Latest News from the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross

On Sunday, 19th September 2021, Canon Elaine Murray, Rector of Carrigaline Union, was installed to the Prebend of Timoleague on the Chapter of St Fachtna’s Cathedral, Rosscarbery.

The pandemic had delayed the installation and therefore in took place in the context of the Harvest Thanksgiving Service. Canon Murray was supported by a good gathering of family members, a full turn-out of the cathedral Chapter and members of the cathedral congregation.

This was the final occasion of its kind for the Dean of Ross, the Very Rev. Chris Peters, who took the opportunity to preach, reflecting on the place of St Fachtna’s Cathedral in the life of the diocese and the wider church.

On Sunday, 19th September 2021 another confirmation service was held in the Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross. In a series of confirmation services this month, the one held at St Colman’s Cathedral, Cloyne was for the candidates from Cloyne Union and Youghal Union.

The Dean of Cloyne, the Very Rev. Susan Green, said:

We were delighted to finally be able to have a Confirmation Service for the young people who had been preparing since winter 2019. The day was bright and sunny, and though the service was somewhat shortened it was a powerful and meaningful one. It was all the sweeter after having waited so long for it.

Canon Andrew Orr, Rector of Youghal Union and Chaplain to Midleton College, said:

The candidates have waited a long time for this day. It was wonderful to see them finally able to celebrate this important milestone on their faith journey, and to receive the laying on of hands from the bishop. Thanks to everyone who worked hard to make the day possible.

The first of two Confirmation Services last weekend took place on Saturday, 18th September at St Luke’s Church, Douglas. Twenty-one candidates from Douglas Union with Frankfield were confirmed by Bishop Paul Colton. 

The Bishop said: 

The last time I was with today’s group of Confirmands was actually here in Douglas Parish. That was in early March 2020, when we had our Annual Pre-Confirmation Morning for everyone being confirmed in the Diocese that year. Little did we know then what lay ahead and that the Confirmation of these young people would be postponed two or three times. It was a joy to celebrate with them today.

The Archdeacon of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, and Rector of Douglas Union, the Ven. Adrian Wilkinson said: 

It was wonderful that all 21 candidates could be together again as a group for their confirmation. They completed their course online when the weekly classes stopped in March 2020. They waited patiently until today to take this next step in their journey of faith and we wish them every blessing.

On Friday, 17th September St Fin Barre’s Cathedral held a Choral Evensong and guided tours for Culture Night 2021. 

In line with ongoing guidelines, the Lay Vicars Choral of the Cathedral Choir sang canticles by Charles Wood and a motet by William Mundy under the direction of Peter Stobart. The Assistant Director of Music, Robbie Carroll played an organ voluntary by Marcel Dupré. 

After Choral Evensong, the cathedral’s experienced tour guides gave guided tours covering the history and architecture of the cathedral.