NEWS BRIEFS

Thanksgiving Mass marks 150 years of Holy Cross parish in north Belfast

Fr Aidan Troy, centre, and Fr Charles Cross, left, were among the priests at a mass to celebrate 150 years of the Passionists at Holy Cross in Ardoyne. Former president Mary McAleese was among the congregation at a Mass of thanksgiving to mark the 150th anniversary of Holy Cross parish in Ardoyne. The service was held on November 24.

Christmas Season in the Titanic Quarter

Christmas Season in the Titanic Quarter got into full swing on Sunday with festivities jointly hosted by the Dock Café, TQ and The Gathering.

The café was packed with regulars, residents, volunteers and visitors for Christmas eats, carol singing and the hair–raising sight of Santa and his elves abseiling down the Arc Apartments!

This is the first Christmas at TQ for The Gathering, the diocese’s worshipping community which has been meeting there since September. Gathering leader, Ross Munro (above), gave a short Christmas message before lighting the first candle and passing on the flame. Come along

The Gathering meets for worship and teaching in the Dock Café each Sunday from 12–2.00 pm. The first Sunday of the month has a different format with opportunity to hear stories and testimonies before celebrating at the Lord’s table and then sitting down together for food. You’ll also receive a warm welcome at ‘The Way’ a mid–week Bible Study at 7.30 pm on Wednesday nights.

Find The Gathering on Facebook [[] https://www.facebook.com/The-Gathering-101182664573263/ ]

Ballyholme broadcast marks Disestablishment

BBC Radio Ulster’s Morning Service on Sunday was broadcast from St Columbanus’ Parish Church, Ballyholme on Sunday 24 November. The service marked the 150th anniversary of the Disestablishment of the Church of Ireland, a subject woven in with the gospel reading during the sermon from the rector, Canon Simon Doogan. Sign in at [[] https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000bklh ]

CAP Pancake Day – advance notice

Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) is 25th Feb 2020, so CAP – Christians against poverty – is giving you plenty of notice to get a date booked for a CAP Pancake Party! They’re a fun and fab way to let your friends & family know about how the church is tackling UK poverty. [[] https://capuk.org/get-involved/y ] #Pancakes #Crepe

Licensing for Parish and Hospital Ministry in Cork

Pictured following the licensing in St Mark’s Church, Kilbonane were (l-r) John Jermyn, Diocesan Registrar, the Reverend David Bowles, the Bishop, the Reverend Paul Arbuthnot, Bishop’s Chaplain, and Archdeacon Adrian Wilkinson.

On Thursday, 21st November, the Reverend David Bowles was licensed and commissioned to serve as Priest-in-Charge of the Moviddy Union of Parishes to the west of Cork City, and also as Assistant Hospital Chaplain at Cork University Hospital.

The small church of Saint Mark, Kilbonane in Aherla, County Cork was full to capacity for the Service at which the Bishop, the Right Reverend Dr Paul Colton, presided. David was joined by members of his family, and supported also by friends and colleagues from throughout the Diocese and beyond. Cork University Hospital was represented by the Chaplain, the Reverend Canon Dr Daniel Nuzum, and other members of the chaplaincy team, including Fr Kieran O Driscoll. Fr Bernard Cotter, parish priest of Newcestown was joined by Fr Con Cronin. Also present was the Reverend Geraldine Gracie from Cork Methodist Church.

The sermon was preached by Archdeacon Adrian Wilkinson, rector of Douglas Union with Frankfield, where David served most recently as curate-assistant. Afterwards everyone was welcomed to supper at Cloughduv GAA Club nearby.