working with refugees and the most vulnerable for a number of years in Lebanon.

Photo credit: Dave Cavan, Tearfund NI

For further information, please contact

Annette McGrath
Down & Dromore Diocesan Communications Officer
Church of Ireland House
61–67 Donegall Street
Belfast
BT1 2QH

Tel: (028) 9032 2268
Fax:(028) 9023 1902
Mob: 07595 231958
Email: DCO
Web: www.down.anglican.org
www.facebook.com/downanddromore

Bishop Alan presents new evangelists Stephen Whitten and Karen Webb after their Licensing on September 8.

The Diocese of Connor and the Church Army launched the new North Belfast Centre of Mission at a service in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, on September 8.

The service included the Licensing by the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev Alan Abernethy, of Sister Karen Webb, Church Army, as Lead Evangelist and Stephen Whitten as Pioneer Evangelist.

The preacher was Canon Mark Russell, Chief Executive of the Church Army, and Karen and Stephen were presented by Captain Neville Willerton, National Operations Manager for Church Army.

Karen has been working with Church Army since 2004 as an assistant to Captain John O’Neill, a Church Army Evangelist based in Lisburn. In July 2013 she was commissioned by Church Army as a Church Army Sister. She now takes up her appointment as Lead Evangelist with the North Belfast Centre of Mission.

Stephen grew up in East Belfast and studied Environmental Science at the University of Ulster. He has been involved with Church Army since 2011 when he took part in the Xplore Intern Year Programme, and continued this involvement on a part time basis while at university. He has been working in North Belfast as Pioneer Evangelist since early 2015.

Welcoming everyone to the service, Bishop Alan said it was a very special occasion. ‘Things are happening in Church Army. It is a different way of doing Church. I don’t know what is going to emerge, but that is part of our journey of faith,’ the Bishop said.

In his address, Mark Russell said: ‘We are delighted to share this journey with you into an unknown chapter. We love this city, Jesus Christ loves this city, and we want this city to love Jesus Christ.’

Mark said the image of water appears again and again in the Bible. He recalled how the reading earlier in the service from Genesis 26 spoke of ancient wells filled in. ‘Water no longer flowed, no longer blessed, these wells no longer enabled people to find life. The water simply didn’t flow,’ he said. But in the reading Isaac reopened the ancient wells.

‘I love this image of reopening the ancient wells. I have desperately wanted to work with Bishop Alan and do something new. We are calling on you to reopen the ancient wells.

‘Karen and Stephen will work within a community, serve streets where the church has worked and served for generations. Tonight we recognise that history and we honour those who have served Christ in these communities,’ Mark said.

‘But we recognise that some of the wells from which people once drew have closed up. That is why we want to do something new and plant this new Centre of Mission.’

Following the Service of Licensing are, back (left to right) Captain Neville Willerton, National Operations Manager for Church Army, and Canon Mark Russell, Chief Executive, Church Army, and (front from left) Stephen Whitten, Pioneer Evangelist; Bishop Alan Abernethy; and Karen Webb, Lead Evangelist. 

Mark said this was not about growing the Church of Ireland, but about connecting a community to Jesus Christ.

‘We dream that as these ancient wells are opened up, the lands will bloom again, the barren and dry and arid become alive, full of new growth, the desert becomes an oasis once a well is opened up. Tonight we open something new and pray that it will open something old.’

Mark said that Isaac, in reopening the ancient wells, found a new well. ‘This is our prayer for this new Centre of Mission. Yes we pray we can reopen the ancient wells, but we pray God shows us new wells. New places where people can find Christ and his living water.’

To Karen and Stephen he said: ‘We thank God for you. We thank God that he has called you to his new ministry, and we rejoice in the fantastic gifts he has given you.’

During the service, Karen and Stephen professed their commitment to Christ, their commitment to evangelism, to service, to teaching and learning, and their commitment to worship.

Refreshments followed the service.

