Peter is the Assistant Organist at the Cathedral and familiar with playing the Cathedral’s organ.  Speaking ahead of his recital, Peter said, “I am really looking forward to the next recital in Armagh. Choosing repertoire for a recital is always a fun process, balancing varieties of styles and sounds, creating something which will captivate and excite the audience.”

Peter continued, “For this recital I’ve chosen to start with what is arguably Buxtehude’s most recognisable work, the great ‘Praeludium inC‘, which showcases both a master improviser at work, and also his skill in strict and free counterpoint. I’m going to follow that with a set of chorale variations written by Bach in his student days, as he explores the possibilities of turning a simple hymn tune into a musical tour de force.

An arrangement of three pieces from William Walton’s music written for the film ‘Richard III’ in 1955 will lead into two pieces by the French master, Louis Vierne: an ‘Arabesque‘ and his iconic ‘Final’ from the first organ symphony, which reveals the glory and majesty of the wonderful Cathedral instrument.”

The Director of Music, Dr Stephen Timpany added, “As a regular player of the Cathedral’s organ, Peter knows all its colours and sounds intimately and his imaginative and varied programme will be a treat for the listener.”

The recital will last forty minutes and all are welcome to attend.  Admission is free, with donations to the Armagh Diocesan Singers, which will be matched by the Cathedral Board in appreciation of Archdeacon Peter Thompson’s work and the valuable contribution that the Armagh Diocesan Singers make to the choral tradition on the Hill of Armagh.

The next recital will be given by Canon Martin White on Sunday 22 November 2026 at 4.15pm.

The General Synod Board of Education (RI) greatly welcomes the announcement in today’s budget that the level of capitation at primary level will increase by €17 million which will provide an additional €68 to the capitation level at primary level and €40 at post–primary level (for free scheme schools). The Board also welcomes increases to funding for increase for SNA and teacher posts, along with the other increased measures. 

Archbishop Michael Jackson, as Chair of the Church of Ireland Board of Education (RI) commented:

”The grant increases announced in today’s budget will ease pressure on schools and families in coping with the day–to–day costs in schools, and will be a great encouragement to Boards, principals, teachers, SNAs, parents and pupils alike. I greatly welcome this timely provision in today’s budget and wish to express our thanks to the Government and the Minister for Education and Youth, Ms Hildegarde Naughton, TD, for recognising the increased financial need in schools.

”The Secretary of the Board, Dr Ken Fennelly, commented:

“The Church of Ireland Board of Education (RI) joined with a range of other education stakeholders in raising this issue in advance of the Budget and we are both relieved and glad that Government has heard the financial concerns which we articulated on behalf of schools over the last number of weeks. We are in daily contact with School Boards and principals so we know how rising costs are affecting school finances. We greatly welcome this €68 increase in primary level capitation and €40 for free scheme post primary schools.  We hope that these financial increases, and last years too, signal a recognition of the necessity to make the tackling of education costs a priority in budget considerations into the future.”

Today’s Budget 2027 announcements from the Government come at a time of great uncertainty and concern for many on this island. However positive the budgetary figures may appear, they must be translated into meaningful action shaped by compassion and moral responsibility. The common good depends not only on the allocation of resources, but on the values that guide their use and ensure that no one is left behind. As inflation continues to rise, and many are pushed far beyond financial insecurity, we must ask ourselves how equally these measures impact all areas of society and help those who are most in need. The Church, with its network of parishes and communities across the urban–rural divide, remains uniquely placed to provide an ethical response and legitimate commentary on these matters that affect human dignity, the common good, the most vulnerable in society, families, communities, and future generations.

As the world experiences a period of significant unpredictability, particularly in relation to the provision of fuels and energy, the increases in State pensions and core welfare payments including the Fuel Allowance are welcome. However, as many families seek to exist on fixed incomes, and many more struggle monthly to stay above the poverty line, there remains significantly more to do. No family should have to choose between heating and eating.

In the sphere of healthcare, the introduction of a €500 annual disability payment is particularly welcome as a recognition of the extra costs to those who find themselves living with or supporting disability. While this is a positive step, this area requires consistent structured support, rather than a reliance on lump sum payments. As Christians we are called to uphold the dignity and rights of all people.

