Thy Kingdom Come

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yKea, the Youth organisation of the Diocese of Kilmore, Elpin and Ardagh are currently on a week long prayer road trip around the Diocese. The initiative is a response to Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby’s invitation to Christians across the world to pray between Ancension Day and Pentecost. “In praying ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ we all commit to playing our part in the renewal of the nations and the transformation of communities” – Archbiship Justin Welby.

yKEA have been out and about doing prayer walks, school assemblies, meeting with and praying for church leaders and gathering people to pray.

‘In doing this road trip we’ve had a desire to provide opportunities for churches across backgrounds to unite in prayer. We’ve been really encouraged by people’s responses to prayer and are expectant for what fruit God will continue to produce from these partnerships. We have a longing to seek God’s face and ask Him to pour out His Spirit on our land once again. Everywhere we go we ask God to bless the places, churches and the people of the towns and villages across the diocese’ says Hannah O’Neill, who along with Marian Edwards have spearheaded this initiative.

 

Join the yKEA team at any of the remaining prayer and worship events in the diocese. They take place each evening at 8pm:

 

  • Thursday 1 June – Core, Roscommon
  • Friday 2 June – Calry Parish, Sligo

 

To finish there are two nationwide beacon events organised by 24-7 Prayer Ireland:

 

  • Saturday 3 June, St Anne’s Cathedral Belfast, 7.30pm
  • Sunday 4 June, St Catherine’s Church Dublin, 7.30pm

 

Please do come along to these events, which are open to everyone of all ages throughout the diocese. Prayer works and as we unite in prayer we will see God move in our churches and in our land.

 

To find out more about the global wave of prayer visit: thykingdomcome.global

 

Revd. Linda Frost appointed as Rector of the South Leitrim Group of Parishes

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The Revd. Linda Frost has been appointed as Rector of the South Leitrim Group of Parishes in the Diocese for Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh.

She has been Bishops Curate in the South Leitrim Group (which consists of Mohill, Carrick on Shannon, Ballinamore, Farnaught, Annaduff, Drumreilly, Drumshanbo, Aughavas, Fenagh and Kiltubrid) since 2014 and is delighted to be able to continue serving in the group.

Linda is married to Steve who is a paramedic, lay reader and Director of the charity, ‘Love in Action Philippines’. They have three children, two sons-in-laws and four grandchildren.

Despite living in the neighbouring county for the past 30 years, Linda has enjoyed getting to know in more detail the lanes and byroads of Co. Leitrim and experiencing the wonderful scenery.

It has been a joy getting to know the parishioners, community, schools over such a wide area and everyone has been very welcoming.

Linda loves a challenge, loves people, loves building bridges and reaching out to the marginalised.

The favourite hymn of her late dad was , ‘To God be the Glory’, it is Linda’s hope and endeavour to continue that tradition as she moves forward into the next stage of ministry. ‘To God Be the Glory’.

Revd. Linda’s institution will take place on Sunday 16th July a 4pm, St Mary’s, Mohill. All are very welcome

Opportunity for an internship

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Have you ever considered experiencing working in a school and church setting?

An unique opportunity has arisen for an internship in the Royal School Cavan combined with a local

parish group. Accommodation will be provided in the school with some boarding duties along with living expenses. If you would like to consider this please contact Bishop Ferran Glenfield at [email protected] for further details.

The Mothers’ Union: 13 Decades of Love and Service

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On Tuesday 9th of May the Mothers’ Union held a Day of Celebration and Thanksgiving in Carrick-on-Shannon. Members and friends joined All-Ireland President, Phyllis Grothier in a service of worship led by Bishop Ferran Glenfield. During the service, three candles were lit to celebrate “13 Decades of Love and Service”. The first candle was lit by Cynthia Poyntz (Kilmore) to symbolise God’s presence with us in the past. A second candle was lit by Liz Wray (Elphin) to symbolise God’s presence with us in the present. A third candle was lit by Margaret Sides (Ardagh) to symbolise God’s presence with us in the future. Our first reading from Micah 6:6-8 was read by Phyllis Grothier, All-Ireland President and our second reading from John 12:20-26 was read by Hazel Speares, Diocesan President. Intercessions were led by Mary Geelan, Charlotte Browne and Sophia Whyte. During his address, Bishop Ferran’s remarked on the sense of faith and thanksgiving as the Mothers’ Union celebrate their renewal together. He noted the ongoing work of MU in Ireland and Worldwide and he encouraged those present to continue following in Mary Sumner’s footsteps as they move forward prayerfully in Faith and Action.