For further information contact Karen Bushby, Connor Diocesan Communications Officer, on 028 9082 8874 or 07766 103880 or email dco@connor.anglican.org

For further information please contact:

Karen Bushby
Connor Diocesan Communications Officer

Tel: 028 4066 0798
Mob: 07766103880
Email: Connor DCO
Web: www.connor.anglican.org

Young people and youth leaders at Castlewellan Castle, which hosted the Engage Connor Youth Take the Castle weekend from September 4–6. Photo by Hannah Elliott.

Around 100 young people and leaders from across Connor Diocese had an active weekend of fellowship at the annual ‘Take the Castle’ get together in Castlewellan.

Organised by Engage Connor Youth, the theme of the weekend, which ran from Friday September 4 until Sunday September 6, was ‘Jim Class’, with a host of activities based on the book of James – working out your faith.

Being doers rather than just hearers was the key message of the weekend, and Stuart Moles, youth worker with St Mary’s, Ballybeen, Diocese of Down and Dromore, was the guest speaker.

As well as worship, the young people and their leaders enjoyed games, fitness classes, fantastic food, bible study, music, and plenty of quite mad activities!

For further information contact Karen Bushby, Connor Diocesan Communications Officer, on 028 9082 8874 or 07766 103880 or email dco@connor.anglican.org

For further information please contact:

Karen Bushby
Connor Diocesan Communications Officer

Tel: 028 4066 0798
Mob: 07766103880
Email: Connor DCO
Web: www.connor.anglican.org

A special Evensong in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, celebrated the day that HM The Queen became the longest serving Monarch in British History. On September 9, Queen Elizabeth II passed the record of her great–great grandmother Queen Victoria, who reigned for 63 years and 216 days.

A prayer written especially for the occasion, approved by The Queen, was said in St Anne’s and in churches and cathedrals across the UK. The words, intoned by the Dean, the Very Revd John Mann, were:

Almighty God, who hast set our gracious sovereign Queen Elizabeth upon the throne of this realm, and given her to surpass all others in the years of her reign: Receive our heartfelt thanks for her service to her people, confirm and encourage her in the continuance of the same and keep her in thy heavenly wisdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who took the form of a servant for our sake, and reigneth now in glory with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.

Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Belfast, Mrs Fionnuala Jay–O’Boyle CBE, was among those who attended the service, which began at 5.30pm, the time widely recognised as being the moment Queen Elizabeth II became Britain’s longest reigning Monarch.

Mrs O’Boyle said it was an ‘extraordinary pleasure’ to be at the service on this ‘very historic and joyous occasion.’ ‘This is a day we will not see the likes of again,’ said the Lord Lieutenant. ‘We celebrate the service, dedication and commitment of this extraordinary woman, this extraordinary monarch.’

Mrs O’Boyle said HM The Queen had contributed much to ‘peace and reconciliation on this island’.

People had travelled from the city and beyond for this special Evensong, which opened with the National Anthem.

Dean Mann said the excitement in the Cathedral was palpable as people gathered to celebrate this historic milestone.

‘People generally felt, as I did, that the moment upon which Her Majesty the Queen became the longest reigning British monarch held a special significance,’ said the Dean.
‘Some have identified this with the Queen providing stability in more than half a century of considerable change, for me it is more than constancy, it is devotion to God and to her people; the virtues of service and long term commitment; the placing of duty above personal desire. These virtues reflecting through her approach to high office her complementary deep Christian faith, are an example that it is not beyond our very different situations to both admire and model.’

The Dean spoke of the atmosphere during the service.  ‘As the ancient texts of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis soared around St Anne’s to Wood in E flat Major, then Woods’ familiar anthem “O thou, the central orb” brought its regal feel to things, so too did the special prayer for the occasion and the final hymn “I vow to thee, my country”.’
Dean Mann added:  ‘The occasion was an important one to note, but even more, as a chance to be inspired, to aim at greater things, and to give thanks.’

