Irish news digest

Godly Play 3 Day Core Training

Godly Play 3 Day Core Training will take place at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth 21-23 July ’20. Inquiries & reservations to
[ godlyplayireland@gmail.com ]
Flyers/booking forms will follow dependent on Covid-19 restrictions being lifted sufficiently to allow training to happen.

Archbishop Zooms with Chaplaincy students

Archbishop Michael Jackson recently joined the MA Chaplaincy cohort for their final lecture of the year. This lecture was held by Zoom because of the current regulations about social distancing.

The programme chair of the MA in Chaplaincy Studies and Pastoral work at DCU, Dr Thomas Grenham expressed his gratitude to Archbishop Jackson, saying that he and the cohort of chaplaincy students were delighted with his virtual.

The Archbishop gave an interesting talk on the role of chaplains in various contexts but mentioning especially the context of the hospital and the prison. He spoke of the importance of a life–giving spiritual and emotional support and presence in a time of crisis and the fragility of the human condition.

“It was a pleasure having him speak and encourage our student chaplains to engage in their various chaplaincy contexts grounded in their own faith traditions and open to other beliefs beyond their own particular faith traditions,” Dr Grenham said.

10 Days of Prayer planned for Ascension to Pentecost in Down & Dromore

For the ten days from Ascension to Pentecost, Bishop David McClay is calling the churches of Down and Dromore to a renewed focus on prayer for a spiritual harvest.

He invites them to personal prayer and to join with others around the diocese in using the resources that will be made available each day.

The 10 Days of Prayer initiative was introduced on St Patrick’s Day but of course the original programme has had to be adapted to the new reality of lockdown and social distancing.

Each of the days following Ascension will have a different prayer focus. Here’s a taste of the events to come, all of them happening online with, where appropriate, accompanying printable resources.

– Thursday 21 May: Ascension Day Services in the parishes

– Friday 22 May: Prayer focus on young adults with Bishop David and Tim Burns

– Saturday 23 May: Prayer focus on women with Hilary McClay

– Sunday 24 May: Parish worship with special prayers from church leaders

– Monday 25 May: Worship Rooms online

– Tuesday 26 May: Prayer focus on select vestries with Bishop David

– Wednesday 27 May: Praying the Litany

– Thursday 28 May: Parish prayer meetings online

– Friday 29 May: Prayer focus on civic leaders with Bishop David

– Saturday 30 May: Prayer focus on men with Bishop David

– Sunday 31 May: Bishop David McClay will address the diocese on Pentecost Sunday

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral helps feed those in need

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is working in a number of ways during the Covid-19 pandemic to help feed those in need.

A spokesperson for the Cathedral said :
-We are working with FoodCloud to avail of surplus stock to support food projects in the community and for any community events we run.

-We are partnered with a number of organisations including The Little Flower Penny Dinners and Liberties Breakfast & After school club.

-Corporate partners have come to us with offers of support and these include Capital Credit Union, private donors, and the restaurateur below – BBQ Tonight based in Clanbrassil Street.

“Our neighbours in An Garda Síochána are assisting with the distribution alongside the usual volunteers. We are acutely aware that there are people who have never had to seek supports like this, and if you or anyone you know is in need, please do let us know in full confidence that we will seek to put in place assistance as require.”

Christians against poverty

We’re all aware of the financial impact of coronavirus. Many will face financial difficulties and we must respond now so CAP’s there when they call. You could provide the means to get a debt solution in place, create two basic budgets and give advice by phone.
[[] https://capuk.org/get-involved/your-church/partner-with-cap/cap-debt-help ]

Prayer Points

Please pray for the Bible and Development School in Shyogwe Diocese in Rwanda during the latest phase of teaching evangelists and catechists. Pray also for the success of the diocesan programme recently started to build unity and reconciliation within Rwandan society.

Congratulations to the PM Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds on the birth of their child – offer prayers and thanksgiving for all parents and babies born during this difficult time and for the wonderful midwives & doctors too.

God in creation