NEWS BRIEFS

Dublin cleric’s doctoral focus on Jeremy Taylor

Congratulations to Fr Paul Barlow, the Chaplain of St John’s, Sandymount, who received a PhD from the School of Theology, Philosophy and Music at Dublin City University on November 8. Fr Paul’s thesis was on the writings of Bishop Jeremy Taylor, who was Bishop of Down and Connor from 1661 – 1667, and vice-chancellor of the University of Dublin.

His thesis title is ‘It is Bread and it is Christ’s Body Too: Presence and Sacrifice in the Eucharistic Theology of Jeremy Taylor’.

Fr Paul’s work builds on the writing of the former Archbishop of Dublin HR McAdoo and another authority, Fr Thomas Carroll. He studied a number of works from Taylor’s extensive writing (the complete works stretches to ten volumes).

His thesis looks at Taylor’s writing; at the background to the Eucharist in Anglican thought (including the 1549 and 1552 Prayer Books, the 1604 Catechism, Hookers ‘Laws’ and Lancelot Andrewes sermons) and also unfolds Thomas Aquinas’ writing on the Eucharist in the Summa Theologica as well as considering 20th Century writers Will Spens, William Temple and Edward Schillebeeckx. The study took around 3½ years, Fr Paul defended his thesis in May and the final version was submitted in the summer. His supervisor was Dr Joseph Rivera from the School of Theology, Philosophy and Music at DCU who is based at DCU All Hallows’ in Drumcondra. If you would like to read Fr Paul’s thesis, there is a copy deposited in the RCB library.

RBAI Charity Concert 2019

The RBAI Charity Concert has become one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the school calendar. This year’s concert on Thurs 21st/Fri 22nd November @ 7.30 in The Common Hall promises a programme filled with colour and variety – from the majestic choral music of Haydn to the driving rock anthems of U2.

There is no charge for tickets but there will be a retiring collection on behalf of this year’s chosen charity: Northern Ireland Hospice.

Clerical Families in 19th Century Ulster

“Clerical Families in 19th Century Ulster “ is a lecture hosted by the Presbyterian Historical Society. It is an exploration of the domestic world of Ulster’s Presbyterian clergy, with consideration of marriage, children and living arrangements, especially in the manse, and how ministers and their families interacted with their congregations.

The lecture will be given by Dr Janice Holmes on Thursday 21 November 2019 at 8.00 p.m. at McQuiston Memorial Presbyterian Church, 83 Castlereagh Road, Belfast BT5 5FE. Evening Entrance is via Moneyrea Street, on the left side of the Church. Everyone welcome. Refreshments Provided

President Higgins tribute to Fr Des Wilson

President of Ireland Michael D Higgins has paid tribute to Fr Des Wilson, a west Belfast priest whose work in reconciliation helped bring about the IRA ceasefire in 1994, and who died last week aged 94. Fr Wilson was known for his indefatigable work in communities and for integrated education as well as in the promotion of civil rights. The writer and broadcaster was unafraid to challenge figures of authority from all sides, President Higgins noted, as he highlighted the priest’s role, along with Fr Gerry Reynolds and Fr Alex Reid, in helping to bring about the negotiations that led to the ceasefire. The Relatives for Justice group, which supports relatives of people bereaved, injured, or traumatised during the Troubles, said Fr Wilson was “always on the side of the marginalised, the silenced and the oppressed. His support for the families we work with was unwavering”.

We don’t have an official CAP uniform

CAP – Christians Against Poverty – We don’t have an official CAP uniform, but the bible tells us to ‘put on tender mercy and kindness as if they were your clothes.’ (Col 3:12, NIrV), so that’s what we’re gonna try and wear as we visit our clients today. #GodsWork #BodyOfChristAtWork

Bishop’s concern at ESB job losses

Bishop Francis Duffy of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise has become the latest member of the hierarchy in Ireland to express concerns over large-scale job losses. Responding to the announcement by the Electricity Supply Board that it is to close its two peat-burning power plants in the Midlands, Bishop Duffy said the announcement of the closures was “a devastating blow” to the employees, their families and to the local economy. In some cases, three generations of families have been employed in these plants, he said. He called for state investment to address the immediate needs of those who will lose their jobs in 2020 and for the creation of job opportunities in the region.