Irish news digest

Fewer people getting married in Catholic churches, new figures reveal

Just 45% of over 20,000 weddings in Ireland last year were in Catholic churches, new data from the CSO reveals.

The data also shows that Irish brides and grooms are getting older and summer dates are the most popular for weddings.

As the number of weddings in Catholic churches dropped from over 49% in 2018, the number of couples choosing Humanist and Spiritualist Union of Ireland ceremonies is also on the rise.

A Humanist ceremony was the choice of 1,813 opposite-sex couples and 100 same-sex couples in 2019, while 1,512 opposite-sex couples and 106 same-sex couples opted for a Spiritualist Union of Ireland ceremony, the CSO data reveals.

Civil marriage ceremonies accounted for almost two-thirds (62.2%) of same-sex marriages, while almost a third (30.6%) of opposite-sex couples chose a civil marriage ceremony.

There were a total of 640 same-sex marriages last year, a slight decrease on the 2018 figure.
The average age of a man getting married in Ireland last year was 36.8, while the average age for women was 34.8.

Despite the drop in popularity, a Catholic church wedding is still the most popular choice for couples.

There were 8,863 couples married in churches last year.

The CSO say they expect a drop in the number of weddings in 2020 due to the outbreak of the coronavirus.

Dublin welcomes Armagh

Yesterday, Tuesday April 28, the Church of Ireland welcomed a new Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland. The Most Revd John McDowell takes up the role as the 106th in the succession of abbots, bishops and archbishops since St Patrick following his election by his fellow bishops last month.

The Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Michael Jackson, has welcomed Archbishop McDowell to the historic role of Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland:

“I offer Archbishop McDowell the prayerful support of members of the Church of Ireland in the hope that the Church will grow and flourish in his time. He brings many diverse gifts to this office. He has in the past been President of the Irish Council of Churches and has represented the Church of Ireland on the Irish Inter–Church Meeting. In recent years, there has been a warm friendship between the Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic Archbishops of Armagh and we all look forward to the continuation of that relationship.

“I recognise that the new Archbishop takes up his role in the time of coronavirus – a time of great strain and sadness for everyone across Ireland and around the world. The months ahead will be challenging for the Church of Ireland as its clergy and people work to find new ways of remaining connected as church communities. While there is much grief at this time for families and friends who have lost loved ones and for church members who feel marooned by the loss of the rhythm of parish life, there is also significant Christian compassion being shown. I have every confidence that people throughout the Church of Ireland will work with the Archbishop of Armagh as we seek to offer support to our own people and to wider society in these difficult times for Ireland North and South.”

Mobile prayer space at Craigavon hospital

Praying through the crisis – while so much in our hospitals has been disrupted and access, even for chaplains, seriously restricted. The Craigavon Area Hospital has responded by developing a mobile building into a prayer space for staff, supported by the chaplains including Rev Ken Robinson. Staff can come inside for a few moments of prayer and reflection, to support them through the intensity of their shifts.

Divine Healing Ministry on the web

You can accessi the recordings of Divine Healing Ministry (DHM )services, Zoom calls and videos from the links below.

These include a great Zoom call with Br David on Praising God during lockdown, Dr. Stephen Rodgers speaking on “Seeing these times through God’s Perspective” and a Spirit filled young man called Francesco sharing his testimony of miraculous healing.

The videos and Zoom calls with Br David and others on the DHM Facebook page are now available on the website and on the DHM Youtube Channel for those who don’t have access to Facebook.
[ www.divinehealingministries.org ]

DHM Youtube Channel Videos:
Br David on how to Praise during lockdown and during difficulties
[ https://youtu.be/xbFyn4213zw (Br David on how to Praise during lockdown and during difficulties ]

Dr. Stephen Rodgers on 3 scriptures that help us to see things from God’s perspective during this time
[ https://youtu.be/Lk60GZnfhGI ]

https://youtu.be/4H2avvpdUbY Francesco sharing his testimony of healing when the doctors had advised his parents to prepared for his death
[ https://youtu.be/4H2avvpdUbY ]

May 2020 issue of Church Review free online

The May 2020 issue of the Church Review will be available in online version only. This is to ensure the safety of the distributors and readers during the Covid–19 crisis. Where possible subscribers and parishioners will receive an email with a link to the Church Review. However, it is free for all to read so please do share this with everyone you feel may be interested.

The May edition contains an intriguing snapshot of life in our parishes and schools during lockdown and the measures people are taking to navigate these unprecedented times. To read, see-
[[] https://dublin.anglican.org/news/2020/04/28/may-2020-church-review-free ]

Prayer Points

Pray for the International Meeting Point in Belfast. Although the project’s doors are closed, migrant families are in real need of support. Ask God to reveal creative ways the church can support a network of migrant families at a time of genuine need

As we continue to be aware of the need for good hygiene in the fight against Covid-19 we pray today for the many Mothers’ Union facilitators in different countries being mobilised to spread this vital message to their members and communities.

Pray for Kiwoko Hospital in Luweero Diocese, Uganda, as it seeks to attract trained surgeons and physicians who can volunteer their time around various wards. Pray for Dr Peter and Dr James as they head up the management team and pray for the various ministries of the hospital.

Pray for the most vulnerable in society who are significantly impacted by the effects of lockdown . Ask God to be their comfort and strength & that the church will offer practical support through foodbanks and other initiatives

God in creation