One of those groups in our society which is perhaps most under pressure, are young families. While the measures introduced are welcome in their support of the rising cost of childcare, the reality is that many families require both parents to work full–time in order to make ends meet. Family life should not be undermined by economic pressure, and further advocation is needed to cement a work–life balance and parental wellbeing.

We all recognise that one of the defining issues of our generation is homelessness, and the chronic shortage of housing. The practical assistance of the expansion of the Help–to–Buy scheme is welcome, however the supply of affordable housing remains the more deeply rooted issue. The recognition that housing is a social good, not a market commodity, must remain the focus of us all. While the Government moves to address housing shortages, the national homelessness figures continue to break previous records, as young families are forced to live out of hotel rooms. 

Consistent and growing support for rural Ireland continues to pose a challenge. The wellbeing of rural Ireland ultimately depends not only on short–term financial relief but on sustained investment in the people, services, and community life that allow communities to flourish. The common good requires that no community is left behind because of where it is located. Transport infrastructure and interconnectivity between rural areas, and their greater environs, is something which requires significantly more investment. Investment in transport and infrastructure is not merely about roads, buses and buildings. For rural communities it is about connection, dignity and belonging. The true measure of these investments will be whether they reduce isolation, sustain local communities and ensure that people can continue to live and flourish in every part of Ireland, and are not penalised or disadvantaged for choosing to do so.

The Church is acutely aware of the way in which many farming communities are now struggling through the unprecedented increase in fuel costs. While we continue to focus on environmental stewardship and climate change, and indeed welcome the government’s commitment to these issues, the reality is that many industries still rely on traditional fuels. As part of the monumental transformation needed, the Government must ensure that those poorest households, and those at high risk of fuel price increases, are protected from what will be a costly energy transition. 

As we reflect on the opportunities and challenges presented by this budget, may we recognise the resilience and contribution of all communities throughout Ireland. Consistent and adequate investment in people, communities, and local services remains essential if our society are to flourish. In that spirit, we are reminded that “Let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest–time, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

The Most Rev Dr Michael Jackson

Archbishop of Dublin and Chairperson of the Church and Society Commission

The presentations took place during Choral Evensong in St Patrick’s Cathedral, when the scholarship tutor, Mr Derick Weir BMus, presented the candidates to Archdeacon Peter Thompson to receive their awards.  The successful candidates are from the parishes of Tullanisken, Ballymore, Drogheda and Crossdernott.

Derick Weir said, “It was wonderful to see each of the students develop over the duration of the scholarship. From those first lessons, when there was understandably some initial apprehension about learning and remembering all that the organ has to offer, to planning and playing for numerous services, the scholarship opened up many areas for growth and exploration, tailored to each individual student.  Each student has grown in confidence, musicianship and their knowledge of music for the Church of Ireland liturgy. I offer my warmest congratulations to each of the students and pray that they will continue to seek God’s guidance as they further develop their skills and enrich their congregations through their music–making.”

Archdeacon Peter Thompson added, “Music plays an integral and important part in our worship. The scriptures record Jesus and his disciples singing psalms, and the early church singing hymns of praise. For almost 2,000 years the music of Christian worship has resounded, and it is so encouraging to see young musicians continuing to train, not simply as performers, but as those who are skilled and equipped to lead the people of God in corporate worship. I also offer my warmest congratulations to those who have received their certificates, and I look forward to seeing many more offer their time and talents in this way in the years ahead.”

Applications for the scholarship can be considered at any time. Further information is available from the Armagh Diocesan Office, by e–mailing office@armaghcoi.org

• Watch a short video of Archbishops Eamon Martin and John McDowell inviting people across the island of Ireland and beyond to join them as they jointly recite the Prayer for Peace of Saint Francis of Assisi:    https://youtu.be/ZUokTn7uuPM
• See below for Archbishops’ joint statement.

