Bishop’s Letter January 2022

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January looks both ways, backwards to the old year and forward to the new year.

Another year opens, covered with the Covid cloud which is proving hard to lift.

We are weary of Covid and want it consigned to the pages of history. It is difficult to plan anything with any degree of certainty. All we can do is watch and wait. The words watch and wait are often used by the psalmist in the Bible. They are there at the centre of Psalm 130,

“ I wait for the Lord,
my soul waits and in his word I hope;
my soul waits for the Lord,
more than watchmen for the morning,
more than watchmen for the morning”.

Verses 5 and 6

The words watch and wait in this Psalm add up to hope. And hope is connected in the Psalm with the image of watchmen, waiting through the night for the dawn. They know the dawn comes, there is no doubt about that. The psalmist’s and the Christian’s watching and waiting is based on the conviction that God is at work behind the scenes. Covid will pass, God will do it in his way and in his time. In the meantime, we watch, wait and pray for the post-Covid dawn to come.

In earlier announcements online, you will have read details of appointments to our two cathedrals: Kilmore and Sligo. Last year, the Diocesan Council, the Diocesan Synod and the Standing Committee of the General Synod backed a proposal to create two separate archdeacons for Elphin and Ardagh which had been joined together in 1929. The thinking behind the proposal was threefold: First, Geographical. It has always been difficult for one archdeacon to cover the ground that makes up Elphin and Ardagh: Sligo, Roscommon, Leitrim, Longford and part of Westmeath. Second, Historical. Our diocese is made up of three historic dioceses which have been in existence since the 12th Century and joined together in 1841. Third, Administration. In the past decade the number of clergy, lay pastors and parish groups and mission centres in the diocese has increased and administration has increased accordingly. Clergy, lay pastors, evangelists and parishes need good administration and resources to work effectively. Hence the need for two archdeacons in Elphin and Ardagh, alongside one in Kilmore.

 

Canon Patrick Bamber will become the Archdeacon of Elphin. He will oversee an archdeaconry consisting of Sligo Cathedral, Drumcliffe, Cloonclare, Calry, The Sligo Centre of Mission, Ballisodare, Riverstown and Boyle. Canon Hazel Hicks will be the Archdeacon of Ardagh. She will administer the archdeaconry made up of Ardagh, Longford, Roscommon, South Leitrim, Arva and Edgewothstown and Longford Methodist. Archdeacon Craig will continue to serve the archdeaconry of Kilmore consisting of Kilmore, Cavan, Virginia, Bailieborough, Drumgoon, Drung, Annagh, KIldrumferton, Kildallon, Killeshandra, Swanlinbar, Kinawley and Killesher. Do pray for Archdeacon Patrick and Archdeacon Hazel as they take up their new positions, joining Archdeacon Craig in these key roles in the diocese.  I do believe that these three archdeaconaries will become recovery vehicles for parishes and diocese in the post Covid landscape. And we have much to recover.

Towards the end of last year, we lost two people and a parish community.

Kathleen Richey, widow of Canon Robin Richey who was Diocesan Secretary from 1972 to 1998, was described as a ”force of nature.” She was deeply involved in her community of Blacklion and her parish Killinagh and was laid to rest in her native Fermanagh. Donald Walker from Lissadell , who was rooted in North Sligo, also died. A quiet and humble soul, Donald was one of the longest serving Diocesan Lay Readers until his retirement a few years ago. The few remaining parishioners of Aughavas, near Mohill, decided that their church should close. So there was a very fitting final service in the church which was deconsecrated.

People pass and we mourn their loss, church buildings, too, have their day and become places of memory. People and places matter to us and to God. In this New Year, I commend you to his love and care.

+ Ferran

The Bible and the Bishop – Pocasts 2021

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Christmas Message from Bishop Ferran Glenfield 2021

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Christmas comes in packages. Courier companies deliver packages to our doors. Some people book a hotel package for Christmas Day. Christmas parcels are wrapped in seasonal paper to be opened on the big day. Christmas comes in packages.

St. Luke packages the first Christmas story for us in his Gospel. He wants us to see, first, the coming of God to the world he created. Christ came at the time when Caesar Augustus ruled much of the known world. But for Luke the Roman Empire was only the backcloth to Christ’s coming. Jesus, not Caesar was the main man.

