Ireland’s Fittest Parish?

Posted on February 11, 2021 by Latest News and Photos from the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross

At the start of January, Archdeacon Adrian Wilkinson, the rector of Douglas Union with Frankfield, in the Diocese of Cork, publicised the fact that he would walk at least 5 kilometres each day that  month. This was partly for personal relaxation, but also a conscious decision to be visible around the parish while churches were closed and much normal parochial activity had ceased. The daily target he set was relatively modest so that others might be encouraged to join in too.

A number of parishioners responded to his challenge keeping pace with him or exceeding his target. It was also an opportunity to raise money for the parish, local charities, and the Church of Ireland Bishops’ Appeal. The fact that the parish could not host their usual large Carol Services in December, when sizeable collections for charities and overseas development projects would normally be taken, had left many worthy projects starved of financial support. 

Initially the aim of the Rector was to raise €3000 through sponsorship. This figure was quickly surpassed on the specific GoFundMe page (Douglas Union with Frankfield 5Km Challenge) and through direct giving.  In the end, 4 times the initial target was raised. The local charities which will benefit are the Cork Simon Community, Pieta House and Cork Penny Dinners. The Church of Ireland Bishops’ Appeal will also receive approximately €4000.

Archdeacon Wilkinson commented:

When I took up this modest challenge and asked others to join me, I had no idea how much support it would receive. I think many people find January a difficult month at the best of times. This year it has been even more of a struggle as we still contend with the pandemic. Several parishioners, who had experienced bereavement, surgery and income loss, told me that it encouraged them to get outdoors and to walk each day. Contributing to charity at the same time was an added incentive for them.’

He concluded:

I am grateful for the active support and generosity of so many in the parish. Whether we are Ireland’s fittest parish is debatable, but I hope those involved will keep up their daily exercise routine, even if it is no longer in aid of good causes.

Posted in Archdeacon, Bishops' Appeal, Charities in the Diocese, Charity Work, Church in Society, Churches in Cork, Clergy, Community Involvement, Corona Virus, COVID-19, Five Marks of Mission | Comments Off on Ireland’s Fittest Parish?

Institution of New Rector for Kinneigh Union of Parishes in West Cork

Posted on February 8, 2021 by Latest News and Photos from the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross

On Thursday, 4th February, in a short Service broadcast online from Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Cork, the Reverend Ivan Ruiters was instituted as incumbent of the Parish of Kinneigh Union of Parishes, in County Cork.

The new rector was presented for Institution to the Bishop, Dr Paul Colton, by the Archdeacon, the Venerable Adrian Wilkinson. After the Institution, the Dean of Cork, the Very Reverend Nigel Dunne, read the intercessions. The organ was played by Peter Stobart.

In his sermon, referring to some of the readings for ember days, Bishop Colton said that they bring ‘us back to the heart of what ministry, modelled on the way of Jesus, is. And that’s appropriate as tonight we welcome and affirm Ivan in his new ministry here in Cork, Cloyne and Ross, and we send him to Kinneigh Union in the name of Jesus.’

The First letter of Saint Peter, the Bishop said, was a pastoral message of support, encouragement and hope – truly relevant to our own times – in which we are encouraged to be ‘level-headed and to stand firm.’

Thursday 4th was not only Mrs Raylene Ruiters’ birthday, it was also Ivan and her wedding anniversary: a day not to be forgotten. They were supported and welcomed by a large congregation who joined in the Service online.

Pictured is the The Reverend Ivan Ruiters, Rector Kinneigh Union of Parishes and his wife Raylene Ruiters following his institution as Rector pf Kinneigh Union of Parishes (Enniskeane and Ballineen Co. Cork).
Picture: Jim Coughlan.
Posted in Appointments, Cathedral, Church Services, Diocese, Institutions and Commissionings, Liturgy | Comments Off on Institution of New Rector for Kinneigh Union of Parishes in West Cork

Certificates in Christian Studies Presentation in Cork, Cloyne and Ross

Posted on February 4, 2021 by Latest News and Photos from the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross

The presentation of certificates to graduates from the United Dioceses of Cork, Cloyne and Ross who recently completed the Certificate in Christian Studies, which the Diocese offered in partnership with the Pontifical University, St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, took place on Wednesday 3rd February in an online ceremony. The graduates were joined by family and friends as well as people from around the Diocese.

The 14 graduates in the Certificate in Christian Studies together with the Bishop of Cork and also the representatives of the Pontifical University, St Patrick’s College, Maynooth.

Fourteen people from many parts of the Diocese successfully completed the course which is accredited by the Pontifical University at Level 7 standard, and which was delivered over a two year period in the Diocese.

Speaking on behalf of the Pontifical University, Father Michael Shortall, emphasised how much this ecumenical connection is valued and how vibrant the participation in the Cork course had been. Also from Maynooth, Dr Jessie Rogers said that the external examiner had reported a very high standard of work with a ‘high level of engagement’ and that what was especially noteworthy was the way that the participants had ‘applied and evaluated the course material in the light of their own context of ministry.’