For further information contact Karen Bushby, Press Officer, St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, on 07766 103880 or email Karen@belfastcathedral.org

Photo above: The Dean of Belfast, the Very Revd John Mann, greets Lord Lieutenant Mrs Fionnuala Jay O’Boyle as she arrives for the special Evensong on September 9 (Paul Harron)

For further information please contact:

Karen Bushby
Connor Diocesan Communications Officer

Tel: 028 4066 0798
Mob: 07766103880
Email: Connor DCO
Web: www.connor.anglican.org

Statement by the Revd Adrian Dorrian, Chairman of the Church and Society Commission of the Church of Ireland:

Tomorrow’s vote on the Assisted Dying Bill in the House of Commons is of significance for our society. There is perhaps no worse news to receive in life than that of a terminal diagnosis. The Church of Ireland, along with other Christian denominations, sees its clergy minister to those who have received such diagnoses daily, with pastoral sensitivity and compassion.

The narrative of scripture and the witness of human experience are both in agreement that, above all else, life is a gift. For those who profess faith, it is seen as a gift from God and in that context it is difficult to see how even the most sensitive legislation can do anything other than devalue this.

In his address to the General Synod in 2014, the Archbishop of Armagh said: ‘The very beginnings of life and the end of life on earth are gift, never to be treated as anything less … we must surely as Christians never concede that life is other than sacred, a gift of God from beginning to end, never to be thrown away as though it were personal property.’ The Archbishop went on to call for further resourcing for hospices and those who provide end–of–life care.

One marker of a society’s compassion is how it deals with the most vulnerable. Legislating for assisted dying poses the serious risk of devaluing the life of the individual when most vulnerable.

For further information please contact:
Church of Ireland Press Office Church of Ireland House 61–67 Donegall Street Belfast, BT1 2QH Tel: (028) 9082 8880 (from NI) Tel: (048) 9082 8880 (from RoI) Fax (028) 9032 3554 Email: Press Office
Paul Harron: (duty phone) +44 (0)7787 881582 Janet Maxwell: (duty phone) +353 (0)87 948 4412  www.ireland.anglican.org/news

‘War makes no distinction between age, gender or faith and our response to this humanitarian crisis should make no distinction either,’ Archbishop Michael Jackson said last night (September 9). Speaking at a Vigil of Prayer for the people of Syria in Zion Church, Rathgar, he said that the congregation gathered in Dublin in recognition of and in solidarity with the plight, panic and sorrow of all those people who moved from one place to another, wondering where they may next be rejected.

The night of prayer began with a service of Holy Communion. Throughout the evening there were structured prayers, reflections and silence before concluding at midnight with Compline. Among those leading the reflections were Philip McKinley, the Revd Rob Jones, Margaret Healion, Greg Fromholz and the Revd Stephen Farrell.

Archbishop Jackson said that many of the people were coming from the crucible of Christianity and hoped that the night of prayer would prepare people for action. ‘Our invitation and our challenge is to welcome these people with mercy and dignity,’ he added.

Drawing on the Gospel reading [St Luke 14: 1–14], in which Jesus, when faced with a man who had dropsy, asked the Pharisees and lawyers if it was legal to cure people on the Sabbath or not, spoke about the relationship between self interest and the interests and needs of those who are deprived of health and dignity.

‘Jesus is drawing people to bring the values of the Kingdom of God to the lives they live day by day. This is what we are called to do today. We are to refocus our priorities on those who have nothing… We in our own way can stand with those who are witnesses to life itself in their death and life,’ he said.

Zion Parish will hold a coffee morning to raise funds to assist in the humanitarian crisis at the rectory on Bushy Park Road, Rathgar, on Monday September 21 from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm.

