Irish Times Notes
Church of Ireland Notes from ‘The Irish Times’
Lay Retreat
The Commission on Ministry warmly invites all Lay Ministers across the Church of Ireland to a special one–day retreat – a space intentionally created to pause, reflect, reconnect, and be renewed in God’s presence. In the midst of faithful service, ministry responsibilities, and the many demands of life, this day offers an opportunity to step aside from daily routines and responsibilities; re–centre hearts and calling in God; reflect on vocation as lay ministers; pray, listen, and receive; build connections with others in ministry
This retreat will combines gentle teaching, quiet reflection, prayerful space, and meaningful conversation, creating a balanced and nourishing experience. There will be guided reflections and spiritual input from experienced facilitators, extended periods for personal prayer and silent reflection and opportunities for fellowship and informal conversation.
This retreat is the first initiative of the Commission on Ministry focused specifically on lay ministers, recognising the vital role they play in the life and mission of the Church.
The retreat will be held onSaturday, 3 October in the Dominican Retreat Centre, Tallaght, and on Saturday, 10 October in Murlough House, Dundrum, Co Down.
The last date for registration is 20 September. Details and registration at [email protected]
The new academic year at the Church of Ireland Theological Institute begins today with an Introductory Weekend for all incoming students and all continuing non–residential ordinands. Today the new students will have an orientation in Trinity College with a welcome from Head of School, Prof. Gillian Wylie. Following other College presentations, the students will then return to Braemor Park for a Safeguarding training session with Niall Moore and Gillian Taylor followed by a tour of RCB Library.
Tomorrow morning, there will be classes on theological reflection and academic writing, whilst the Interns will have practical seminars on hospital visiting and self–care in ministry.
The weekend programme concludes on Sunday with Dr David Shepherd giving a session on ‘The Bible and Preaching’ followed by a Community Eucharist. The first semester proper then begins on Monday morning.
The Kildare Choral and Organ Festival concludes in St Brigid’sCathedral, tonight when St Ann’s Church Choir, from Dublin, directed by Thomas Charles Marshall, will present a programme featuring music by women composers, alongside choral works by J.S. Bach.
On Sunday the annual Elizabeth Bowen commemoration will be held in Farahy church, Co. Cork., at 3.30pm where the service will be led by the former Dean of St Partick’s Cathedral, the Very Revd Robert MacCarthy. The address will be given by Dr Mary Greene from UCC and the music will be directed by Dr Ian Sexton. In Dublin at 7pm an autumn series of organ recitals begins in St Patrick’s Cathedral where the opening recitalist will be the cathedral’s organist, David Leigh. The Archbishop of Dublin will be in the Holy Land to attend the Diocese of Jerusalem Majma (Synod) at the invitation of Archbishop Hosam.