Spirit of Cork Award 2017 Presented to Bishop Paul Colton

Posted on December 6, 2017 by Latest News and Photos from the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross

At a dinner hosted by the Cork Civic Trust in the Clayton Hotel in Cork City, the Spirit of Cork Award 2017 was presented to the Right Reverend Dr Paul Colton, Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross.  This is only the third time that this award has been presented.  The inaugural recipient was Dr Edward Kiely of Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital ,and in 2015 the late Cork man and leading sports broadcaster and businessman, Bill O’ Herlihy, was the recipient.

Introducing the 2017 awards ceremony, the Chairman of Cork Civic Trust, Michael Mulcahy, said that Bishop Paul Colton was being presented the award:

  • To honour him as Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross for the 18 years that he has served in Cork
  • To recognise his outstanding leadership of people
  • To recognise the affection that the people have for him as a person and Church leader
  • To recognise his inclusiveness for all in our society
  • To recognise his ability to speak out and be heard in Civic, Church and State matters

The Chairman of Cork Civic Trust said:

Through Spirit of Cork, our city and county has the opportunity to honour and recognise people who have made a real difference to Cork and her people. Spirit of Cork is an honour and recognition for people that we are proud to be part of our Cork family. Be they in Cork or in any part of the world where Cork is recognised, we wish to acknowledge them and their exceptional contribution to Cork.

Mr Michael Mulcahy, Chairman of the Cork Civic Trust. Photo: Erich Stack

The presentation of the award was made by An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney TD, who spoke about Bishop Colton’s contribution to the life of Cork.   Greetings and messages of appreciation were read from the Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, T.D., and from David and Victoria Beckham at whose wedding the Bishop officiated in 1999.

An Tánaiste presents the Spirit of Cork Award 2017 to Bishop Paul Colton. Photo: Erich Stack

Earlier, the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Tony Fitzgerald, the Deputy Mayor of Cork County, Cllr Susan McCarthy, and Bishop John Buckley, Bishop of Cork and Ross, paid their tributes.

Bishop Paul Colton and Bishop John Buckley. Photo: Erich Stack

The awards ceremony was presided over by PJ Coogan (96FM) and Bibi Baskin.

PJ Coogan and Bibi Baskin. Photo: Erich Stack

The Colton family, Bishop Paul, Susan, Andrew and Adam, were joined by family, friends and colleagues as well as members of the Church of Ireland community and many members, past and present of the Cork Civic Trust. Grace before dinner was said by the Bishop’s Chaplain, the Reverend Elaine Murray.  Archdeacon Adrian Wilkinson spoke on behalf of the clergy and people of the Diocese. A second presentation was made by the Lord Mayor on behalf of the citizens of Cork later in the evening, and further tributes were paid by Senator Jerry Buttimer, Michael McGrath, T.D., former Senator John Minihan, Robin O’Sullivan, Finbarr of Shea, David O’Brien (CEO of St Luke’s Charity, Cork), and John X. Miller, CEO of Cork Civic Trust.

Bishop Paul and Mrs Susan Colton, and every guest present were presented with a print of an original painting called ‘Spirit of Inclusiveness’ by 14 year old Malika Benhaffaf, sister of 8 year olds Hassan and Hussein.

‘Spirit of Inclusiveness’ presented to Mrs Susan Colton and Bishop Paul Colton. Photo: Erich Stack

Mrs Susan Colton was presented with flowers and with a gift on behalf of everyone present, by Bibi Baskin.

Bibi Baskin makes a presentation to Mrs Susan Colton. Photo: Erich Stack

Among the distinguished guests present were:  Senator Jerry Buttimer (Leader of Seanad Eireann), Senator Colm Burke, Deputy Michael McGrath TD and Sarah McGrath, Elected Members of Cork City Council, elected Members of Cork County Council, Prof. Patrick O’ Shea (President of University College Cork), Bill O’ Connell (The President of Cork Chamber of Commerce) and Aileen O’ Connell, William Cuddy (President of Little Island Business Association) and Valerie Cuddy, Dr Chris Coughlan(Adjunct Professor of Management at NUIG) and Joan Coughlan,  Commodore Hugh Tully (Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Service) and Margaret Tully,  Lt. Col Michael O’ Connor (The Defence Forces) and Claire O’ Connor, Chief Supt Barry McPolin (An Garda Siochana) and Crena McPolin, Bill Holohan (Chairman of The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in Ireland), Dominic Daly (Honorary Consul of Belgium),  Sir Freddie Pedersen (Honorary Consul of Denmark),  John X Miller (Honorary Consul of Hungary), Michael Barry (Honorary Consul of Mexico), Frances Lynch (Honorary Consul Emeritus of Brazil), Michael Mulcahy (Honorary Consul Emeritus of Poland) Former Government Minister Kathleen Lynch, former TD Noel O’Flynn, David O’ Brien ( Chief Executive of St Luke’s Charity, Cork), and Trevor Dunne (President of the Incorporated Church of Ireland Cork Young Men’s Association, Garryduff Sports Centre).

