We draw strength, I hope, from our faith. The Good News is still good news in times of great trouble and fear. As Christians we proclaim it and we share it, lovingly and practically, with those who are most affected … Continue reading “Be strong and courageous” says Bishop Paul Colton of Cork
O almighty God, who in thy providence didst choose thy servant Patrick to be the apostle of the Irish people, that he might bring those who were wandering in darkness and error to the rule light and knowledge of thee: … Continue reading St Patrick’s Day
Tomorrow the Church of Ireland starts its celebration of 150 years since it was disestablished. There will be a service in the National Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St Patrick, Dublin. What has surprised me is the choice of preacher … Continue reading 150 years since disestablishment: can the Archbishop of Canterbury learn from Ireland?
It’s the second Tuesday of Lent already, and only now have I downloaded the Lent pilgrim 2019 app from the Church of England. Yes, I know that sounds strange, here I am living in Ireland: what am I doing using that? Well, quite simply, it is available and seems to be a sensible thing to do. And I have to do something simple for Lent this year, what with everything else that is going on. This year, Lent Pilgrim is taking us through the Beatitudes. Days 11 to 15 concentrate on Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the … Continue reading Praise and thanksgiving – daily practices for Christians
Just as Evensong finished in St George’s there was a series of explosions outside. So much so that a large group of the congregation gathered in the Narthex to find out what was going on. It was no problem it was just the Hallowe’en Firework display starting from next to the Lagan. Today has been a liturgical nightmare for some of us. What day do we celebrate? According to the 1962 Calendar in the Roman Rite it is the Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King (White or Gold hangings). In the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite it … Continue reading A liturgical nightmare and the holy motorists
This morning I had the pleasure of playing the organ and helping to lead the worship in St Dorothea’s Parish Church, Gilnahirk. It was rather unexpected to receive a text message late yesterday afternoon from Fr Nigel Kirkpatrick, the Rector, … Continue reading A real pleasure subbing for Andrew
With Belfast City Council voting in favour of equal rights with regard to marriage in the city of Belfast, it was refreshing to read a statement from the Chaplain of Pembroke College, Oxford: Civil Partnerships and Pembroke College Chapel The Governing Body and chaplain are dedicated to the mission of the chapel as fully including the whole college community, past and present, staff, students, and fellows. Same sex couples are most welcome to approach the chaplain with regard to preparation, celebration, and prayers when entering a Civil Partnership and for continuing support and counsel within their relationship as any other … Continue reading Marriage equality – at step in the right direction in Oxford
Summer Madness is a Christian festival, it boasts of being Ireland’s premier Christian festival on its website. One staff member tells of deeds that suggest some members of staff don’t act in a Christ-like manner. Get your tissues out! Continue reading Summer Madness staff expresses disappointment with Summer Madness
This morning, Andrew and I woke up at home, got up, had some breakfast and then went to Church. As I said on twitter… Getting ready to go to @stgeorgebelfast with @belfastwriter – the only “normative” thing to do on Sunday morning. @churchofireland — M Carchrie Campbell (@gyronny) May 13, 2012 We arrived at St George’s just before two friends from Changing Attitude Ireland and they joined us in the pew. Throughout Mass it was clear that the LGBT community is welcome in the church. I knew I was welcome in St George’s, now I am finding out that Andrew … Continue reading silence: in church and the sea…
