Irish news digest June 19

Doves mark online St Columba festival

St Columba’s Knock have just celebrated their Patronal Festival service in lockdown.

Columba is the Latin for Colum–cille meaning ‘Dove of the Church’ and unable to be together physically, the Sunday School and Crèche children made paper doves to remind them of their patron saint.

The doves were on display during the online service on Sunday. The rector, Canon John Auchmuty, is pictured above with the parish organist, Dr. Joe McKee, observing social distancing, unlike all the beautiful doves behind them!

Sympathy expressed at death of Detective Garda

Archbishop Michael Jackson of Dublin & Glendalough in a message of sympathy stated, “I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Detective Garda Colm Horkan who was killed while on duty in County Roscommon late last night (Wednesday June 17). We pray for his family, friends and for all his colleagues at this tragic time.” The Bishops of Tuam and Kilmore also expressed their sympathy.

Community Art Exhibition brings Hope and Joy in Times of Change

The Revd Rob Jones and some young visitors to the Community Art Exhibition at Holy Trinity Rathmines.

During some of the most worrying and difficult weeks of the Covid19 lockdown, something that brought joy to many lonely, anxious and sick people were pieces of art created by children. Holy Trinity Rathmines have taken this a step further by mounting a community art exhibition on the railings around the church in collaboration with Kildare Place School.

The theme of the exhibition is ‘What brings you hope and joy’ and it features 175 paintings, drawings, photographs and poems from children and adults in the church and school community. It stretches right around the church railings inspiring joy and hope in others passing by.

One of the exhibition organisers, Beverley Maxwell, explained that the parish recognised that one of the benefits of lockdown was that people had more time to enjoy hobbies like art and photography. Walking within the 2km or 5km limit of the locality was another activity that brought light into people’s days.

“Prompted by God, we created the idea of combining each of these details – an exhibition on the church railings,” she commented. “Our hope was that people would find joy while creating their pieces but also that everyone walking past would be filled with joy and hope upon seeing the exhibition – just what we all need in these times.”

The Rector, the Revd Rob Jones thanked Dublin City Council for sponsoring the initiative and Ian Packham, Principal of Kildare Place School, along with everyone who contributed a piece for the exhibition and the team who helped put it together.

“In the midst of change in our world, we pray that this exhibition brings much joy and hope to our community and beyond. May this project be a blessing and bring joy and hope to all in a time of change,” he added. He encouraged people in the area to pop down to view the exhibition.

Happy 5th Birthday Madlug!

Madlug celebrated its 5th Birthday this week! In 5 years of business, they have donated 20,000 plus bags to children in care and given 1,300 plus activity books during the COVID–19 crisis.
[[] https://www.madlug.com/ ]

New date for Episcopal Ordination of Bishop of Achonry

Father Paul Dempsey, Parish Priest of Newbridge and Bishop-elect of the Diocese of Achonry issued the following statement on Wednesday last, 17 June:

“It is a source of joy for me to know that we now have a rescheduled date of Sunday 30 August for my Episcopal Ordination as Bishop of Achonry.

“I requested the postponement of the ceremony, which was originally scheduled for 19 April, in light of the coronavirus pandemic. It was a difficult decision but I felt it would not have been appropriate to proceed with the ordination at that time.

“I am grateful to Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland, and to the priests, religious and faithful of the Diocese of Achonry for their patience and understanding as we have been dealing with the unprecedented consequences of Covid-19 in our country and in our world. I am especially grateful for the support of Father Dermot Meehan who has administered the diocese over these challenging weeks and months.

“As I prepare to leave Kildare and Leighlin Diocese I offer my renewed thanks to Bishop Denis Nulty and to the people and priests of the diocese, especially the people of Newbridge Parish for their support at this time.

“I ask for your prayers as I prepare to take on the role of shepherd in the Diocese of Achonry.”

New website for All Ireland Mothers’ Union

Mothers’ Union (MU) launched a new all Ireland website on June 12. There is also a new all Ireland Facebook page.

Mothers’ Union is an international Christian charity that seeks to support families of all faiths and none through practical outreach, prayer and advocating family friendly policies within both government and public life.

By supporting marriage and family life, especially through times of adversity, MU tackles the most urgent needs challenging relationships and communities.

MU has 4.1 million members in 83 countries, providing a network through which they can serve Christ in their own community through prayer, financial support and actively working at grassroots level in programmes that meet local needs.

MU All-Ireland President is June Butler, a member of Saintfield Parish, Down and Dromore Diocese, and Connor Diocesan President is Sally Cotter, Parish of Skerry, Rathcavan and Newtowncrommelin, Broughshane.

Web site
[[] http://www.mothersunion.ie/ ]
Facebook
[[] https://www.facebook.com/All-Ireland-Mothers-Union-114088823675255/ ]

Methodist Church at Home

You are invited to join ChurchAtHome with Rev Dr Laurence Graham for a live premiere on Sunday morning. “As lockdown eases and circulation increases let’s not lose the gift to our walk with Jesus that solitude can be.”

Reading: 1 Chronicles 29
• Download the video here →
[ https://vimeo.com/429930647 ]
• Download the service sheet here →
[ https://www.irishmethodist.org/church-home ]

Food for thought

Points for Prayer