A first for Ballyholme; Clogher ordination; Dublin ordinations; Clogher introduction; Mission service; Orange Order holding parade talks; Catholic newspaper predicts Ireland will have just 450 priests in 2042
A first for Ballyholme
Sunday 2 September saw a historic first in the life of the Church of Ireland Parish of Ballyholme. So far as could be established from central church records, it was the first time an ordination service had ever been held at St Columbanus.
The Right Reverend Harold Miller, Bishop of Down and Dromore presided and at the centre of the service receiving the laying on of hands was Ballyholme’s twelfth curate assistant, the Revd Alistair Morrison. Alistair has joined Ballyholme from a year’s placement as intern Deacon in the parish of St Colman’s Dunmurry, serving under the Revd Denise Acheson, herself a former curate of Ballyholme.
Before training for ordination Alistair was an architectural technician with a firm of architects which specialised in the restoration of historic buildings and he is the proud father of three children: Andrew, Peter and Judith.
Canon Tom Keightley rector of Alistair’s sponsoring parish of Belvoir was the special guest preacher in a service attended by friends, clergy colleagues and many of Alistair’s new parishioners in Ballyholme.
In a day of new beginnings, Sunday 2 September also saw the Commissioning of Jade Irwin as Ballyholme’s new Youth Team Leader. Jade grew up in Belfast and comes to Ballyholme from the Dream Scheme Project at Castlereagh Borough Council and Newtownbreda Baptist. A sociology graduate of Queen’s University, Jade is currently completing her studies for a Masters degree in Criminology. Building on a long tradition of youth ministry in Ballyholme, Jade comes to St Columbanus as the parish’s sixth full time youth worker. Her immediate predecessor Sam Johnston will be taking up his place at the Church of Ireland Theological Institute in Dublin later this month to train for the ordained ministry.
Clogher ordination
The service of Ordination to the Priesthood of Revd Caroline Mansley will be held in Magheraculmoney Parish, Kesh at 7.30pm on Friday 14th September Officiant: Bishop John McDowell. Preacher: Canon David McClay.
Dublin ordinations
Deacon Interns – Mrs Edna Wakely and Mr Rob Clements – will be ordained by Archbishop Michael Jackson on September 16 in Christ Church Cathedral at 3.30 pm. The preacher will be the Revd Canon Patrick Comerford.
The Ordination to the Priesthood of Revd Martin O’Connor and Revd Yvonne Ginnelly by Archbishop Michael Jackson will take place in Christ Church Cathedral on September 30 at 3.30 pm. The preacher will be the Bishop of Connor.
Clogher introduction
A service of introduction for Captain David Hamilton CA as Evangelist with responsibility for the Grouped Parishes of Aghadrumsee, Clogh and Drumsnatt took place in Holy Trinity Church, Clogh on Thursday 30th August, the preacher was Sr. Myrtle Morrison CA of Craigavon Parish. Representatives from the three parishes (Yvonne Martin, Moira Johnston and Tom Condell) warmly welcoming Capt Hamilton to the group and assured him of the support of the parishioners in his ministry. A representative from Capt Hamilton’s former parish in Manchester and other Ecumenical guests likewise wished him well in his future ministry.
Mission service
On Sunday 16th September a Missionary Praise Evening will commence at 7.00pm in St Macartin’s Cathedral, Enniskillen. Organised by Clogher Diocesan Board of Missions. At this service a number of the people whom the Board has supported will give short reports on their recent missionary trips. Everyone will be most welcome to come and hear from those who have been away on Mission Trips, serving God in other places.
Orange Order holding parade talks
The Orange Order has said it is involved in “quiet conversations” to address issues over parade disputes.
The order issued a statement on Friday looking ahead to an Ulster Covenant centenary parade on 29 September.
It said talks were taking place “to address issues that have arisen in relation to peaceful protests against the Parades Commission”.
“We are genuinely committed to finding a just and equitable resolution to these matters,” it said.
It said the discussions were taking place “away from the public gaze”.
The order praised the Royal Black Institution which on Thursday apologised “for any offence caused” to clergy and parishioners of a Catholic church in Belfast.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-19523587
Catholic newspaper predicts Ireland will have just 450 priests in 2042
The church is preparing for a time of priestless parishes.
http://www.thejournal.ie/catholic-newspaper-predicts-ireland-will-have-just-450-priests-in-2042-587815-Sep2012