In addition to the current Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, also present were former LordsMayor and Lady Mayoresses who served in office over the past nearly 19 years that Bishop Colton has been Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross: Cllr Tom O’ Driscoll,  Cllr John Buttimer, Cllr Terry Shannon and Ursula Shannon, Cllr Chris O’ Leary and Angela O’ Leary,  Mr Jim Corr, Senator Colm Burke, Mr and Mrs Joe O’ Callaghan, Mr Brian Bermingham and Elma Bermingham, Mr Michael Ahern and Eileen Ahern, Mr Donal Counihan and Breda Counihan, and Mr Tim Falvey and Abina Falvey.

The Lord Mayor of Cork and former Lords Mayor of Cork with Bishop Paul Colton. Photo: Erich Stack

A musical tribute after the meal was performed by Ireland’s Bella Voce Amanda Neri.  Music during the drinks reception beforehand was performed by Tr3ble Clef, and during the meal guests were entertained by Bob Seward and the Clubmen.  Throughout the evening photographs were taken by award-winning photographer Erich Stack.

Responding to the presentation of the Spirit of Cork Award, Bishop Colton said:

… that Michael Mulcahy will attest to the fact that I was a reluctant recipient, and had to be persuaded.  … I can think of 1000s of others who fit the bill of The Spirit of Cork; some of you are sitting here, most are not – people who have done this city and county great service, publicly and privately, some who have carried the weight and innovation of charitable and voluntary response to the pressing needs of our time, and some who, in their own lives, have been exemplars of human fortitude and self-sacrifice.

Bishop Colton shared memories of growing up in Cork in the 1960s and 1970s and then referred to the changed religious outlook since then:

I grew up with a version of Christianity that, by and large, looked in on itself, or rather, when it looked out, it sought the company of people like ourselves, or who were prepared to become like us, to think like us, to marry us and to perpetuate our way.  We were taught to lie low and to get on with it in our own minority way.  There were reasons for that, not all of them without foundation.  Protestants were not alone either in their insularity.

When it came to religion, the Cork I grew up in was more fort than frontier. Everything outside was risky.  I soon discovered, and still believe, that life is more exciting when you take down walls rather than build them.  Instead of pulling up bridges over moats to leave them down and to go out and start coming and going. Our children, rightly, have no truck with now with the world of circled wagons, nor do the majority of people.

Besides, there are more than two versions of Christianity in the village now, and there are many other faiths, philosophies and outlooks.  We live in a world where there’s room, enough room.  That brings its own challenges and opportunities; learning about one another, and building discourses of mutual understanding and common purpose.

I’ve a lot of contact with people who don’t really like the Church or institutional religion, but I’ve found that many are quite religious, and very keen on the message and person of Jesus Christ. There we’ve found common ground and made common cause.  Many of them have heard of the Jesus who, in the Gospel, turned water into wine, but have been wounded by a church that turned their good wine back into water. I am keen to show, and to encourage others to show, how broad and wide and inclusive the love of God is.

I’ve never been interested in the sort of Christianity that, as I say,  builds battlements, pulls up drawbridges, or circles wagons. There’s room for doubt and uncertainty. There’s room for questions. The wounds and injuries of history run deep; it falls to us to heal and reconcile.  The love of God embraces and includes; it does not push people away.  And that is why I will keep doing what I do, and saying the things I say, even when, or perhaps especially because,  it leads us into vigorous dialogue with one another.

The Colton Family (l-r) Adam, Paul, Susan and Andrew. Photo: Erich Stack

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New Rural Dean for the Rural Deanery of West Cork

Posted on December 3, 2017 by Latest News and Photos from the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross

The Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, the Right Reverend Dr Paul Colton, has announced the appointment of the Reverend John Ardis, Incumbent of Abbeystrewry Union of Parishes, as the new Rural Dean of the West Cork Rural Deanery.

Bishop Colton said:

I wish to thank the Reverend John Ardis for his work as Incumbent of Abbeystrewry Union which will, of course, continue, and I am delighted he has accepted the additional role of Rural Dean of West Cork.  He also served for a time as one of my domestic chaplains and, now that he is taking on a new role, I wish to thank him for all that he did for me in that capacity.

