360 Miscellany – News, views, resources, and online events

PCI’s new At Home for Christmas blog

Introducing the At Home for Christmas initiative and writing the first blog in a new series, PCI Moderator Rev Dr David Bruce, reflects on nine months that changed the world and its impact, now, then and forever.

“…But suppose for a moment that the arrival of the baby was more significant than the arrival of the virus. Imagine the unimaginable – that in the terrible mess of our current chaotic moment, God has not lost the plot and that his purposes are still being worked out before us.”

Read in full at [ http://bit.ly/2Jggc0Y ]

Cork MU focus on gender violence

Each year new ways to extend the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign are considered. Unable to have any services or events this year, Mothers’ Union in Cork, Cloyne and Ross has embraced new technology and used it to spread the word that Violence Against Women and Girls is Never OK.

In an interview Marie Mulholland (photo above), coordinator of the West Cork Women Against Violence Project, shared with the Mothers’ Union how difficult the past year has been for people affected by domestic and sexual violence. Working in rural West Cork, where so many of our members live, she talks about the challenges facing both the women who are trapped in difficult situations, their families and those who work to support them.

Marie has high praise for the work of An Garda Siochána through Operation Faoiseamh, describing how the project’s work was able to continue because of Garda support. She has advice for those whose friends, family or neighbours are living in abusive situations and would like to help them. When asked what Mothers’ Union members could do to help, the first thing she spoke of was the importance of how we raise our children to have respect for and value people, as well as learning to express anger in non-violent ways. She also calls on members to lobby their representatives for increased resources for all domestic and sexual violence services around the country. Listen to her interview to understand better what is happening on the ground throughout our communities.

Dublin and Glendalough HOPE initiative – Helping Our Parishes Endure

The United Dioceses of Dublin & Glendalough is urging parishioners to support their local parishes this Christmas. The dioceses have launched the HOPE initiative – Helping Our Parishes Endure – to appeal directly to parishioners to contribute towards the work of their parishes during and after this difficult period.

Covid–19 has had a huge impact on parishes over the last nine months. During that time parishes have continued to work for their parishioners and their communities, albeit in a very different way. With the loosening of restrictions, most of the traditional style of worship can take place and in many cases worship will also continue to be offered online. Check with your own parish for details.

“The challenges that we have all faced and will continue to face are not just liturgical or logistical, but financial too,” explained Archbishop Michael Jackson. “You have all heard the clarion call from businesses to shop local this Christmas. As you prepare to open your purses to support businesses in your area we urge you to support your parish too. Traditional methods of fundraising could not take place this year, so please put your parish on your 2020 Christmas present list.”

You can make a financial contribution to your parish through a one–off gift this Christmas, through the parish envelope scheme or by completing a standing order. Your parish will have more information on this.

Parishes are hugely grateful to all those who provide support in so many ways and are eager to begin the process of a return to being a visible, vibrant and living part of the community.

“We cannot yet know just how 2021 will look, but your parish will be there for you, providing everything that is possible to provide. We hope for a return to the traditional, but also to have learned from the past nine months and move forward into a newer and renewed faith and hope for the future,” the Archbishop said.

New Rector of Carrigrohane Union of Parishes, Diocese of Cork

The Bishop of Cork, Dr Paul Colton, has announced that, on foot of a nomination to him by the Diocesan Board of Patronage, he has appointed the Reverend Robert Ferris to be the next Incumbent of Carrigrohane Union of Parishes.

The Reverend Robert Ferris is currently associate minister in the parish with particular responsibility for the Blarney area. Robert was made deacon in 2009 and was ordained priest in 2010 in the Diocese of Down. He served his first curacy in that Diocese in the parish of Saint Columba, Knock from 2009 until 2012 before moving to Cork.

Robert has a first class honours science degree and also a diploma in industrial studies-computer science from the University of Ulster. In 2006 he completed a post-graduate certificate in education. In 2009 he was awarded a Bachelor of Theology by the University of Dublin, Trinity College. More recently he completed an MA in Mission (Pioneer Ministry).

Speaking about his appointment Robert says:

It is an immense privilege and responsibility to have been appointed Incumbent of Carrigrohane Union of Parishes. Having spent 8 years in the parish already I realise I will be building upon the great foundations laid by Canon Ian Jonas and others before him. The parish is at a unique and exciting point in its history. Noelle and I are thrilled to continue to serve God in Carrigrohane, Blarney, Inniscarra, Ballincollig and beyond.

There are many opportunities open to us – It is my hope and prayer that we together as a Parish family continue to see what growth God has in store as we serve him faithfully together. I look forward to continuing to work with the fantastic team of dedicated people across this Union who are serving God in this place.

Bishop Paul Colton expressed his delight at Robert’s appointment and said:

Robert has already made a significant contribution to ministry in this Diocese since he first arrived here in 2012, not only in the Blarney area and as part of the team in Carrigrohane Union of Parishes, but also at diocesan level in taking on the chairmanship of our ongoing programme Charting a Future with Confidence. I know that everyone here will share my delight in welcoming the news that Robert and Noelle are staying in Cork.

Pointers to prayer

Lord, we pray for all to follow Christ’s example of treating women and girls with equality and respect. We pray for the dawn of a better world where justice and peace may flourish.

Pray for Keith & Lyn Scott who return to Ireland this weekend for six months of Home Assignment, and are waiting on God’s leading and direction for their future steps. Pray for the Scotts and the CMSI staff as they pray and discuss possible options in the months ahead.

in Zambia where Keith & Lyn ministered, St John’s Theological Seminary lecturers are planning for a new term with a reduced staff team and limited resources. Pray for the seminary as it adjusts without the Scotts. Pray for the students as they prepare for leadership roles in the Church.

Pray for children who have missed out on schooling during the pandemic. A new tutoring scheme aims to close the attainment gap as disadvantaged students have fallen behind, but may not have the necessary scope for all children who need it.

Lord Jesus, be with those who work with survivors of gender-based violence. May they be given the resources they need to offer long lasting support.

Righteous God, help those who administer justice for victims and survivors of gender-based violence to make decisions with integrity and compassion. Amen