The Bishop of Cork, the Right Reverend Paul Colton, has unveiled his Dioceses’ plans, recently approved by the Diocesan Council, to facilitate the introduction of the new Book of Common Prayer, 2004 in Cork, Cloyne and Ross.

The Book of Common Prayer, 2004, when it arrives next Spring, will be the Church of Ireland’s prayer book (following years of work by the Liturgical Advisory Committee and General Synod) embodying traditional Services (old as well as more recent) and new liturgies. It will be the staple diet of the Church’s worship day by day, Sunday by Sunday, and event by event in the lives of the people of God.

Bishop Colton said:

“Worship is the highest calling of Christians. The arrival of a new Book of Common Prayer is a wonderful opportunity for renewal in our worship. It is only right that we should, therefore, make the introduction of this prayer book the highest priority in the months to come.”

The Dean of Cork, the Very Reverend Michael Burrows, accepted the Bishop’s invitation to assist with the programme of introduction. Together they have planned a phased build-up to the publication of the book and its formal launch in the Diocese on Ascension Day, 20th May 2004.

The programme kicks off on the first Sunday of September with a Pastoral Letter from the Bishop to be read in all Churches, and includes: a Diocesan Information Leaflet; a full familiarisation briefing for Diocesan Council members; training opportunities for Readers and Clergy; Rural Deanery visits by the Bishop with BCP 2004 as the focus; a new page on the Diocesan Website; an especially prepared “Teaching Eucharist”; a focus throughout the Diocese in Lent 2004 on the Daily Prayer material in the new book; four opportunities to experience some of the book’s Services in each Church; a poster build-up; articles in the Diocesan Magazine; and material for use in schools.

A key element will be training sessions for the Clergy (under the auspices of the Diocesan Contiuing Ministerial Education programme) entitled Training for Difference which will include sessions on the Psalter; Holy Baptism; Service of the Word; Enriching the Contemporary Language Eucharist; and Rediscovering the Traditional Language Eucharist. Preparations for the Book of Common Prayer, 2004 will also be the mainstay of work at the annual Diocesan Clergy Conference in October next.