NEWS BRIEFS

Launch of One Future Ireland

Christian Aid has stated it is proud to support One Future Ireland which launched last week to give voice to public demands for faster and fairer action on climate change ahead of the Irish General Election on 8 February.

Pictured at the launch was Canon William Deverell (right) Rector of St Maelruains, Tallaght Parish – Church of Ireland, and Fr Richard O’Dwyer SJ, a member of the Irish Jesuits from Gardiner Street Parish in Dublin.

Please give a big thumbs-up to Canon Deverell who has been a Christian Aid supporter for many years.

C of I archbishop’s tribute to Seamus Mallon

The Funeral Mass for the repose of the soul of the late Seamus Mallon RIP will be celebrated today, Monday 27 January 2020 at 12.00pm, in Saint James of Jerusalem Church, Mullaghbrack, in the Archdiocese of Armagh. The chief celebrant of the Mass will be Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Dromore and Primate of All Ireland. Father Michael Woods, Parish Priest of Tandragee (Ballymore and Mullaghbrack), will concelebrate the Mass.

The Most Revd Dr Richard Clarke, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, issued the following statement following the death of Seamus Mallon:

“Seamus Mallon was by profession a teacher and then politician, a leader and risk taker. He was an outspoken opponent of violence, who saw a better way of living if the people of this island learned to understand each other better. He was a peacemaker firmly committed to building a better future for all.

“Sympathy and prayers are extended to his family and colleagues at this sad time.”

Faith in Politics Parliamentary Internship

Faith in Politics is a Catholic Parliamentary and Public Policy Internship Scheme organised by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.

They are looking to recruit six Catholic graduates to work for 11 months from September 2020 to July 2021 in Parliamentary and Public Affairs posts. The interns will be selected on the basis of ability and potential to gain most from the experience.

The interns will all live together, with 70 other students, in More House, a Catholic Chaplaincy and Student Centre in Central London. Financial support will be provided to cover living and travel costs for the duration of the internship.

If you are interested in applying, speak with Fr Dominic at the Chaplaincy, who will provide you with advice and guidance. For more information visit the Faith in Politics website: www.faithinpolitics.org.uk. The closing date for applications is 28 February.

Training for Connor youth leaders

Connor youth leaders are invited to St Stephen’s Parish Church, Belfast, on Saturday February 1 for a morning of training, encouragement and treats.

Training gets underway at 10am. Diocesan Youth Officer Christina Baillie said: “We want to celebrate each of you and equip you as you continue to support young people.” Contact – [[] christinabaillie@connordiocese.org ]

Primate’s lecture

On Friday, the series of lunchtime lectures in Christ Church cathedral, Dublin, on ‘Disestablishment: An Historical Perspective’ concludes at 1.10pm with a lecture by the Archbishop of Armagh, Dr Richard Clarke, on a ‘Church of Ireland Perspective’.

SAMS Ireland hosts Friday Night Live

SAMS (South American Mission Society) Ireland, will hold its annual Friday Night Live event at Craigavon Civic Centre on Friday February 7, starting at 7.30pm

The event is open to everyone. There will be reports on a wide range of Church Partnership activities that have taken place in South America over the past year. For further information, contact [ office@samsireland.com. ]

St. Patrick’s Day service recording

Cumann Gaelach na hEaglaise has been asked by RTÉ to record a service for St. Patrick’s Day. It will be broadcast on 15 March. The pre–recording in the RTÉ studies will take place on Sunday 23 February. There are limited places but if anyone would like to attend as part of the congregation, please contact [ gaeleaglais@gmail.com ]

Derry clerical appointment

The Rev Jonathan McFarland has been appointed Rector of the Parish of Urney in County Tyrone, almost two and a half years after arriving there as Bishop’s Curate.

Rev McFarland – who is husband to Jacqui – was one of five priests ordained at a Service in Glendermott Parish Church in September 2017. Confirmation of his incumbency was shared with parishioners on Sunday morning.

Tributes to cleric who had plant named in his honour

A Service of Thanksgiving for The Reverend Billy McMillan’s life was held on Friday in First Dunmurry NSPCI. Mourners attended from across the country and further afield to pay their respects to a truly remarkable man, who will forever be remembered in our hearts.

The meeting house, which was bedecked with floral art was full to capacity, as was The McCleery Hall. The service was conducted by Rev. Dr David Steers, Rt Rev Chris Hudson MBE & Fr Sean McEvoy. “Minister, Historian, Orator, Teacher, Author & Horticulturist” are only some of the roles that “Rev Mac” was so well respected for and it was evident at the service that his personality and generosity had a lasting impact on so many.
See also –
[ https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/tributes-to-cleric-who-had-plant-named-in-his-honour-38875280.html ]

God in creation