NEWS BRIEFS

Service of Welcome in Shinrone

There was a Service of Welcome for Revd Charles McCartney and his wife Cecilia at St Mary’s Church in Shinrone on Friday 13th September.

Photo above – Rev’d Charles McCartney, Rev’d Canon Marie Rowley-Brooke, Bishop Kenneth, Rev’d Janet White Spunner, Ven. Wayne Carney Archdeacon of Killaloe and Clonfert.

The service was led by the Bishop of Limerick and Killaloe the Rt Rev’d Kenneth Kearon. The full church included local Civic leaders, representatives from other denominations and members of his former parish of Clonfert who joined in the celebration as Charles was appointed as Priest in Charge of the Shinrone Group of parishes, made up of Shinrone, Aghancon, Kinnity and Dunkerrin. The Preacher was Rev’d Janet White Spunner and the organ, guitar and trumpet were played by Karen Cruise. More at –
[[] http://www.limerick.anglican.org/welcome-service-shinrone-group-of-parishes/ ]

National Youth Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine

Over 1,100 attended last year. Guest speaker: Elma Walsh from Live Life. More at – https://thepopejohnpauliiaward.com/blog/news/national-pilgrimage-to-knock-shrine-2019/]

A Bible Course to Change Lives – Introduction Day Next Weekend

BACI – the Biblical Association for the Church of Ireland – is offering a unique opportunity to sample an outstanding new Bible course next Saturday, September 28.

The course itself is offered by the Bible Societies of the UK and Ireland and aims to familiarise participants with the overarching story of the Bible – Creation, Redemption and the Promise of Eternal Life – as expressed in the Old and New Testaments. Next Saturday’s sample event takes place in the Church of Ireland Theological Institute from 9.45am to 3pm. The cost is just €15 per head including tea/coffee and lunch.

The introduction day will allow those who think the course might work in their own setting explore the course and find out more about it.

The main speakers will be Julie McKinley of the National Bible Society of Ireland and Catherine Little of the Bible Society of Northern Ireland. They will offer samples of the course, lead discussion on the content and equip participants to lead the eight–week course in their own parish or community setting.

Drafted by lecturer and pastor Dr Andrew Ollerton, the course is designed for anyone who has, or shares, responsibility for running Bible study or discussion in the context of a Christian community. It will also appeal to anyone who would like to expand their own understanding of the Bible.

To register interest or to sign up for BACI’s Course Introduction Day, please contact BACI treasurer Barbara Bergin [berginba@gmail.com], with CC to Revd William Olhausen [wolhausen@gmail.com.] Pre–booking is necessary for catering purposes. After the final session and teabreak, the BACI AGM will follow at 3.30pm.

Appointment to Parish of Lurgan, St John

Revd Raymond Kettyle has been appointed incumbent of the Parish of Lurgan, St John, in the Diocese of Dromore. He is currently serving as Curate Assistant in St Finnian’s, Cregagh. Raymond came to Down and Dromore when he was ordained Presbyter in August 2016. He served his intern deacon year in the Boyle and Riverstown group of parishes in Kilmore Diocese. The date of the institution has yet to be announced.

Youth Link inter-church training in Armagh

Youth Link facillitated Youth Ministry Leadership training with volunteer leaders across the Catholic Church and the Church of Ireland in the Diocese of Armagh.

St Canices Open Rehearsal event for Culture Night

St Canice’s held an Open Rehearsal event for Culture Night 2019; people seem to have quite enjoyed it, with some even joining in with the singing! “Given the breadth of scheduled events put on in both city and county, we are humbled and honoured that so many chose ours as part of their evening’s activities,” said the organisers.Afterwards the choir, the Dean and their visitors got the chance to mingle over tea and cake in the Library.

50 great years of Malta Services in Drogheda community

Malta Services celebrated its 50th Anniversary within the local community in Drogheda with a special mass held in St. Peters Church, West Street.

The Chief Celebrant was Dr. Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh & Primate of All Ireland, accompanied by Bishop Field of Dublin and Canon Sweeney, PP, St. Peters Parish.

The mass was celebrated on the anniversary of Our Lady of Philermos and also commemorated the Raising of the Siege of Malta in 1565. The beautiful service included participation of Service Users and Staff from Malta Services, the local Order of Malta Drogheda Ambulance Corp and representatives from Order of Malta Ireland and with the wonderful musical and choral accompaniment of Mr. Edward Holly and St. Peters Male Voice Choir.

After mass the celebrations continued up to Fair Street with the official opening of Malta Services Jubilee Garden, by Mr. Richard, Duke de Stacpoole KM, President of Order of Malta – Ireland.

A barbeque then followed with food and refreshments served by staff of local business Pigspit.ie run by Jonathan Marry, Dowth and with entertainment provided by local musicians Gerry Mulroy and Paul Martin

Malta Services was established in 1969 when a sheltered workshop for adults with an intellectual disability was established in the Order of Malta Ambulance Corps (OMAC) premises at St. Laurence’s Gate in Drogheda. This initiative was driven by a voluntary group of parents and members of the Ambulance Corps, in response to the lack of services available for adults with an intellectual disability in the local area.

Over the years (Order of Malta Sheltered Workshops), have gone through many changes and moved to various locations in the town, finally settling in Fair Street and rebranded as Malta Services Drogheda in 1999. So what started out as a small group of 6 clients and 4 volunteers to meet a local need, has grown and developed to the professional service today. They currently provide services to 108 Service Users, supported by 40 Staff (both full and part time).

The service is overseen by a Board of Directors drawn from members of Order of Malta Ireland, parent representatives and locals versed in the needs of the Service Users.

The service is fully funded by the HSE and through a number of annual fundraising events.

A prayer in the time of Brexit