Diocesan News04 Feb 16

Diocesan ‘Year of Prayer’ Coming to an End in Raphoe

The Raphoe Group of Parishes are holding a series of events next week as the Dioceses of Derry and Raphoe mark the end of their Year of Prayer and Preparation and look forward to their Year of Opportunity 2016.

Throughout this year, parishes all across the dioceses will be focusing on mission, generosity and children. Over the last 12 months, every parish in the diocese has taken it in turn to organise a week of prayer in preparation for 2016. The 12–month cycle will end in Raphoe.

The Week of Prayer in the Raphoe, Raymochy and Clonleigh Group of Parishes will begin with a Service of Praise and Prayer in Raymochy Parish Church this Sunday evening, beginning at 7pm.

On Wednesday 10th February, St Eunan’s Cathedral, in Raphoe, will hold a 12–hour Prayer Vigil, beginning at 12 noon, to which everyone is welcome. On Friday 12th of February, parishioners and the wider community are invited to take part in a Prayer Walk around Lifford Town, which will begin at 7.30pm.

The week will conclude on Sunday 14th of February, when the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Ken Good, will join clergy and parishioners for a Service of Prayerful Celebration, beginning at 7pm.

The Dean of Raphoe, Very Rev Arthur Barrett (pictured above), says clergy, parish teams and parishioners have been planning a series of events for 2016: “We will be reaching out to the community during this Year of Opportunity, and engaging with people both in our parish and beyond in creative and imaginative ways.

“Like other parishes, we will be placing a special emphasis on Mission, Generosity and Children. This will be an exciting year for the Diocese, during which we – in Raphoe, Raymochy and Clonleigh – will be playing a full part. I am confident that through our various initiatives, we will realise our Diocesan vision, to transform community and radiate Christ.”