IRISH NEWS BULLETIN

Churches respond to coronavirus

Cork cancels reluctantly

At the start of this week, the Bishop of Cork, Dr Paul Colton, and his wife Susan took the decision, before the announcement of the cancellation of St Patrick’s Day parades, with great regret, that they could not host their annual Saint Patrick’s Day reception at the Bishop’s Palace in Cork this year. In a letter to their list of more than 350 invited guests they said that ‘with great disappointment in our hearts, we have reluctantly concluded that, for the first time in my 21 years as bishop, we should cancel this year’s gathering in our home.’

Every year for decades, in what many say is a highlight of their St Patrick’s Day in Cork, guests representing every aspect of civic, community and voluntary life in Cork, led by the Lord Mayor of Cork and the City Council, together with TDs and Senators, have been invited to the home of the Bishop across the road from St Fin Barre’s Cathedral (See photo above).

Bishop Colton said: “We realise that we have been asked not to make unilateral decisions about cancelling events, but this is an invitation to our home, and it is also clear that we all, as organisers of local events, have responsibilities when organising events such as this. We are not doctors or scientists but, in the light of the public advice given by such experts to date, and reflecting on the risks in our setting, bringing together so many people in a confined area seems to us to be neither logical nor prudent at this time.

“We look forward to welcoming our guests again next year to this very special occasion.”

As a result also, in consultation with the Dean of Cork, the Very Reverend Nigel Dunne, it was decided that the Civic Service itself would not go ahead either in the traditional format or time.

Subject to any other advice that may be forthcoming from the authorities in coming days, the St Patrick’s Day Eucharist (said) will take place at 12 noon on that day when the small Cathedral congregation of weekday worshippers ordinarily attends.

Dublin Cathedrals close

Dublin’s two Anglican cathedrals, St Patrick’s and Christ Church, are closed to visitors and tourists. St Patrick’s stated, “The Government has today announced that all state tourist attractions, museums etc. will close from Friday 13 March to Sunday 29 March. In light of this and with the current limit of 100 on numbers attending indoor events, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral will close to visitors for the same period. It is our intention to remain open for services for as long as possible but we will strictly observe the guidelines regarding social distancing and will ensure that no more than 100 persons are within the Cathedral at any one time. Please refer to our website for up to date information as service times are now subject to change.”

Patoral letters from bishops

In the light of the announcement by An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar T.D., on 12th March 2020, the Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, the Right Reverend Dr Paul Colton, has issued the following pastoral message to the clergy and people of the United Dioceses of Cork, Cloyne and Ross.

In his pastoral Bishop Colton writes, “I have a concern also for ministers in the Church – lay and ordained – who are themselves in the ‘at risk’ category and I recommend that they contact me directly about their own capacity to continue or otherwise in public ministry for the time–being. This may give rise to other contexts where Church Services also have to be cancelled for the time being.”
Full text at –
[[] https://www.ireland.anglican.org/news/9443/pastoral-statement-by-bishop-paul ]

Bishop Pat Storey of Meath and Kildare has also issued a pastoral statement. “In order to comply with these recommendations, I am asking that no gatherings of 100 people or more take place in any of our parishes from now until 29th March 2020, (which will include Mothering Sunday) which is the date given for the arrangements announced by the Government. This may of course be extended to a later date, but an update will be circulated nearer that time.” Text in full at – [[] https://www.meathandkildare.org/news/item/1293-pastoral-statement-from-bishop-pat-storey-to-the-clergy-and-people-of-the-dioceses-of-meath-and-kildare ]

Online resources for Sunday services

From today the Church of Ireland’s Dublin archdiocese will put resources for Sunday services on the diocesan website for those who feel attending church is a risk or where church services in their parishes are cancelled. They will also give information for those who wish to watch services online.

However Archbishop Michael Jackson hoped “the Cathedral Eucharist will go ahead on Sunday morning at 11am. This service is livestreamed by Christchurch Cathedral”.

Library closes

The Church of Ireland’s RB Library closed yesterday to the public, “Following government advice and with concern for the well-being of all our users and staff… We hope to reopen to the public at 9.30am on Monday 30 March but please see our webpage for the latest information.”

Churches are to remain open – RC bishops

Roman Catholic bishops have stated that churches are to remain open every day as “in these difficult and uncertain times, people find strength, consolation and hope in prayer”, they said, calling on people “to pray more intensely for each other and especially for those who have succumbed to the illness”. Included should be “doctors, nurses and medical staff and other carers, including clergy – that the Lord will protect them as they place their own wellbeing at risk in the service of all”, they said.

The obligation on Catholics to physically attend Sunday Mass has been removed by Ireland’s Catholic bishops for now and all Confirmations are postponed. Attendance at church funerals, weddings and Baptisms are being limited to 100 people but churches are to remain open. All non-essential Catholic pastoral gatherings, meetings, retreats, seminars are cancelled.

Irish Youth Training Choir Applications 2020

The Irish Youth Training Choir 2020 are now taking applications from young singers aged between 14 and 17yrs. Sunday, 5 April 2020 (All day) University of Limerick

Apply Online Here:[ https://www.singireland.ie/youth/irish-youth-choir/join-iytc ]
Application Deadline 5th April 2020.

The Irish Youth Training Choir 2020 will take place at the University of Limerick from 22nd – 26th June 2020. IYTC provides young singers aged 14-17 with the opportunity to train with leading vocal and choral professionals during a residential summer course, culminating in an IYTC concert performance under the direction of IYTC Conductor Patrick Barrett and The Irish Youth Choirs Artistic Director Bernie Sherlock.

What can you expect to do at IYTC?

During the residential course, members participate in a daily routine of physical and vocal warm-ups, sectional and full choir rehearsals – a complete singing experience! Sports and recreational activities are organised as part of the course.

Are you eligible?

Applicants to IYTC must be born or resident in Ireland
If you are aged 14 – 17 on the 22nd June 2020 you may apply for Irish Youth Training Choir
Applicants should have relevant choral/singing experience
Applicants should have a nominating music teacher or relevant equivalent
In exceptional circumstances people not fitting these criteria may be considered

APPLY ONLINE HERE:
[ https://www.singireland.ie/youth/irish-youth-choir/join-iytc ]

CLOSING DATE: 5th April 2020.

For more information contact Sing Ireland: [ www.singireland.ie ]www.singireland.ie
Email: [ info@singireland.ie ]
Phone: 061 234823

Derry institution

The Rev’d Jonathan McFarland will be instituted as Rector of the Parish of Urney in the Church of the Good Shepherd, in Sion Mills, on Friday 20th March at 7.30pm. Participating clergy and lay readers are invited to robe in the Church Hall.

Methodist Church in Ireland – Team on Mission

Don’t miss the deadline! Closing soon – Team on Mission applications close on the 23rd of March! Know somebody you could see on TOM32? Pass this link on! [ https://buff.ly/2IBYRv8 ]

CAP NI speakers available

CAP NI comments – “Like getting things for free? We have a network of 100+ speakers who share the work of CAP with 20,000+ people in around 400 UK churches every year!

If you’d like us to talk at your church, contact the speaker team on 01274 760814 or [ speakers@capuk.org ]s

God in creation

Be to us, O Lord Jesus Christ, the table that is set for all, the light that shines from your saints and the joy prepared for your people; now and for ever.