NEWS BRIEFS

Faith in Action in the Community in Cork, Cloyne and Ross

In common with parishes throughout the Church of Ireland, parishes in the United Dioceses of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, engaged with the Five Marks of Mission, regularly seek to find ways to put their faith into action in ways big and small which support the local community.

Here are two recent examples.

The Parish of St Mary & All Saints’, Glanmire, held the first concert of its annual Winter Concert Series. The concert was in aid of Cara Junior School, Mayfield to help them purchase sensory equipment for pupils with learning difficulties. The Retired Teachers’ Association of Ireland Choir, and students from the Cork ETB School of Music delighted the audience with a large variety and range of music.

The Revd Paul Arbuthnot, Rector of Cobh & Glanmire Union of Parishes commented:

The Winter Concert Series is a much anticipated and valued part of the parish’s calendar. It is wonderful to welcome talented musicians, and the wider community into our church to raise money for such worthwhile causes.

Also, recently, the Carrigaline Union of Parishes in Cork hosted an information evening in their Parish Hall entitled Faith in Action A variety of groups including Samaritans, Simon Community, Street Pastors, Mothers’ Union, Christian Aid, Eco-Congregation, International Justice Mission, Carrigaline Welcomes Group & Meals on Wheel came along to provide information about what they do in the community and how ordinary people can help. It was an evening about how people can put faith into action in the community: not fundraising but an awareness-raising evening to motivate and inspire people to get involved.

 Fr Ray Kelly creates a song and a dance…

Meath-based priest Fr Ray Kelly has launched his autobiographical book in his parish of Oldcastle this week.

Father Ray Kelly Hallelujah – Memoirs of a Singing Priest chronicles his life, humble upbringing and subsequent rise to prominence as well as the importance he places on his priestly vocation.

The launch took place in St Brigid’s Church on Monday and was attended parishioners, Fr Kelly’s family, parishioners and Bishop Emeritus Michael Smith.

C of I Theological Institute and Church House unite for Carol Service

Photo – The Revd Dr Paddy McGlinchey, Canon Dr Maurice Elliott, Archbishop Michael Jackson, the Revd Dr William Olhausen and the Revd Rob Jones.

The Church of Ireland Theological Institute and Church House Dublin united this year for a combined Carol Service. The service took place in Holy Trinity, Rathmines, on Tuesday evening (December 10) and Archbishop Michael Jackson presided with director of CITI Canon Dr Maurice Elliott, the Rector the Revd Rob Jones, the Revd Dr Paddy McGlinchy and the Revd Dr William Olhausen.

The service, which was a first in recent years, included readers from both CITI and Church House. It even featured a choir, formed specially for the occasion, made up of ordinands and staff from both bodies. Under the direction of ordinand, Philip McKinley, the choir performed two pieces, one of which Philip wrote for the service entitled ‘Into the World’.

During the service Archbishop Jackson spoke of the spirit of Advent and the sense of penitence and preparation prior to the celebration of Christmas. He added that those who live a life of discipleship could not do it seated, not even seated in a church. “We need to do it in work and where other people are,” he contended.

Referring to the Collect for the First Sunday in Advent [“Give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light,”], the Archbishop said it was important to protect ourselves to enable us to go into the front line in the quest of the best of humanity and this too could only be done in community.

Advent choirs – L is for…Llandaff

Friends of Cathedral Music are in South Wales, visiting Llandaff Cathedral. Llandaff currently has 18 Boy Choristers who, with a dedicated team of Altos, Tenors and Basses take the lion’s share of the choral duties at the Cathedral. There are eight choral services a week, with the Cathedral Choir providing music at five of these. They are ably supported in their duties by the Girl Choristers of Llandaff Cathedral School and the Llandaff Cathedral Parish Choir.

The Boy Choristers currently sing all services that fall outside of school term time and at present are preparing for many services over Christmas as well as a concert with the Cathedral Choir on 21st December. In addition, the boy and girl choristers take a full part in the Cathedral School carol services.

Conrad (aged 12) is looking forward to the annual service of Nine Lessons and Carols, “It’s such a big occasion and we get to sing to so many people. I can’t wait to sing Rütti’s ‘Tomorrow shall be my Dancing Day.’”

Owen (aged 11) likes singing Christmas Carols. “They make me feel festive. When you think of Christmas, you immediately think of carols.” and Jac (aged 12) agrees, simply stating, “Descants” with a smile.

You can hear the choir singing David Evans’ Welsh Carol ‘Tua Bethlem dref’ (On to Bethlehem Town) arranged by Geoffrey Webber at [[] https://fcm.org.uk/news/l-is-for-llandaff/ ]