Irish news digest

News briefs and worship online links

C of I and Community relations in Northern Ireland

The Church of Ireland is involved in a range of initiatives which seek to improve community relations in Northern Ireland. A selection of photos and stories is available in our online gallery at the link below.
[[] https://www.flickr.com/photos/churchofireland/albums/72157710987701138 ]

Accord Northern Ireland welcomes funding to support marriages during the Covid-19 crisis

Accord Northern Ireland Catholic Marriage Care Service has received £40,293 from the Department for Communities, in partnership with the National Lottery Community Fund. This funding will ensure that the charity can continue to support marriages, relationships and families during the Covid-19 crisis.

Accord’s NI Regional Director, Deirdre O’Rawe said; “The nature of the pandemic is having a significant impact on everyday life but its effects are very particularly felt amongst the most vulnerable in society. Accord NI is delighted to receive this funding and to continue playing a vital role along with other charities and voluntary sector agencies, in combating the impact of Covid-19 on marriages, relationships and families”.

Accord NI’s free and confidential ‘Relationships Support Phone Line’ for marriages, families and relationships offers support to those experiencing extra pressure due to social restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The support line is open from 9.00am to 8.00pm Monday to Friday and can be reached on 028 9568 0151 or 00353 1 531 3331.

Links to worship online

Continuing online services plus radio and RTE television services this weekend – provided by the Diocese of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory
[[] http://cashel.anglican.org/continuing-online-services-plus-radio-and-rte-television-services-this-weekend/ ]

Service from Virginia Group led by Ven. Canon Craig McCauley.
Readings: Jenny Horner and Rev Ian Horner with prayers by Joshua Pringle (Bailieborough Group).
Ven. Capt. Isaac Hanna preaches from Drumcliffe.
Youtube: [ youtu.be/B1czwDeO5nQ ]

Clerical appointment

The Revd Stephanie Woods, Rector of Lisbellaw and Coolbuck to be part-time Stipendiary Minister in the Bishop’s Curacy of Inishmacsaint, both Diocese of Clogher.

Food for thought

Points for prayer

Teenage years are complicated at the best of times, and especially when living through such a period of uncertainty. Let’s pray for teenagers, that they’ll have the help they need to successfully navigate their way through, practically, emotionally and spiritually – Mothers Union

We pray for pregnant garment workers in Bangladesh. Reports suggest that as orders plummet during Covid-19 employers are forcing out pregnant workers to avoid paying maternity benefits. We pray for an end to this injustice and protection for workers’ rights.

God in Creation