IRISH NEWS BULLETIN

Roofing the roof

Photo above – The temporary roof over the nave of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin. The design of this structure was not without its challenges. Under the covering sealed work is underway repairing the external masonry of the nave walls down to the first string course. Internally, below the roof and just above the vaulted ceiling, a very robust net has been spread over the entire span of the nave to protect the vulnerable ceiling below.

Episcopal ordination postponed

Father Paul Dempsey, Bishop-elect of the Diocese of Achonry issued the following statement yesterday:

“It is with regret that we have had to postpone my Episcopal Ordination as Bishop of Achonry which was planned for Sunday 19 April. I requested the postponement in light of the coronavirus pandemic. I have asked that the ceremony be rescheduled until sometime in the summer. This decision has been difficult but it would not have been appropriate to proceed with the ordination at this time.

“The decision has been made in consultation with the Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland His Excellency Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okola, and with the Diocese of Achonry. I am grateful to Archbishop Okolo and to the priests, religious and faithful of the Diocese of Achonry for their patience and understanding as we deal with the unprecedented consequences of Covid-19 in our country and in our world.

“I am grateful to Bishop Denis Nulty, Bishop of Kildare & Leighlin, who has asked me to continue for the moment as parish priest in Newbridge Parish.

“I ask for your prayers at this time for all those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.”

Changes at Belfast crematorium chapel

Belfast City Council has activated its emergency plan at Roselawn Cemetery.

All cremation services are limited to a maximum of 30 people and funeral directors were advised that hymn books have been removed from the crematorium chapel and that they should instead advise families to print hymns on an order of service.

A council spokeswoman said: “Staff will no longer connect families’ mobile phones to the music system and only background music will be provided. These temporary health protection measures are effective from today.”

The Presbyterian Church Moderator William Henry advised funerals should be private if possible with no public announcement made of arrangements.

“These are deeply uncertain times, with almost every day bringing challenging news and announcements,” he said.

Introduction of new priest-in-charge in Cloughfern

The Rev Tim Close was introduced as priest-in-charge of Cloughfern Parish Church by Bishop-designate of Connor, Archdeacon George Davison, at a service on Sunday March 15. There were contributions from visiting clergy, the Rev Dr James Francis and the Rev Canon Kevin Graham. The service was followed by lunch served in the parish hall.

Veritas book shops close for six weeks

One of Ireland’s leading retailer of books for the mind and soul has announced the closure of all its stores for the next six weeks, but says they will continue to trade online.

Veritas made the decision to shut its doors around the country until April 20 due to the threat posed by the coronavirus (COVID-19) in a statement posted on its Twitter page on March 18.

Message from MU Worldwide President

Mothers’ Union Worldwide President, Sheran Harper, encourages members to “take heart and not to fear because the Lord our God is by your side, an ever-present help in times of trouble.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9oS42m0f3wk

Douglas had been feeling bad for days. His temperature was high and he was suffering from severe flu-like symptoms. His mother sought medical help and Douglas got the very best of treatment. But he became depressed. His aunt called at a florist to arrange to send Douglas some flowers. She told the assistant that they were for her teenage nephew who had leukaemia. When the flowers arrived they were beautiful. Douglas read the card from his aunt. Then he saw a second card. It said: “Douglas – I took your order. I work at the florist. I had leukaemia when I was 7 years old. I’m 22 years old now. Good luck. My heart goes out to you. Sincerely, Laura.” His face lit up. He said, “Oh!” Isn’t it invariably the case that someone taking the time to care can make all the difference. Let’s take time to care for one another through this corona crisis. And let’s remember that our God took time to care when he sent his Son into this suffering world to suffer himself, so that we can have a Saviour who is able to sympathise with us in our suffering.
Please add to your prayer list: cleaners taking risks on behalf of us all. #GodisourAdventure. Every blessing. Sam

Solidarity in a Time of Crisis

Bishop Noel Treanor of Down and Connor in a pastoral letter issued on St Patrick’s Day writes –

The world-wide outbreak of the coronavirus reveals the fragility of human existence and the reality of suffering. This crisis reminds us that we all part of one global family.

As we face together the physical, psychological, spiritual, social and economic impact of this virus, it is a time to take assurance in the promise of God’s presence. The Scriptures recount that in times of plague and human suffering, the promise of God’s healing power and strength is present. That divine presence strengthens us in facing such situations with faith and hope.

I have no doubt that many of you are fearful and anxious as you reflect on the potential personal, familial and societal impact of the virus. You are worrying about your personal health and the welfare of loved ones. You realise the vulnerability of the young, the aged and those with underlying health conditions. As a society, and as brothers and sisters in Christ, we face these anxieties and fears together.

This is a time for us, the People of God to pray, recognizing the broken body of Christ in those who are suffering. This is a time for us to bring a message of hope and to care for those who are feeling isolated and distressed.

We hold in prayer our civic leaders as they face indefinable challenges at local, national and international level. They carry great responsibility and are entrusted with giving courageous direction in addressing the current health situation.

We hold in our prayers our scientists and health-care workers; doctors, pharmacists, nurses, all working in hospitals and health administration, hospital chaplains, counsellors, administrators and volunteers. I pay tribute to the heroic and inspirational work of those in the health service across Northern Ireland. As fellow citizens, we know that changes to current medical provision and to hospital chaplaincy services will be necessary. We also know, however, that such disruption in the short term will enable care to be directed to those most in need.

Kibride Parish supports AgeNI

Members of the Select Vestry from Kilbride Parish Church on March 9 presented a cheque for £300 to help the work of AgeNI in Ballyclare. The presentation took place in the Town Hall during one of the group’s meetings. Hazel McDonald handed over the cheque to Mary Todd from the Ballyclare branch of AgeNI, accompanied by Lillian Lyttle, Carol Ireland and the rector of Kilbride, the Rev Canon David Humphries.

Transferor Representatives’ Council expresses thanks to teachers and governors

The Transferor Representatives’ Council (TRC) – representing the Church of Ireland, the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, and the Methodist Church in Ireland in educational matters – today expressed its thanks and appreciation to principals, teachers and governors in these unprecedented times.

Speaking on behalf of the Transferor Representatives’ Council, Chairperson Miss Rosemary Rainey said: “We want to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to principals, school teachers and governors who have being working hard during this period of uncertainty to continue providing education to the pupils in their care in these unprecedented times.

“At the beginning of the school year, our thoughts were focused on budgetary pressures and other significant challenges. We could never have imagined the crisis that was to come.

“Across society we are being asked to make significant changes to our daily patterns and habits and those involved in delivering or receiving education are no exception. While nothing can match the face–to–face classroom experience, we recognise and greatly appreciate the enormous efforts that have been made throughout to ensure that children and young people continue to have an opportunity to learn while they face a period of separation from their peers.

Miss Rainey concluded by saying: “There are undoubtedly more difficult times ahead for us all, but please be assured of the prayers of both TRC and the Churches at this time.”

God in creation

Prayer of the Blessed Sheep – For us right now, who face a time of unprecedented anxiety and uncertainty in this time of global pandemic, being asked to shelter in place and remain out of gatherings of more than ten people, it is nonetheless vital for us to remember that we are all part of one large, beloved flock, under the loving gaze of the Lord Our Shepherd.