Today, Archbishop Eamon Martin and Archbishop John McDowell are inviting people across the island Ireland – and beyond – to pray the Prayer of Saint Francis this weekend at home, at Mass and at services.In a newly recorded video, the two archbishops jointly recite the Prayer for Peace of Saint Francis.  Their invitation comes as the community faces the ongoing crisis at Drumcree.In the following joint statement, released in tandem with their video, the Catholic and Church of Ireland Archbishops of Armagh, stated:”We recognise that sincere views, painful histories and important issues that are at stake.  We ask a question that reaches beyond the immediate situation: ‘How can we be good neighbours to each other?’  We are calling on everyone to build patiently on the efforts already made to foster mutual trust and understanding between different traditions.  We also affirm the importance of respecting the rule of law and using peaceful, democratic processes, while asking Christians to consider what is generous and neighbourly, and what helps build peace and the common good.”The Archbishops continued, “We acknowledge the real hurt left by past violence, and the fragility of the present situation.  We caution against language that inflames division and urge people to make space for a peaceful way forward.  We call for an urgent, constructive, inclusive and reconciling initiative to help find a way through this crisis.  We again acknowledge our own failings, while we also feel deeply about the concerns of people in Drumcree and the wider community.  We remain willing to help guide people towards peace and a better future for all.””We ask all Christians, and all people of good will, on the island and beyond, to pray for peace, healing and reconciliation at this time.  The significance of the Prayer of Saint Francis is that it asks for the grace to bring love where there is hatred, pardon where there is offence, and hope where there is despair.  This prayer offers a way to pray, and a challenge to live: to let the love of God and neighbour shape our words and actions,” concluded Archbishops Eamon Martin and John McDowell.

Following on from our joint statement last Sunday and in light of the ongoing situation and discussions around Drumcree, as we approach the time of year when we remember Saint Francis of Assisi on his Feast Day (4 October), we are encouraging our clergy and people to include the well known prayer of Saint Francis in Sunday services and Masses, in family prayers and in private devotions over the weekend.

”Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me bring love.

Where there is offence, let me bring pardon.

Where there is discord, let me bring union.

Where there is error, let me bring truth.

Where there is doubt, let me bring faith.

Where there is despair, let me bring hope.

Where there is darkness, let me bring your light.

Where there is sadness, let me bring joy.

O Lord, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved as to love,

for it is in giving that one receives,

it is in self–forgetting that one finds,

it is in forgiving that one is forgiven,

it is in dying that one awakens to eternal life. 

Amen.”

He said there has been a growing theme in much of the work in the Diocese in the past year;  helping everyone to realise that ministry is broad in its scope and much greater than the work of ordained ministers. 

“There is a specific vocation to ordained ministry and it has a specific liturgical, sacramental and pastoral role, however there are so many other ministries and gifts needed to enable the body of Christ to function and develop,” he told the Synod representatives.

Speaking about the work in Clogher Diocese, he said; “We have been developing this as we have held discussions in various vacant parishes about ways of sustaining ministry going into the future.  We have begun to take seriously the presenting challenges of the context of our times; that is not so much a shortage of finance but a shortage of ordained clergy.  There has been a reduction in recent years of people sensing a call to stipendiary ministry, therefore a smaller number in training and being ordained.  This year there were eight ordinations in the Church of Ireland leading to curates feeding into the pool of clergy available to take up incumbencies in parishes right across Ireland.

“We must do something therefore to address this shortage of clergy.  Part of this is to raise awareness of vocation and to present the thought to our laity that God may be calling you to ordained ministry.  We have seen some modest uptake in this since we held our vocations evening last year: two of our parish readers have begun training for Ordained Local Ministry which is a recent development in the Church of Ireland.

“Earlier this year I was delighted to ordain Sarah Maguire from Rossorry Parish as a deacon OLM after she had completed her training, and she is continuing to work alongside her Rector Rev Stephen McWhirter.  I am the bishop who leads the OLM oversight group which supervises the training of OLMs in the Church of Ireland Theological Institute. OLM is a growing ministry and increasing numbers are now coming forward sensing a call to this ministry.  It enables lay people to train in a mix of online lectures and local learning hubs along with some Saturday sessions in Dublin at CITI.