Following the service, there was an opportunity to visit the Costello Chapel in the heart of Carrick-on-Shannon. In the late 1800’s Edward Costello built this chapel as a memorial and burial crypt for his beloved wife Mary Josephine. This chapel is the smallest in Ireland.

Lunch was enjoyed by all in the Bush Hotel. Leila Beattie made a beautiful cake especially for the occasion. Everyone present got celebration chocolates and a key-ring to mark our special day.

After lunch, the guest speaker, Lady Eames, spoke of Annabelle Hayes who brought MU to Ireland. The Mothers’ Union has now spread throughout each diocese and Lady Eames noted the signposts which have guided the organisation to the present day and into the future. The first signpost is VISION, meeting and praying together and planning ahead. The second signpost defines MU through prayer and projects. She emphasised the importance of friendships as a gift from God to be nurtured and never to be under-estimated. In conclusion, Lady Eames spoke about Praise, Thanksgiving and Celebration for the past, the present and the future.

All branches represented brought a display of photographs and memorabilia which created great interest as members reminisced on past activities.

Revd. Nick Jones Instituted as the Rector of the Drung Group of Parishes

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Last Friday evening, the 28th April, Revd. Nick Jones was officially instituted as the Rector of the Drung Group of Parishes consisting of Drung, Castleterra (Ballyhaise), Larah & Lavey and Killoughter (Redhills). Family, friends, parishioners as well as members of the wider Diocese gathered for a wonderful service in Drung Parish Church which was led by Bishop Ferran Glenfield assisted by Archdeacon Craig McCauley. The Very Revd. Nigel Crossey, Dean of St. Fethlimidh’s Cathedral, stood in as acting Registrar.

The sermon for this occasion was given by Pastor Colin Creighton from the Carrickmacross Baptist Church – a good friend of Revd. Nick’s since they trained for ministry together at Oakhill Theological College. Preaching from Mark 10:35-45, Pastor Colin reminded us that we serve a King who ‘did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many’. We are people of a servant King. We can serve because we have first been served by Christ. He said that his prayer for Revd. Nick as he continues his ministry in the Drung Group is that he would use Nick as a servant leader who would touch people’s hearts and bring them closer to God.

The Act of Institution was then carried out by Bishop Ferran Glenfield, after which words of welcome were given by Goldina Watson on behalf of the Drung Group of Parishes, Revd. Ivan Watson, Pastor of the Cavan Baptist Church and Revd. Ali Calvin on behalf of the Diocese of Kilmore.

The service was followed by tea in the Parish Hall. Revd. Nick has been serving as Minister-in-Charge of the Drung Group since January 2016. Some of his highlights of this time have been BBQ’s, Messy Church, Songs of Praise, Christianity Explored, a new weekly Bible Study group and a wonderful evening with the Abaana New Life Children’s Choir. We thank God for Nick’s great energy and commitment to these parishes and we pray for the Lord’s blessing on Nick, his wife Dorothy and their two children as he continues to serve faithfully as Rector in this Group.


Revd. Nick Jones and Bishop Ferran Glenfield


Revd. Nick Jones with the Wardens and Parish Readers of the Drung Group of Parishes:
Back row from left: Willie McClean, James Speares, Ally Hudson, David Dunne, Robert Sturgeon, Ian Smith, Des LowryFDront row from left: Edwin Fannin, Nick Jones, Bishop Ferran Glenfield, Colin Creighton (Pastor, Carrickmacross Baptist Church), Nigel Murdy, Ivor Smyth.

 


Back row from left: Canon Mark Lidwell, Revd. Ali Calvin, Mr. Andrew Pierce, Revd. Christiaan Snell, Mrs Audrey Reilly, Mr. Victor Reilly
Fromt row from left: Ven. Craig McCauly, Henry Jordan, Revd. Nick Jones, Bishop Ferran Glenfield, Very Rev. Gerard Cassidy, Dean Nigel Crossey

Revd. Nick Jones Appointed as the Rector of the Drung Group of Parishes

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nick-jones-photoThe Revd. Nick Jones has been appointed as Rector of the Drung Group of Parishes in the Diocese of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh. He has been the Minister-in-Charge of the Drung Group (www.drungchurches.com) consisting of Drung, Castleterra (Ballyhaise), Larah & Lavey and Killoughter (Redhills) since January 2016 and is delighted to be able to continue serving the group.

Nick is married to Dorothy, they have two children and they have enjoyed getting to know many people in the local area and look forward to getting to know more people still and to deepening friendships.  Some of the highlights of the last year have been BBQ’s, Messy Church, Songs of Praise, Christianity Explored, a new weekly Bible Study group and of course the Abaana New Life Choir.  Nick hasn’t managed to do much surfing or windsurfing since getting to Cavan and is still trying to get a game of squash, but is enjoying going for the occasional run and is keen to learn how to cut sticks!