Secondly, Luke points to how God came to earth. He came in humility. Born to peasant parents in a rural backwater in Palestine. Born and nursed in a feeding trough in a bare stable. No pomp and circumstance in Luke’s story of the coming of Christ into the world.

Next, Luke highlights the announcement of Christ’s arrival. An angel is the herald. The news is good, the promised one is to be born in Bethlehem. He will deliver, for he comes as Saviour, what the world needs. He is for all, people then and people now, people like you and me.

Lastly, Luke sets before us the reaction to the coming of Jesus. Shepherds keeping watch over their flocks at night were the first to hear the news. Their response was immediate, they hurried down to Bethlehem, their clue was the feeding trough, just as the angel had said. Mary’s response was more reflective; she pondered all these things in her heart. The wonder of it all.

Luke’s package of the first Christmas story has been described as the most beautiful
gift ever given. Do take time to unwrap the gift of God and to receive Jesus with great
joy and wonder this Christmas.

I do hope and pray that we will be able to celebrate Christmas in our homes and in our churches with family, friends and strangers. May you have happy and blessed Christmas.

+ Ferran

Cathedral Appointments in KEA

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The modern dioceses of the Church of Ireland, including Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh, were formed at the Synods of Rathbreasail in 1111 and Kells-Mellifont in 1152. The Diocese of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh has two cathedrals at Kilmore and Sligo. The present cathedral in Kilmore was opened in 1860 and replaced an earlier building which now serves as the parish hall. St. John’s Church in Sligo became the cathedral for Elphin and Ardagh in 1961. It replaced Elphin Cathedral which was severely damaged in a storm in February 1957 and subsequently demolished in 1964. The medieval cathedral in Ardagh ceased to be used in 1630. Thereafter, the cathedral in Elphin served both dioceses of Elphin and Ardagh until the transfer to Sligo sixty years ago.

Each cathedral is administered by a Dean on behalf of the Bishop. The administration team in a cathedral, known as a chapter, consists of Archdeacons and Prebendaries, more commonly known as Canons, an honorary title for a clergyperson. This month two new Archdeacons: Rev. Patrick Bamber for Elphin and Rev. Hazel Hicks for Ardagh will be installed at a service on 9th January in Sligo Cathedral at 4:30pm. At the same service three new Canons: Rev. Linda Frost, Rev. Andrew Ison and Rev. Christiaan Snell will also be installed. During the installation service Certificates in Theology validated by Queen’s University Belfast, will be awarded to: Rev. Albert Dawson, Rev. Stephen Frost, Rev. Adam Norris, and Rev. Edmund Smyth, on the completion of their Ordained Local Ministry studies.

Likewise, two new Canons: Rev. Ian Horner and Rev. Ruth West will be installed at a service
on 23rd January in Kilmore Cathedral at 4:30pm. Finally, a service of welcome will be held in
St. John’s Longford on 30th January at 4:30pm for the new Ardagh Archdeacon and Canons.

Virginia Group of Parishes Avenue of Light 2021

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Once again the Virginia Group of Parishes have put up Christmas trees all through the church grounds of Lurgan Church, Virginia to create an Avenue of Light this Christmas 2021.

This wonderful community event is raising funds for four charities:

  1. Virginia Cancer Care
  2. Virginia St. Vincent de Paul
  3. UNICEF – Christmas Vaccine Appeal
  4. Lurgan Parish Church of Ireland

You can support this initiative on their gofundme page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/avenue-of-light-2021

 

Bishops’ Appeal Advent Newsletter

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This newsletter highlights just some of the vital work Bishops’ Appeal has funded over the past year and the potential for even more good work to be achieved, with your help, in 2022. It focuses on less than a third of all projects funded throughout the year and so is but a snapshot of what has been achieved through Church of Ireland support. It is heartening to know that Church of Ireland generosity has brought so much relief and long term sustainable development amidst its own challenges and struggles of living through a Pandemic.

 

Download Newsletter

Mothers’ Union 16 Days of Activism against Gender based Violence

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This Saturday the 27th November, the Mothers’ Union gathered in the Cathedral Church of St. Mary the Virgin and St. John the Baptist for a prayer vigil to mark a Global day in response to the call for 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. 