“On completion of the course over two and a half years, they are eligible to be ordained and deployed in their local diocese by the bishop.  It is a self–supporting ministry; they do not receive a stipend as stipendiary clergy do but receive modest support from the diocese for their travel and other costs in providing service cover.

“We are fortunate to have three OLMs in the diocese (Revs Abraham Storey, Colin Brownsmith and Sarah Maguire) and their contribution to ministry is invaluable.

“Another growing area is in Parish Readers; Canon Lorraine is our warden of readers and there are currently nine persons training to become parish readers.  Some parish readers in time progress to become diocesan readers who are an invaluable resource for providing Sunday cover across the diocese especially at a time of many vacant parishes and giving clergy holiday cover too.

“Another aspect of addressing the shortfall in clergy able to take on incumbencies is to look at our parish structures.

“The Permanent Commission set up following our Diocesan review has been busy meeting with vacant parishes and looking to scope out the possibilities of sustaining ministry going forward.  Given the clergy shortage and the changing patterns of life we have been looking at the potential for a team ministry approach and bringing parish groups together.  The idea is to provide a ministry team of an incumbent, an OLM, diocesan reader, parish reader, DPA and others to work collaboratively to provide the ministry in that enlarged group.

“One advantage is that a wide variety of skills are available, it’s not just one man or woman and that finance could be released to enable a group administrator to be appointed and relieve the clergy from being deskbound and diverted from the essence of their calling which is pastoral ministry.

“We are at the early days of this, but our hope is that in a short while one new group might be able to advertise for an incumbent to be the team leader of a suitably resourced team.  More to follow on this. The lesson we are learning is that the church will have to creatively enable all its gifts of ministry, equipping them; lay and ordained, to enable the body of Christ to build and grow as we heard in the vision of St Paul.

“In a recent Diocesan Magazine article, I discussed the theme of heritage in church life.  We are fortunate in Clogher diocese to have a rich array of heritage assets.  For many church members, the word “heritage” suggests visible signs of faith: a familiar tower on the skyline, the sound of church bells, a stained–glass window, a memorial tablet, or a churchyard where generations of parishioner’s earthly remains lie at rest. They tell us that there has been Christian witness within our towns, villages, and countryside for centuries, with many of our churches tracing their origin back to the period of early Celtic Christianity in Ireland.

“Caring for these assets is important and I am grateful for the sacrificial work of Select Vestries in their management of the fabric of the buildings we have care of.  I am also grateful to the diocesan Architect, Rural Deans, Glebes Secretary, Property Assets Adviser, and Glebes committee in their regular routine work of inspections of churches and glebes constantly keeping maintenance and repairs to the fore in our parish life. 

“Church heritage is also found in the rhythm of weekly worship. As we begin the cycle of church life after a summer break, we become aware that Sunday by Sunday, Scripture is read, prayers are offered, hymns are sung, and the sacraments are celebrated.

“There is, of course, a danger in treating heritage as if it belonged only to the past. Christian heritage is not a museum display. The Christian writer Michael Marshall during the decade of evangelism in the 1990s, came up with an arresting equation which he believes applies in church life: ‘Maintenance minus mission equals mausoleum!’ It amplifies the thought that the church constantly needs renewal and must action Jesus’s call to mission – ‘go into all the world and make disciples…’. Marshall’s point is that if the church neglects its mission, it risks becoming a quaint artifact of history.

“The faith we have received is to be prayed, practised, taught, shared, and lived. Church buildings are most truly honoured when they continue to be places of welcome, worship, compassion, and mission. Traditions are most faithfully kept when they draw us more deeply into the Gospel and point us to reach out to serve the world God loves.

“So, heritage and renewal are not opposites. The Church is called to look back with gratitude and to look forward in faith, to be inspired by the saints of the past and reach out to the community today with the Good News of Jesus Christ.