The clothing appeal continues in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin. For details of items that are most needed see here: http://dublin.anglican.org/news/2015/09/Saint-Patricks-Cathedral-Dublin-receiving-donations-to-help-the-refugee-crisis

Powerscourt National School is accepting donations of men’s hygiene kits tomorrow (Friday 11 September) between 3.00 pm and 7.00 pm. For details see: https://www.facebook.com/enniskerry.calaissolidarity

Bishops’ Appeal has called for prayer, engagement and collections in response to the crisis. For more details see: http://dublin.anglican.org/news/2015/09/Bishops-Appeal-Call-for-Prayer-Engagement-and-Collections-in-Response-to-Refugee-Crisis

Photo above: The Rector of Zion, the Revd Stephen Farrell; the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson; and Zion Parish Secretary, Margaret Healion.

For further information please contact:

Lynn Glanville
Diocesan Communications Officer
Dublin & Glendalough

Mobile: 087 2356472
Email: Dublin & Glendalough DCO
Website: www.dublin.anglican.org

New Year Begins at CITI

Next Friday an introductory weekend begins for new ordinands in the Church of Ireland Theological Institute in Braemor Park, Dublin. There will be a series of introductory sessions from the Director, Canon Maurice Elliott and his staff, Canon Patrick Comerford, Dr Katie Heffelfinger and the Revd Dr Paddy McGlinchey and what may prove to be an invaluable introduction to community living from Canon Comerford and the Senior Student, Stuart Moles, who will also preach at the concluding Eucharist.

There will be supplementary inputs from the Archbishop of Dublin, the Revd Dr William Olhausen who is the Archbishop’s theological advisor, and the Revd Bruce Pierce, Director of Education at the St Luke’s Home Education Centre, Cork. The students will meet staff in Trinity College, where some of their teaching will take place, and visit both the TCD Library and the RCB Library, and to provide some balance there will also be a programme for spouses and families.

There will nine new ordinands in the Theological Institute this year and they will be joined later in the month by eleven second year students and twelve final year students who have been ordained as deacon interns. The Foundation Course, which is a pre–requisite for ministerial training, currently has eighteen students.

Today (Saturday) the Bishop of Cork will be in Harvard Divinity School where he will participate in a workshop on church law. In Greystones the Retired Clergy Fellowship of Dublin & Glendalough will meet for afternoon tea. This will be the first event in a programme of activities which has been arranged by the new chairman, the Very Revd Dr Robert MacCarthy.

Tomorrow (Sunday) the Archbishop of Dublin will preach at the harvest celebrations in St Mary’s church, Blessington, where he will also rededicate the organ, while in Altar church, Co. Cork, the preacher at the Harvest Thanksgiving will be Bishop Richard Henderson.

The Bishop of Limerick & Killaloe will visit St Cronan’s church, Roscrea, to dedicate the windows which have been completely renovated. The church, built in neo–gothic style, is over two hundred years old and welcomes visitors for all over the world, many of whom supported the restoration work.

In St Macartin’s cathedral, Enniskillen, the Bishop of Clogher will ordain to the priesthood the Revd Olivia Downey who will serve as curate in Enniskillen and Clogher cathedrals, while in St Columba’s church, Omagh, the Bishop of Derry will ordain as deacon interns Chris Mac Bruithin to serve in St Augustine’s, Derry, Liz Fitzgerald for Donagheady, Rhys Jones for Castledawson and Robert Wray for Culmore, Muff & St Peter’s, Derry.

The Archbishops of Armagh and Dublin have called on members of the Church of Ireland to respond to the refugee crisis with prayer, political engagement and financial support. Special or retiring collections are encouraged in all churches tomorrow (Sunday) and on Sunday 20 September and the funds which are raised can be disbursed through the Bishops’ Appeal.

Next Tuesday evening at 7.30pm the Archbishop of Dublin will preside and the Bishop of Limerick & Killaloe will preach at the Dublin & Glendalough Mothers’ Union Festival Service in Whitechurch parish church.

Next Friday is Culture Night. St Patrick’s cathedral, Dublin will be open for guided tours from 7pm until 9.30pm and the Cathedral Choir will sing Choral Evensong at 5.30pm. In Christ Church cathedral there will be guided tours, choral performances, a silent film screening with organ accompaniment by David Bremner, and storytelling for children from the Nightmare Club.

