New Assistant Secretary in the Church of Ireland in Cork, Cloyne and Ross

Posted on September 16, 2024 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, is delighted to announce the appointment of a new Assistant Secretary in the Diocese. Dr Chris Ashley, has been appointed as Assistant Secretary and he will also have responsibility for Safeguarding and Education Administration.

Dr Chris Ashley

Chris said:

I am very pleased to join the team at St Nicholas House supporting the ministry and mission of the United Dioceses of Cork, Cloyne and Ross.

Prior to moving to Cork in early 2024, Chris served as Administrative Chaplain at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan. In addition to his work for the diocese, Chris has begun training in Supervisory Clinical Pastoral Education with the Rev. Dr. Daniel Nuzum at Cork University Hospital.

Chris holds a PhD in Systematic Theology from Union Theological Seminary in New York, an MDiv from Harvard Divinity School, and a BA in Literature from Yale University.

A Chicago native, Chris lives in Glounthaune with his spouse, the Rev. Elise Hanley, Rector of Cobh & Glanmire; their two miniature Schnauzers; and four cats. He enjoys choral singing, aikido, and endurance sports.

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Upcoming: Jazz at St James’s Church, Mallow

Posted on September 13, 2024 by mediaccr

On Saturday 21st September from 1.00pm to 3.00pm, St James’s Church in Mallow is inviting everyone in the town and the surrounding communities to join them for a picnic lunch with jazz provided by The Underscore Orkestra. The event is free, open to all, and no tickets are required. If the weather is good, it will take place in the community garden around the church; if not, it will happen in the church, which will be decorated in preparation for the Harvest celebrations the following day.

This year, St James’s Church has been celebrating 200 years since the present church was consecrated and has received a great deal of support and encouragement from local businesses, organisations and public figures in the town.

The rector of Mallow Union, the Rev. Meurig Williams said:

This is our way of saying “Thank You” to the town and everyone who has supported us during the course of the year – and we hope that they will enjoy some terrific music from a top-notch jazz band, as well as our lovely new community garden. Music is a great way of bringing people together from different backgrounds, and we hope this will appeal to many different people of all ages and backgrounds.

Those attending are invited to bring their own picnic lunch – and whatever they would like to drink (tea and coffee will be available). If the weather looks good, bring a blanket to sit on the grass in the gardens (chairs and tables will be available for those who find sitting on the grass difficult). If it is wet, the event will happen in the church. As the Rector said, ‘there’s plenty of room to dance in the church’!

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Upcoming: Diocesan Come and Sing at St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Cork

Posted on September 12, 2024 by mediaccr

St Fin Barre’s Cathedral will host a Diocesan Come and Sing Evensong event, led by Director of Music Peter Stobart on Saturday 19th October. The rehearsal will be from 2pm and the service will be at 5pm with a break for tea at around 4.20pm. The music will include Stanford’s Canticles in C (in this his anniversary year) and Charles Wood’s Never weather-beaten sail. Music will be provided on the day and singers of any ability are welcome.

Please email directorofmusicsfb@gmail.com if you plan to attend. 

Last year’s Diocesan Come and Sing with Director of Music, Peter Stobart and Assistant Director of Music, Matthew Breen
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Bishop Paul Colton reflects on 25 years as Bishop in ‘Inspiring Angles’ video series

Posted on August 27, 2024 by mediaccr

The Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, the Rt Revd Dr Paul Colton, has given an extended video interview for the Church of Ireland’s Inspiring Angles video series, in which he reflects on 25 years since taking up his role. Bishop Colton talks through his tree-planting pastoral visits to schools around the diocese and the importance of serving people seeking refuge in Ireland as well as people whose families have lived in Ireland for longer.

“All of my highlights are to do with people and being with them,” Bishop Colton remarks. He was elected as Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross in January 1999, succeeding Bishop Roy Warke, and consecrated in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, in March of that year.

You can watch the video here, or on the Church of Ireland’s social media outlets.

Bishop Paul Colton
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Hildegard von Bingen Quiet Day in Kilmoe Union

Posted on August 23, 2024 by mediaccr

Kilmoe Union will be holding a Quiet Day on Saturday, 14th September at St Brendan’s, Crookhaven from 2pm to 5pm in which participants will explore the spirituality of Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1176). Hildegard von Bingen was a visionary, ecologist, cosmologist, preacher, prophet and singer, and one of the first named composers of Western music and plainchant.

The Rev. Terry Mitchel says:

In this afternoon taster workshop, we will explore Hildegard’s spirituality through the embodied experience of singing, thereby opening ourselves as channels for the grace that flows through her work. The workshop will include a brief performance by course leader, Eilish Butler.  With an MA in chant and song, Eilish has been performing and teaching Hildegard’s chant since 2010.

We will focus on learning one short chant for which you will be provided with copies of Hildegard’s original neumes as well as ‘Gregorian’ and modern transcriptions. We will take up a voluntary contribution to cover the costs of the quiet day.

Please let the Rev. Terry Mitchell know if you wish to attend via email.

    Posted in Church Music, Diocese, Special Events, Spirituality, West Cork | Comments Off on Hildegard von Bingen Quiet Day in Kilmoe Union