Irish Times Notes
Church of Ireland Notes from ‘The Irish Times’
Ministerial Training
Ministerial training is central to much of the Church’s life. It has frequently been a subject of debate and so the Church of Ireland Theological Institute was delighted to receive a very positive annual report from Prof Jessie Rogers, who is the current External Examiner, in relation to the Masters in Theology Professional Course.
Professor Rogers noted that ‘the MTh offers an excellent pathway for forming people for ordained ministry due to its comprehensive focus on the intellectual, practical and spiritual dimensions of ministry. The programme integrates rigorous biblical, theological and ministerial studies, preparing students to engage with contemporary challenges in ministry contexts. It fosters a rich understanding of Christian identity, particularly within the Church of Ireland’s diverse denominational tradition, while encouraging reflection on, and reasoned articulation of, ministry practices grounded in both scripture and theology. The emphasis on leadership and collaborative learning prepares students to serve effectively in parish and other ministerial settings, promoting healthy models of leadership that empower others. The programme also prioritises students’ personal growth through lifelong academic and pastoral development, ensuring that graduates are equipped for ongoing reflection, learning and professional development. By combining academic rigor with pastoral sensitivity, the MTh provides a well–rounded foundation for ordained ministry in the Church of Ireland.’
CITI has recently been the beneficiary of a large collection of books which will benefit ordinands for generations to come. Canon Will Murphy, formerly Diocesan Director of Ordinands in Connor Diocese and facilitator of the foundation course at CITI, has donated his entire library of books to CITI.
The Church’s Ministry of Healing: Ireland will hold its annual Service of Thanksgiving, Wholeness and Healing in Christ Church, Bray, Co. Wicklow, on Sunday at 3pm. The preacher will be the Rt Rev Patrick Rooke who has served as Bishop of the Diocese of Tuam, Killala & Achonry, as a Chair of the Bishops’ Appeal Advisory Committee, and, of course, as a Chair of the Board of the Church’s Ministry of Healing: Ireland. The service will use the Service of Wholeness and Healing from the Book of Common Prayer and all are invited to come to pray for healing for themselves or for someone they know. The Ministry Leader, Lydia Monds, will lead healing intercessions, and our prayer ministers will be available to pray individually with anyone who would find that helpful. Parking is available at the church (Eircode: A98 W866). Further details may be had at [email protected]
At Choral Evensong in St Patrick’s cathedral, Armagh, Geoffrey Perrin will be installed as a Lay Canon in succession to the late Garret Walker. Mr Perrin, who is a parishioner of Rathmichael in the Diocese of Dublin, served the Representative Church Body with distinction over many years.
On Tuesday there will be a lunchtime concert in St Mary’s cathedral, Limerick, at 1.15.with Catherine O’Carroll (soprano) and Irina Dernova (piano).
Published in the Friday edition of The Irish Times