Irish Times Notes20 Feb 26

Church of Ireland Notes from ‘The Irish Times’

Climate Change Initiative

The Representative Church Body, in partnership with Benefact Trust, is providing new funding for parishes seeking to address climate change by reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency in church buildings.

The Church of Ireland has over 1,000 properties across the island and the funding will be made available through a competition which will close on Friday, 10 April

A grant fund of £300,000/€348,000 is available for innovative projects that cut emissions and inspire others.  The initiative aims to identify and support projects that will have a high impact over a long period of time, and demonstrate innovation and measurable environmental benefits.

Winning entries will receive grant funding, enabling upgrades such as renewable heating systems, solar panels, LED lighting, and improved insulation. These projects will serve as demonstrators, inspiring others and showcasing the Church’s leadership in climate action.

An application form is available to download at www.churchofireland.org/environment

Applications should be returned to Dermot Burns, the RCB’s Project Manager, at [email protected] who is available on 00 353 1 4125 660 for guidance.

Each application will be scored against the following criteria:– clarity and feasibility of project plan, including quality and realism of budget/funding mix; innovation and replicability; environmental impact and measurable benefits; risk assessment and mitigation strategy; community engagement.

On Sunday morning at 11am the Archbishop of Dublin will attend the Fr John Sullivan SJ Mass at St. Francis Xavier’s Church, Gardiner Street. In Christ Church cathedral, Dublin, the Lenten sermon at  the 11am Sunday Eucharist on the theme of ‘The homelessness crisis: A Christian response’, will be preached by Dean Dermot Dunne on ‘The Homeless Jesus in Context’.

The series of lunchtime lectures to celebrate the conservation of the clerestory windows will conclude in Christ Church cathedral, Dublin, on Tuesday at 1.10pm when the cathedral’s Research Advisor, Dr Stuart Kinsella, will speak on ‘Street’s 1871–8 Restoration. Unexplored Aspects’.

On Thursday the Bishop of Cork, Cloyne & Ross will begin a Porvoo Visit to the Diocese of Strängnäs in the Church of Sweden.

For those looking for a moment of calm in a busy world, CMH: Ireland will host a 4–week online journaling sessions, every Wednesday in March, from 7.30pm to 8.30pm. From the quiet wellspring to the expansive sea, we’ll explore our inner landscapes together in a supportive, shared space’. No writing experience needed; just find a quiet space, and have a pen, or pencil, or colouring pencils ready. Camera on or off, whichever is preferred. Book via www.ministryofhealing.ie

Jessica Brown is a published writer, poet, songwriter, teacher, narrative practitioner, and creative mentor. She has years of experience creating and leading workshops and helping others find their voice and articulate their stories. This series will help anyone who needs to find time and space to start writing, anyone who is curious about journaling, and anyone who feels a need for more creativity in their lives.