The service in Sligo was an opportunity to join with Mothers’ Union groups across the world to champion the cause of justice and to offer up our prayers for all who are affected by abuse and violence.  During the service, three minutes of silence was held at 1:03. It is estimated that, globally, almost one in three women have been subject to intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence or both at least once in their life. The Mothers’ Union as a leading women’s organisation believe this disturbing figure to be unacceptable.

A prayer diary for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and Abuse can be found HERE

Another service will be held on Saturday 4th December in Virginia Parish Church at 3pm.

Back Row left to right
Rev Richard Waller, KEA MU Diocesan Chaplain
Mayor of Sligo, Cllr Arthur Gibbons
Cllr Marie Casserly
Hazel Speares, KEA MU Diocesan President

Middle Row
Bishop Kevin Doran, Roman Catholic Bishop of Elphin
Marlet Hunter, KEA MU Social Policy Rep
Deputy Frank Feighan, TD

Front Row
Mary Geelan, KEA MU Faith and Policy Unit Co-Ordinator
Rev Jeremy Nicholl, Methodist Minister, Sligo
Canon Patrick Bamber, Calry Church of Ireland

CIYD Day of Prayer 2021

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Each year, the Church of Ireland Youth Department organises a Day of Prayer for Young People and Youth Ministry. Beginning this year, it is moving from the Sunday before Lent to the Sunday before Advent. This year, that is Sunday 21st November. For more information, see the Press Release below.

 

It would be wonderful if as many people as possible across the diocese could mark this day by praying (and encouraging others to pray) in some way, especially during Sunday worship. A few years ago, CIYD produced a booklet of relevant prayers and a pdf copy of this can be found online here. Feel free to use some of the prayers ‘as is’ or adapt them, or just use the booklet for inspiration as to particular topics and issues to pray about.

In the leadup to the last Day of Prayer, Damian Shorten recorded some videos (aimed at young people) about prayer and how to approach it. The playlist of all the videos can be found on YouTube at this link: https://tinyurl.com/3ks6s2a7. They may be helpful for people of all ages.

 

If you would like any specific help and support in marking this day personally or in your parish, please do not hesitate to contact Damian Shorten at [email protected].

 

From the Church of Ireland Press Office:

 ‘The Church of Ireland Youth Department’s annual Day of Prayer is on the move to the Sunday before Advent, which will this year be Sunday, 21st November.  It previously took place on the Sunday before Lent. CIYD is encouraging all churches to make a little space to pray for young people on that day.

Bishop Pat Storey, President of CIYD, says: “As our annual Day of Prayer moves to the Sunday before Advent each year, we remember that Advent is a time to prepare and to look forward. As we exit this pandemic, we will take time ahead of and during Advent to pray for our young people who have had their lives on hold for so long. We pray for their spiritual future and their unique contribution to the Church. We celebrate their commitment and enthusiasm. We long to meet together again and to connect.

“This Advent, our day of prayer for our young people and youth ministry thus holds special significance.  We bring them before God and we celebrate each one.  We pray; God hears!”

Simon Henry, CIYD’s National Youth Officer, adds: “Youth ministry has been mightily challenged over the past year and young people have missed out on so much.  This is an opportunity to bring them once again to the forefront of our thoughts and prayers.”’

Building Blocks Advent and Christmas Training – 18th Nov

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Building Blocks Advent and Christmas Training

Building Blocks is running an evening online Advent and Christmas Training event on Thursday, 18th November, with a great pack that will help people hit the ground running this Christmas. 

Please see the summary in the flyer with booking details.

Visit www.facebook.com/BuildingBlocksConferences for all updates.

 

PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE: Synod 2021

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» Download Synod Report

» Download Statement of Accounts

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble Ps. 46:1

The Annual Meeting of the Diocesan Synod of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh took place this Saturday 16th October via Zoom Conference.  It is the second year in a row that we have been able to meet in person.