The Rural Deanery of West Cork is made up of the parishes of Abbeystrewry Union, Ballydehob Union, Kilmoe Union, Kilmocomogue Union, and Ross Union.  Rural Deans are appointed by the Bishop to assist in the regional oversight (including, but not exclusively) of property within the Diocese.

The Reverend John Ardis

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Organ Dedicated at St Mary’s Church, Marmullane, Passage West, Co Cork

Posted on November 30, 2017 by Latest News and Photos from the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross

On Sunday 26 November 2017, at Evensong in St Mary’s Church, Marmullane (Passage West, Co Cork) the Bishop of Cork, Dr Paul Colton, was in the parish to bless the recently installed organ.

The service on Sunday was the culmination of many months’ work, as well as a reflection of the generous financial support by many parishioners past and present. At the start of the service, the clergy processed through a silent church to the organ. After the blessing of the organ by the Bishop, the organ builder Padraig O’Donovan, played the organ prelude, ‘La Rejouissance’ from Music for the Royal Fireworks by Handel. In his sermon, the Bishop reminded the congregation that the parishioners, in undertaking this project, had ‘done something beautiful for God’.

The theme of beauty in worship was reflected in several of the hymns. The opening hymn, ‘Angel voices, ever singing’, reminds us that ‘craftsman’s art and music’s measure, for thy pleasure all combine’. The canticle, Laudate Dominum, was sung as the hymn ‘O praise ye the Lord!’. Verse three contains the line, ‘loud organs, his glory forth tell in deep tone’. Former organist, Dermot Locke accompanied the chanted psalm and canticles, while current organist Roger Ellis accompanied the hymns and the choir anthem, ‘Sing of the Lord’s goodness’ by contemporary hymn writer Ernest Sands.

Speaking about this new Speechley organ, which is the only one in Ireland, the rector, Archdeacon Adrian Wilkinson said:

This instrument was designed with the accompaniment of congregational singing in mind. Its range of stops provides variety to the organist, so that it can give a strong lead when required, while at the same time also being capable of sensitive accompaniment for a soloist and quiet music during reflective times within the liturgy.  It is an ideal organ for a church of this size. The parishioners and benefactors are to be congratulated for their commitment to ensure that live organ music of a high standard will be heard in Marmullane into the future.

After the service the organist Roger Ellis said:

The rededication service for this wonderful church organ was magnificent. The combined choir from the parish sang with such vibrancy.

Given the theme of the Kingship of Christ, the service ended on a high note with the hymn ‘In the name of Jesus’ sung at an enthusiastic pace to the lively tune Camberwell.

The organ replaced an older organ which had been installed in the 1880s by the Cork organ builder T.W. Magahy & Sons. Unfortunately, the instrument had deteriorated over the years, making it virtually unplayable and forcing organists to use the three or four remaining stops that still worked.The parish faced a dilemma. This organ’s life was near an end and it was riddled with woodworm. It would have been uneconomic to restore it and so the decision was taken to replace it, not with an electronic keyboard, but with a pipe organ appropriate to the size of the church building.

In November 2015, a replacement organ made by Henry Speechley & Sons of London, was sourced and generously donated to Marmullane. Since 1900 it had been used in Romsey Methodist Church near Southampton. It was in very good repair, having been restored some thirty years ago. The church decided that they no longer required it and wished to remove it with the intention of exporting it to Italy. However, in the end that plan fell through, and it came to Cork.

An enthusiastic group of parishioners got behind this project, firstly dismantling and removing the old Magahy organ over several days. This was done under the supervision and guidance of local organ builder, Pádraig O’Donovan. Later some volunteers provided practical assistance to Pádraig when the Speechley organ was being installed.

Choir, organists and clergy join the Bishop at the organ after the Service in Marmullane.

 

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A night full of promise: Carols from St Fin Barre’s Cathedral CD Launch

Posted on November 29, 2017 by Latest News and Photos from the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross

Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral Choir held a launch for their new CD of Christmas Carols on Saturday 25th November in the Cathedral. The production of a choral CD is a significant step forward in music making at Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral as the last time the choir was recorded was on an LP conducted by Andrew Padmore in the 1980s.

The CD is being sold to raise funds both for the choir and also for the Simon Community in Cork. Speaking at the launch were the Dean of Cork Very Rev’d Nigel Dunne, the Cathedral’s Director of Music Mr Peter Stobart, RedFM presenter Mr Neil Prendeville, UCC’s Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing Cónal Creedon, and Trudy McQuaid from Cork Simon.

The Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, Fergal Dennehy opened proceedings, thanking the people of the Cathedral and the people of Cork for supporting the Cork Simon cause and for turning out in such huge numbers. The Cathedral had approximately 500 people in it and consequently some late arrivals unfortunately had to be turned away.

The Cathedral Choir initially performed four carols from the CD accompanied by Assistant Director of Music Ms Phoebe Tak Man Chow on the organ. One of these was in fact the world premiere of a carol written by Mr Peter Stobart especially for the CD and it gives the CD its title: A night full of promise. In an interview with Neil Prendeville, Peter explained that he was following in a tradition of carol writing and of composing sacred music for cathedral choirs, but without trying to be avant-garde in any way. The carol had been written with the voices of the Cathedral Choir in mind, and when it was performed this came across, along with the choir’s obvious enthusiasm for the whole project.

The Cathedral had been decorated (prematurely of course) for Christmas and the atmosphere was indeed festive. The audience participated lustily in three further carols led by the choir and encouraged to do so by the Dean of Cork. Copious amounts of food and drink were on offer, perhaps in order to encourage CD buying! Whilst the launch was very successful, the effort and support needed to sell the remaining CDs is enormous. The CDs can be found across Cork City including Golden Discs, Oasis, Liam Ruiséal, Pro Musica, as well as Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral shop.

Launch of the CD in St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Cork

 

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Report of Charting a Future with Confidence Launched in Cork, Cloyne and Ross

Posted on November 27, 2017 by Latest News and Photos from the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross

At a special joint meeting, held in Bandon Grammar School on Saturday 25th November, of the Diocesan Council of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, the clergy of the Diocese, and the Council of Diocesan programme Charting A Future with Confidence, the first report of the process was launched by the Bishop, the Right Reverend Dr Paul Colton.

The Bishop addressed the meeting, thanked everyone for their work, and formally launched the report: ‘Moving on with Confidence.’

The Charting a Future with Confidence process was initiated by the Bishop in the Diocese in 2014, and was formally inaugurated by the Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Reverend Dr Richard Clarke, at a residential conference in the Diocese in the autumn of that year.  Since then a steering group and four working groups have been working on four key areas: models of the Church; analysis of similar past programmes within the Diocese and developments nationally in the Church of Ireland; getting an accurate picture of the current situation in the Diocese; and sustainability of the present setup and deployment of ministry in the Diocese.

The reports of these four groups make up the core of the first report which is called Moving on with Confidence.  The report opens with an introductory chapter by the Bishop setting the scene and background to Charting a Future with Confidence.  The steering group was keen to conclude the report with a theological reflection from someone outside the Diocese, but yet someone who knows it.  Bishop John Neill, formally Archbishop of Dublin, and onetime Rector of Abbeystrewry (Skibbereen) in the Diocese was invited to write a concluding chapter to comment and reflect on the reports of the working groups.

Bishop Paul Colton said

There was a hugely purposeful, positive and encouraging atmosphere at Saturday’s meeting.  People realise that reports like this are not magic wands or a panacea, and they are keen now to get on with working out, in practice and in action, the consequences of, and the questions that arise from, this initial phase.  The report also presents toolkit questions to continue our reflection, and which may shape what we are becoming, under God, in the years ahead.

The Dean of Cork, the Very Reverend Nigel Dunne, introduced the report.

The Dean of Cork, the Very Reverend Nigel Dunne, introduced the report at Saturday’s meeting on behalf of the steering group.  The day conference then worked in small groups of 6-8 people drawing out what is important in the report, what is positive, and what is challenging.  The key issues were (i) identifying the questions that the report leaves unanswered that need to be worked on in the next phase, and (ii) how to present the report and engage everyone in the Diocese in the report at parish and other regional levels within the Diocese.

Concluding the day, the Bishop thanked everyone for their positive participation and commitment to the work of the Church in Cork, Cloyne and Ross, and noted that already some of the gaps in the report were being worked on, such as the separate consultation with young people and young adults which had already happened, the outcomes of which will be published as a separate report soon.  He also highlighted that aspects of the report in relation to church music, lay adult education and training, and ministry were already being explored and implemented. The last word went to the Dean of Cork who, on behalf of everyone, thanked the Bishop for his leadership.

Clergy and laity from Cork, Cloyne and Ross who took part in the meeting of Charting a Future with Confidence at Bandon Grammar School on Saturday, 25th November.

The full report may be read here:  Moving on with Confidence 2017

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