“As I read the diocesan magazine, I am constantly amazed by the variety of parish life and the outstanding array of parish activities, outreach and imagination in doing new things.  In a few week’ time I hope to come back to my former parish of Rossorry to dedicate and open their new parish Hall, office facilities and worship area built beside the church.  This is a very exciting project and will provide a superb range of facilities to enable the parish to reach out into the community and parish in new ways.  I congratulate the rector and Select Vestry on this achievement and their faith to invest resources into the future ministry of the parish. It is great to see this and other signs of growth and development of the heritage of the parish and diocese.”

Bishop Ellis went on to refer to changes in diocesan personnel with a new rector, Revd Rodney Magennis instituted in Monaghan group of parishes and in the past year, two clergy moving away; Revd Ian Cruickshank retiring from the Carrickmacross Group and Revd Mark Gallagher, formerly from Trory and Killadeas Parishes, moving to Drumglass Parish with two retirements at the end of September; Archdeacon Paul Thompson, Rector of Derryvullen Noth and Castle Archdale and Revd Alan Capper, Rector of Lisnaskea.

The Bishop paid tribute to the work of Archdeacon Paul Thompson highlighting his diligent and effective service to the diocese, sharing his skills and experience in so many ways and serving on many diocesan and central church committees.

He also named his successor, Canon William Jeffrey.

Bishop Ellis also referred to the retirement of Rev Alan Capper who had served as Rector of Lisnaskea since 2009 saying he had contributed much to the diocese and parishes he has served in. 

The Bishop also paid tribute to several people who had served the Diocese in many ways, Mrs Una Bourke and Mr Robert Fyffe who had died in recent times.

Bishop Ellis thanked the Diocesan team and to the honorary secretaries for all their work.

He also highlighted the significant changes to safeguarding and how they affect parishes.

{SLIDESHOW}

As our community faces the crisis in Drumcree today, in which so many sincere views, painful histories and important issues are at stake, we cannot think of any time in the last thirty years when this simple message needs to be more urgently heard. How can we be good neighbours to each other? What can we do to patiently, constructively and positively build on all the sincere and generous efforts over recent years to foster mutual trust and understanding among our different traditions?

Respect for the rule of law, and use of peaceful and democratic processes are vital to a stable and democratic society, even when they are difficult and challenging. As Christians, we are also called to ask ourselves what is generous, what is neighbourly, what builds up peace and the common good among us? As disciples of Jesus, our golden rule calls us to turn the other cheek, to go the extra mile and ultimately, to ensure that love of God and neighbour is the core value that determines all our actions and decisions.

As Church leaders, we are profoundly aware of our own failings and inadequacies. Imperfect as we may be, we feel deeply the concerns of the people of Drumcree and the wider community that we serve.

We are willing to do all that we are asked to guide the feet of all, in the name, and after the example of Jesus, on the way of peace, and the building up of a better future for all. We call for the urgent creation of a constructive, inclusive and reconciling initiative to patiently find a way through this current crisis. Too much is at stake.

Dr Wilkinson’s term of office begins today (Tuesday September 1) and her appointment has been welcomed by the Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Revd John McDowell, and the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson. They also thanked Professor Lodge for her contribution to the Church of Ireland Centre, the 10th anniversary of which was celebrated yesterday.

In a statement the Archbishops said: “As Professor Anne Lodge steps down as Director of the Church of Ireland Centre at Dublin City University we wish to thank her for her unique contribution in that role. In her pioneering role Professor Lodge has embedded the Centre in the life of DCU and has consolidated its position within the school sector which it serves. We are very grateful to Professor Lodge for her diligence, scholarship and professionalism.

“We wish also to welcome Dr Jacqui Wilkinson into the role of Director of the Centre. Jacqui will be known to many within the Primary Education sector in the Republic of Ireland not least through her work on the Follow Me Patron’s Programme for Religious Education and through her lecturing at the Centre over the past number of years.

“The Centre is at the core of teacher formation within the Reformed Traditions in Ireland and plays a vital role in maintaining and passing on our ethos. In addition the Centre’s specialism in Small School teaching across every tradition is another valued aspect of our contribution to the common good in many rural communities across Ireland. 

“This is an exciting time for Jacqui, for the Centre and for the education community and we pray for her and wish her well as she begins her new role today”. 