Church of Ireland Notes from ‘The Irish Times’

Left to right: Rev Rhys Jones, Rev Chris MacBruithin, Bishop Ken Good, Rev Elizabeth Fitzgerald and Rev Robert Wray.

Hundreds of worshippers packed St Columba’s Parish Church in Omagh on Sunday for the largest Ordination Service seen in the Derry and Raphoe Diocese for almost ten years.

Among the four new Deacon–Interns ordained by Bishop Ken Good was Rev Elizabeth Fitzgerald, who had previously been confirmed and married in St Columba’s. The other candidates were Rhys Jones, Chris MacBruithin and Robert Wray.

The Service posed a huge logistical challenge for the Rector of Drumragh with Mountfield Parish, Rev Ian Linton, and his team; visitors from other parishes and dioceses in Ireland, Britain and even from as far away as the United States joined family and friends of the four ordinands.

The Archdeacon of Raphoe, Ven David Huss – who had spent some time with the candidates on retreat in South Donegal recently – preached the sermon at the Service. He said it had been a long journey for all four and that it had been a privilege to share the very last part with them.

Archdeacon Huss said the first reading in the Service (Isaiah 6:1–8), was one of the few in the Bible which arguably gave a description of an ordination taking place, as the prophet was set apart and commissioned for the work God had for him. ‘It was a day that changed Isaiah’s life,’ Archdeacon Huss said.

He asked the congregation to look closely at the reading, as it described the various stages of ‘this great process of ordination’. Isaiah’s ordination had begun with a vision of the utter ‘glory’ of God. The second scene saw ‘ruin’ – Isaiah cried ‘Woe to me’. The third stage brought ‘atonement’, ‘the centrepiece of this whole drama of Isaiah, in verse 6’.
And finally there was ‘commission’, when Isaiah said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’

Archdeacon Huss reminded those present that the Diocese was moving into 2016 – a Year of Opportunity for the Church. The Lord not only wanted to bring us in but to send us out, he said. ‘It may be that the Lord is calling to one or two people here to be in a few years’ time where these four are – in ordained ministry – or in most cases that he is seeking to send you to be a blessing in your place of work, your neighbourhood, your family, or indeed in the dark places of our communities.

‘What is God saying to each of us through Isaiah, chapter 6? Perhaps one of those four things speaks to you.

‘Perhaps it’s about His glory, that really what you need is to have your eyes opened, to see that God is not trivial but that He needs to be brought centre–stage in your life.

‘Perhaps that second scene – where there’s ruin; perhaps what the Lord is calling you to this evening is to repent and to turn back to Him.

‘Perhaps it’s that third thing, atonement – that the Lord’s message for you is that your guilt has been taken away and your sin atoned for; perhaps it’s an assurance of His grace that is the very thing you needed to hear.

‘Or maybe it’s the commission – today God is calling you into some sphere of service or of ministry. I wonder what your answer will be?’

Concluding his sermon, Archdeacon Huss prayed that God’s richest blessings would be upon the four new deacons over the days, weeks and years ahead.

The Service continued with the four candidates joining Bishop Good on the altar to make their declarations of faith and for the ‘laying on of hands’, when the Bishop prayed that they be given ‘grace and power to fulfil their ministry’.

After the service, the new Deacons processed from St Columba’s Church – accompanied by representatives of their parishes and the diocese – and made their way to the nearby Parish Hall for refreshments and speeches.

Bishop Good thanked the Rector, Rev Linton, for planning the Service, and those who had provided music for the occasion, including the choir. He also expressed gratitude to the Church Wardens, and to the ladies and gentlemen who provided refreshments for the scores of well–wishers.

The four deacons will continue their studies while they are assigned to their various parishes.

