Irish news digest

The Bishop of Down and Dromore and his wife Hilary visited the Livingston Centre in Killinchy parish recently. They were interested to learn about the life and times of Rev. John Livingston and to hear about the potential of the new Community Hub.

St Patrick’s Gift Day

Saturday last was the Dean of St Patrick’s, Gift Day. In normal circumstances the Dean, Dr William Morton, would be in the cathedral, meeting donors, dispensing hospitality and talking about this year’s project. But, of course, these are not normal times – the cathedral is not yet open and so it will be donation at a distance.

For over 30 years, the Dean’s Gift Day has focused on initiatives which would not have been possible without the support of the wider community. Theses have greatly improved the fabric of the cathedral. Last year’s appeal raised over €23,845 towards the restoration of the historic green altar frontal.

This year the cathedral has faced unprecedented challenges, having to close its doors to worshippers and visitors due to the Covid-19 virus. The daily life of St Patrick’s has continued however – not least in its worship, and music. Through the use of ‘live stream’ choral evensong was available on Sundays, and, since the beginning of June, this has been extended to include choral matins each Sunday, as well as choral evensong on weekdays. Another most welcome dimension has been the series of lunchtime organ recitals by Cathedral Organist, David Leigh, on Mondays and Fridays through live stream (www.stpatrickscathedral.ie/worship/video-stream). There have been a large number of listeners during these stressful times, and it seems likely that the transmission of services and musical events in this way will continue as the Church emerges from the grip of this pandemic.

This is what is behind the decision to make the upgrading of the ‘live stream’ the subject of the Dean’s Gift Day Appeal 2020. The quality of sound available on live stream currently does not do justice to the standard of the organ and choral tradition offered in St Patrick’s. However, to upgrade the live stream will be extremely costly. Professional advice has indicated that the most urgent need is to improve the audio output of live stream, followed later by the visual component. The aim is to raise in the region of €50,000 so that the quality of the system will be commensurate with what St Patrick’s requires.

Contributions are invited via the website at http://www.stpatrickscathedral.ie/donate

Alternatively a donation may be made by cheque which should be sent to the cathedral office at St Patrick’s Cathedral, St Patrick’s Close, Dublin D08 H6X3, and made payable to ‘Saint Patrick’s Cathedral’.

Clogher Online Service

Online Service is from Lurganboy Church (Manorhamilton Group), Co. Leitrim. Led by Revd Capt. Richard Beadle. Prayers by Revd Ruth West (Florencecourt Group). Revd Stephen McElhinney SAMS Ireland preaches.
Youtube:http://youtu.be/wnOvNtw3hPU

June Gazette feature

A cancer diagnosis in June last year sent Belvoir Parish Church member Helen Long on a life journey she hadn’t anticipated. One year on, Helen courageously looks back on the challenges she has faced, and the ‘miracles’ she has encountered along the way. Diocese of Down & Dromore. Our ePaper is out on June 30 and the print Gazette is available Friday on July 3.

Bereavement

It is with regret, that we have learned of the passing of Mrs. Ethel Riddle wife of Canon Robert Riddle formerly Rector of Fivemiletown.

Food for thought

Points for Prayer

Today we continue to pray for mental health. The effects of lockdown have significantly increased levels of stress and isolation. There are fears it will cause lasting anxiety for many people. We pray for your peace and for adequate mental health service provision.

God in Creation