Diocesan News13 Nov 09

Launch of New 'Titanic Parish', Belfast

Brand New Parish to Launch at the Titanic Quarter

On Sunday 15th November 2009 the Revd Chris Bennett will be introduced into the newly created Titanic Parish by the Bishop of Down and Dromore, the Right Rev Harold Miller. Because there is no church building, the short service will take place in The Pump House Cafe at Titanic Dock after a guided walk from the Odyssey Complex.

The parish has been created at the request of the Bishop who is keen that the church has a presence in the Quarter right from the start. It stretches from the Odyssey to the far end of Queen’s Island with the Lagan as a boundary on one side and the Sydenham Bypass on the other.

Chris' title will be 'Chaplain to the Titanic Quarter', which effectively means that, for now, he is Chaplain to a business district. Workplace chaplaincies are not without precedent and the diocese has taken inspiration from several sources including a church in the heart of London’s Canary Wharf which serves both residents and workers in the area.

It is anticipated that the Titanic Quarter will eventually be populated, not only with businesses and their employees but with residents, students, tourists and local visitors out to enjoy the cafes and restaurants.

At the moment, however, Chris' church is hard to define. He doesn't have a building, he doesn’'t have a team, he doesn't have parishioners, he doesn't have a programme of meetings and much of the Quarter exists only on architects' plans. That, however, doesn't daunt him, and he is ready to 'jump in with both feet'.  'What excites me the most,' says Chris, 'is that this is a "blank page", a fresh start for the church and I really want it to look like something brand new.'

The launch will start with a gathering at 3pm on Sunday at the Streat Café, Odyssey Complex. Following this, there will be a guided walk to the Pump House at Titanic Dock with a Service of Institution there at approximately 4pm. 

ENDS