Bishop Colton thanked the participants for being the experimenters and pioneers of the running of this course for the first time in Cork, Cloyne and Ross. He thanked all the local tutors and lecturer. He expressed gratitude to everyone at the Pontifical University and especially the Church of Ireland Coordinator, Dean Tom Gordon. The evening concluded with a short address by Dean Tom Gordon.

The Certificate Course is made up of six modules:

  • The Bible: Exploring the Word
  • Christian Liturgy: Worship and the People of God
  • Thinking about God: Faith seeking understanding
  • Mission and Ministry: Sharing the Good News
  • Ethics: Christian faith and moral choices
  • Church History: Christianity in Ireland

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Posted in Adult Education, Bishop, Certificate in Christian Studies, Diocese, Ecumenism, Faith and Belief, Faith and Service, Five Marks of Mission, Graduation, Pontifical University, Maynooth | Comments Off on Certificates in Christian Studies Presentation in Cork, Cloyne and Ross

International Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 18th-25th January

Posted on January 18, 2021 by Latest News and Photos from the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross

The International Week of Prayer for Christian Unity takes place as ever from 18-25 January.

Naturally in these times of a global pandemic we are unable to meet physically with fellow Christians to pray and study together.

The material for this year has been prepared by the Monastic Community of Grandchamp in Switzerland. The theme that was chosen, “Abide in my love and you shall bear much fruit”, is based on John 15:1-17 and expresses Grandchamp Community’s vocation to prayer, reconciliation and unity in the Church and the human family.

This year we invite you to take time each day to pray for Christian Unity. There are resources available on the Churches Together in Britain and Ireland website. You can also find out more about the Ecumenical movement on the island of Ireland through the website of the Irish Council of Churches & the Irish Inter Church Meeting.

Reflecting on this particular week our Diocesan Ecumenical Officer Dr Daniel Nuzum said “Abide in my love’ (Ag maireachtáil i gCríost) , the theme for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2021 is an apt one in these times when we need connectedness more than ever, not just within our churches but between our Churches in our common solidarity of love, care, hope and justice. While we can not be together physically, our spiritual wellbeing and connectedness is more important than ever. Please join us in prayer, and reach out to those who may not be online so that together we may indeed abide in the love of God”.

The material for this year is available in English, Irish and Welsh and contains daily reflections and a liturgy to share. You are invited to follow updates on social media and to post any images/ reflections you may have on twitter using the hashtag #WPCU2021.

Posted in Announcements, Christian Unity, Ecumenism, Week of Prayer for Christian Unity | Comments Off on International Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 18th-25th January

Change of Leaders in Children’s Ministry Group in Cork, Cloyne and Ross

Posted on January 16, 2021 by Latest News and Photos from the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross

Canon Elaine Murray, who has devoted six years to the continuing work of the Children’s Ministry Group in Cork, Cloyne and Ross, building on the foundational work of the Reverend Anne Skuse as first convenor of the group, stepped down at the end of 2020 and the baton has been handed over, by the Bishop, Dr Paul Colton, to the Reverend David Bowles.

21/09/2019. Peace Banner Workshop with representatives from Schools and Parishes, at Northridge House, Mahon, Cork. Picture: Jim Coughlan.

Speaking about her six years Elaine said:

My 6 years of coordinating the Cork, Cloyne and Ross Children’s Ministry Group was a totally joyful experience. Working with a dedicated team and getting to meet all of the wonderfully committed group of volunteers in the diocese was both inspiring and rewarding.

Bishop Colton, thanking Elaine, said that her six years giving a lead in this important aspect of work in the Diocese were ‘creative, innovative, imaginative and ground-breaking.’ He said:

Elaine and her whole team from the Children’s Ministry Group, have put in place many exciting initiatives. When Elaine accompanied me on a Diocesan visit to the Church of Finland she soaked up ideas from that part of the Church. I want, on behalf of us all, to thank Elaine most sincerely, and also to thank David Bowles for accepting my invitation to take this on.

In the course of the last six years there have been a number of very useful training sessions and activities including: holiday club training, mental health issues relating to children, Godly Play, two banner-making workshops, a Nativity evening, and liturgical resources for Lent, Easter, Advent, Christmas and Epiphany.

Elaine encouraged people to network, to pool resources regionally in the Diocese, and set up the Cork, Cloyne and Ross Children’s Ministry Group page on Facebook. Following the Finland visit, a host of ideas were shared and taken up. A table of Children’s Ministry resources and ideas became a regular feature at Diocesan Synod. Of particular significance to this period of time was a peace banner workshop to design and make banners for use during this time of the Decade of Centenaries in Ireland tying in with the Diocesan Commemoration and Reconciliation Project.

Here are some images from the Children’s Ministry Group in the Diocese:

Posted in Announcements, Appointments, Children's Ministry, Children's Work, Diocese, Five Marks of Mission, Fresh Expressions, People from Cork, People from the Diocese, Voluntary Work | Comments Off on Change of Leaders in Children’s Ministry Group in Cork, Cloyne and Ross