Nick’s Institution will take place at in Drung Parish Church on Friday 28th April 2017 at 8pm. All very welcome!

 

2017 Easter Message from Bishop Ferran Glenfield

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The cross of Jesus Christ and the empty grave stand at the centre of the Christian faith. The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is not an optional extra tacked on to the end of his story. Without it, the whole story would be discredited. When God raised Jesus from death it was much more than a single act of rescue. It opened the floodgates! From that time on, death’s hold on humanity was broken. Jesus was the first but by no means the last who would pass beyond death into eternal life. Indeed those who believe that Christ died and rose again for them, share eternal life with him. What a hope is ours in our risen Lord Jesus!

+ Ferran

The Fellowship of Contemplative Prayer Annual Retreats

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The Fellowship of Contemplative Prayer have organised two Silent Retreats in June 2017:

WEEKEND RETREAT: Fri.  16th– Sun. 18th June 2017

MIDWEEK RETREAT: Mon. 19th – Wed. 21st June2017

Both Retreats will be held in The Church of Ireland Theological Institute, Dublin and the cost of each is €115. The Witness will be Carol Casey.   Further details or a booking form available from the Membership Secretary : Ms.  Nuala Dudley, Old Golf Course Road, Donegal town, Co. Donegal F94 H5F7 E- mail: [email protected]

 Everyone is welcome at these Retreats.

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Revd. Hazel Hicks installed as Prebendary of Drumlease

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Revd. Hazel Hicks installed as Prebendary of Drumlease

On a cold but sunny evening on Sunday, 5th March, Revd. Hazel Hicks was installed as Prebendary of Drumlease and Canon of the Chapter of Kilmore Cathedral by Dean Nigel Crossey during evening song in St. Fethlimidh’s Cathedral, Kilmore.

Revd. Hazel has been a faithful servant of the Diocese over a number of years. She was commissioned as Diocesan Reader in 1979, before continuing her journey by training for the non-stipendary ministry. During this time she served a placement in the Swanlinbar/Kildallon group. She was ordained as a Deacon in 2008 and served as curate in the Belturbet Group. She is currently Priest-in-Charge of the Arva group of Parishes.

Her installation as Canon of the Chapter of Kilmore Cathedral is another stage in a long and fruitful journey of faith and vocation and a wonderful recognition of these long years of service.

The service was followed by a wonderful reception in the Parish Hall provided and served by the parishioners of the Arva parish group.  During the evening, Canon Hazel was presented with gifts and words of congratulations by members of the Arva Group of Parishes. In response she thanked the parishioners for their generous gifts and their support and kindness to her during the past 6 years, saying that her honour was recognition for all they had achieved. She thanked Dean Nigel for organising the service and Bishop Ferran for the challenging address. Paying tribute to her family, Canon Hazel said that without the support of her husband Barrie and family she would not be able to serve God and the Church. She said it was both an honour and privilege to work in the Arva parish group and in this new role as a member of Kilmore Cathedral chapter.

 

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Back row: Canon Mark Lidwell and Revd. Sandra Lindsey
Front Row: The Venerable Craig McCauley, Rt Revd. Ferran Glenfield, Bishop of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh, Canon Hazel Hicks and Dean Nigel Crossey.

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Left to Right: Maud Patterson (Carrigallen) Barbara Joens (Columbkille), Canon Hazel Hicks, Barbara Curral (Arva), Sandra Butler (Gowna)

Pioneer Evangelist for the Centre of Mission in Drumcliffe

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Location: Drumcliffe near Sligo, Republic of Ireland in the Diocese of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh.

Details: We are looking for a pioneer evangelist to work in this exciting new role, which has been developed in partnership with the Diocese of Kilmore, Elphin, Ardagh, the parish of Drumcliffe and Church Army. The role includes reaching out in a rural area and developing a series of Fresh Expressions of church in Drumcliffe.

The Centre of Mission will be led by Ven. Capt. Isaac Hanna who also serves as Archdeacon within the diocese.

The successful applicant will be based in the parish of Drumcliffe.

Housing: Housing or housing allowance will be provided by the diocese.

Funding: This full time post will be funded for 5 years at Church Army stipend rates.

DBS: Enhanced DBS Disclosure will be required.

Closing date: Midday Friday the 17th of March.

Interviews: Will be held in Drumcliffe on the 30th of March

Employer: Church Army

Contact: For more information please contact Isaac Hanna on:  [email protected]

Applications to be sent to Church Army HR team