On behalf of the General Synod Board of Education, Dr Ken Fennelly commended both Dr Wilkinson and Professor Lodge for their commitment to the Church of Ireland Centre and to education. “On behalf of the Board of Education I would like to thank Anne for her dedication in charting the pathway for the Church of Ireland Centre in DCU’s Institute of Education and for her leadership in its first decade. I wish Jacqui well as she takes on this role and look forward to working with her in the coming years,” he said.  

Dr Jacqui Wilkinson

Before becoming a lecturer in the DCU Institute of Education in the subject area of Religious Education, Dr Jacqui Wilkinson taught in a variety of school settings. She lectured in the Church of Ireland College of Education from 2010 until the date of its incorporation into DCU 10 years ago.

As part of her position she co–ordinates and delivers the Church of Ireland Religious Education Certificate to students studying for the BEd  degree and to teachers employed in Church of Ireland schools. She is the editor and author of Follow Me, the primary school Religious Education programme taught in schools under the patronage of the Church of Ireland, Methodist Church and , Presbyterian Church.

Commenting on her appointment she said: “I am delighted to be the new Director of the Church of Ireland Centre and to lead the Centre into its next decade. As a CICE graduate, this is for me a very personal and special moment in my career.

“I thank Canon Professor Anne Lodge for her collegiality and leadership over the past ten years and I look forward to working with Laura O’Sullivan, coordinator of school placement and other colleagues as we connect with students through their BEd degree studies and support and serve the network of primary schools linked with the Church of Ireland Centre.

“The Church of Ireland Centre is well established in the DCU Institute of Education and there are many opportunities for creative engagement with colleagues in the Institute of Education and the wider university in the years ahead”. 

Professor Anne Lodge

Revd Canon Professor Anne Lodge was the first Director of the Church of Ireland Centre in the DCU Institute of Education, having been the Principal of the Church of Ireland College of Education for seven years before that. The CIC was established under the legal agreement between DCU and CICE enabling the incorporation of the latter into the University on October 1 2016.

Anne played a key role along with other institutional leaders in the incorporation of three Colleges of Education in the Dublin region into DCU. She now reverts to being a member of the School of Policy and Practice in the DCU Institute of Education and will continue to work  as a Professor at the university while also serving as incoming Canon Treasurer and Priest Scholar in Christ Church Cathedral Dublin.

Speaking on her final day as Director yesterday Professor Lodge said: “It has been a privilege to serve both as Director and prior to that as Principal and to be part of the provision of teacher education for primary schools under Church of Ireland, Methodist, Presbyterian and Society of Friends schools. I have given 17 years to this work and, without question, it has been a life–changing experience. Parts of it were challenging but much of it was joyful. I am so very grateful to all those who worked and learned alongside me – all my colleagues, our students and graduates, our school networks at primary and post–primary levels, and all the individuals and institutions who are woven together in the partnerships into which we are embedded. I warmly wish Dr Jacqui Wilkinson every blessing on her journey as she takes the Centre forward.”

You can learn more about the Church of Ireland centre here: www.dcu.ie/church-of-ireland-centre

Armagh 20 October 2026, Holy Communion takes place in St Patrick’s Cathedral at 10am. Alexander Synod Hall, Church House, Armagh.

Clogher 24 September 2026, service in St. Macartin’s Cathedral, Enniskillen at 6.30pm St Macartin’s Cathedral Hall

Derry & Raphoe 21 October 2026, Communion Service at 10 am The Everglades Hotel, Prehen Road, Londonderry

Down & Dromore, took place in June 2026. 

Connor, took place in June 2026.

Kilmore, Elphin & Ardagh 10 October 2026 The Landmark Hotel

Dublin & Glendalough 17 October 2026 (timetable is not fixed) Alexandra College.

Meath & Kildare 10 October 2026 at 10.30AM The Charleville Centre, Tullamore, Co Offaly

Cashel, Ferns & Ossory 17 October 2026 Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny

Cork, Cloyne & Ross 10 October 2026 at 9.30AM Bandon Grammar School

Tuam, Limerick & Killaloe 17 October 2026 at 9.30AM Woodstock Hotel