 

Presidential Address

In his Presidential Speech to the Synod, the Rt Revd Dr Ferran Glenfield noted the manner in which the past year has been dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Church life was disrupted by Covid restrictions – unable to meet in person for the first five months of 2021, Sunday and seasonal worship was conducted online. Bishop Ferran acknowledged the ingenuity of clergy and laity who enabled participation in worship and learning remotely. Likewise, he commended our clergy and lay pastors who conducted their pastoral ministry under very different circumstances and rules. Bishop Ferran said that Covid 19 has taken a heavy toll on people, parishes and the nation. We continue to look to Almighty God, our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble.

Bishop Ferran also payed tribute to the teams of people who have made it possible to return to church. He expressed hope that, as Covid restrictions are eased later this month, we would  be able to worship more fully and to use our halls and properties for parish and community activities. However, he noted that vigilance was still necessary to protect on another as winter approaches.

Bishop Ferran went on to highlight a number of items for the Synod’s consideration.

 

Welcoming the Balisodare Group of Parishes

At the beginning of November the Balisodare Group of Parishes will join the Diocese. At the same time the Diocese of Tuam, Killala and Achonry and the Diocese of Limerick and Killaloe will amalgamate.  He wished both Bishop Patrick Rook and Bishop Kenneth Kearon a happy retirement and the new Diocese God’s blessings as they come together.

 

Ordained Local Ministry

Bishop Ferran noted that the emergence of Ordained Local Ministry in the diocese is a real dividend for parishes. There are seven OLMs mostly active in Elphin and Ardagh. They are ministers in the fullest sense of the word. It is a ministry, authorised by the Church and for which training has been undertaken. It is a self-supporting ministry, no stipends are paid, although expenses are provided. It is a collaborative ministry. An OLM is part of a team of clergy and lay ministers overseen by a stipendiary minister. The ministry of an OLM is not simply about filling gaps but intended to expand the reach of the local church into the community. Bishop Ferran commended this ministry for support and prayers.

 

Schools

Bishop Ferran remarked that the life of our schools were deeply disturbed by Covid-19. He praised and thanked principals, teachers, support staff, board members and parents in their herculean efforts to deliver education to our children. He noted that our schools are places of learning, belonging and faith formation and are to be valued.

 

ReCentre Community Church

One of the positive outcomes of online church services and studies was that people outside of our parish community were able to join in. Our reach beyond the four walls was considerable. As Covid recedes we need to keep the balance between the inside and the outside. Jesus Christ is for all and he commissioned his church to reach the world beyond itself. One new church to gather online was ReCenter Community Church. ReCentre is now going to gather in person in Sligo under the leadership of Alan Williamson. It is what is known as a Fresh Expression of Church – something new which appeals to people who have no or little contact with the conventional church. This is the Diocese’s first step in this field and Bishop Ferran noted his gratitude for the partnership between Dear Arfon Williams, Rector of the Cathedral Group and Church Army, who sponsor Alan’s ministry.

 

Looking ahead

Looking ahead to 2022, Bishop Ferran noted a number of areas to prioritise:

  • The renewal of confidence, faith and hope in local churches.
  • The restoration of parish and diocesan finances.
  • The confirmation backlog and a review of our work with children and young people
  • The training of parish and diocesan readers.
  • The implementation of Safeguarding standards for children, young people and vulnerable adults.
  • The adoption of practical proposals to make our parishes more environmentally friendly.

In conclusion he noted that, while this past year has been one of frustration, there is much to be thankful for and much to do. God has been our rock and strength and he holds all the resources we require; we need to look to him.

 

Following the Presidential address, the Revd. Dr Andew Ison, Ryector of the Ballisodare Group of Parishes was invited to address the Diocese. Using the power of technology he was able to give the Synod a tour of the three churches that make up this group – Holy Trinity, Ballisodare, St Paul’s Church, Collooney & Emlaghfad Church, Ballymote. In his address to Synod, Revd. Andrew noted the close links of proximity, history and relationships that already exist. He thanked Bishop Patrick Rooke for facilitating the transfer and Bishop Ferran for so graciously welcoming the group of parishes. Bishop Ferran urged the Synod to embrace the Ballisodare Group into our Diocese and noted that he would be visiting the churches on the first Sunday in November.

 

In other Synod business, a motion to recreate the post of Archdeacon of Ardagh was passed.