Rev Elizabeth Fitzgerald will serve as Deacon–Intern in Donagheady; Rev Robert Wray will go to Christ Church, Culmore, Muff and St Peter’s; Rev Rhys Jones is going to Castledawson: and Rev Chris MacBruithin will serve in St Augustine’s, Londonderry.

For further information please contact:
	Mr Paul McFadden Diocesan Communications Officer Tel. 028 7126 2440 Email:  press@derryandraphoe.org Website: www.derry.anglican.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/DerryAndRaphoe Twitter: www.twitter.com/DerryAndRaphoe

As part of their fundraising for the Christian Aid Sheep’s Head Hike held last weekend in the West Cork Parish of Kilmocomogue Union (Bantry, Durrus and Castletownbeare) the Tweeners (youth club) in the parish have raised €150 to buy a cow.

This particular project was introduced to the parish during Christian Aid Week this year. The project is based in Ethiopia and helps vulnerable women like Loko to build a promising future. Loko says: ‘I refuse to give up hope. I dream of owning a cow one day; its milk would help my children to grow strong, and I could also sell some so I could save enough money to set up a small business buying and selling tea and coffee.’

Cork, Cloyne & Ross Diocesan news website: www.churchofirelandcork.com

On Thursday, 10th September over 300 runners gathered in Mahon, Cork, to support the first St Luke’s Home Memorial 5K Run. The St. Luke’s Home Foundation wanted to introduce an event to its calendar that embraced community, health, fitness and fun.

Everyone involved in the charity is delighted that the event lived up to these expectations. It was also an opportunity to remember past residents and to involve people of all ages, all families, volunteers, supporters, staff, and indeed all who have an involvement, however small, with the home.

David O Brien, CEO of St Luke’s Home, Cork (centre) with Zareen Aziz, Senior Operations Director, RCI, with overall male winner, Conor McCauley, who completed the race in 16 minutes and 12 seconds.

The main sponsor was large local employer RCI. They have been a great support from the beginning; they funded the race, provided 20 stewards on the night and entered around 30 participants, and, of course, they put up the fantastic 1st prize of European holidays for the fastest male and the fastest female.

There was also support from other companies in the community in terms of participation, with newcomer to Mahon, Ronan, Daly Jermyn, Solicitors, showing up in great numbers.

Oonagh O’Driscoll, Director of the St Luke’s Home Foundation, said: ‘Support for St Luke’s Home and the great work that goes on here was palpable when over 200 participants stayed for the post–race refreshments and applauded the winners. We are confident that this is the first of many Memorial Runs for the home!’

And they’re off! Runners at the start of the first ever St Luke’s Home 5 km Memorial Run.

Cork, Cloyne & Ross Diocesan news website: www.churchofirelandcork.com

Once again the Hill of Armagh will be ready to receive visitors to some of its buildings and to listen to performers on Culture Night on Friday 18 September 2015.

There will be a guided tour of St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral and its Crypt, followed by a performance by members of the Cathedral choir who will sing works by Bach, Elgar and Purcell. There will be vocal solos by two choristers and by Kevin Donaldson and Adam Reaney, and organ solos by Dr Stephen Timpany, newly appointed Director of Music and Master of the Choristers, and the Cathedral Succentor, Revd Dr Peter Thompson.

No 5 Vicars’ Hill, the former Registry, will show visitors its collections and curiosities, and will host performances by members of the Armagh Pipers’ Club and by singer–songwriter Noel McLean.

Armagh Public Library, the oldest library in Northern Ireland, will open its doors to its Long Room and some of its collections, and to four performances. They include a range of music style by Adam Foster, Guth’s Gleas and the Oriel Singers, and a celebration of the work of John O’Connor, in association with the John Hewitt Society.

Visitors will be welcome to sit and listen to all the events or to enjoy them as they stroll around the Library, No 5 and the Cathedral. Details, including performance times, can be found on: www.marketplacearmagh.com/fs/doc/brochures/CULTURE_NIGHT_2015.pdf

For further information, please contact:

Armagh Public Library
Tel: 028 3752 3142