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| General Synod 2008 || Thank You || Pipeworks Festival 2008 || Vacant Position |
General Synod 2008
The General Synod is the ultimate decision making body of the Church of Ireland. It is made up of over 600 lay and clerical members elected from the Diocesan Synods every three years. It meets for three days in May and considers amendments to the constitution, hears reports from sub-committees and debates motions on a wide variety of topics. Anne Cadoo and Andrew Orr are members from this parish.
This year’s Synod was overall a rather routine affair. The early nineties were characterised by the protracted debates on the ordination of women, while the late nineties saw the Synod in some turmoil over dealing with Drumcree. The early years of this decade were taken up with revising the new Book of Common Prayer; as a result the last few years have seemed especially quiet. The main features of this year’s meeting were the venue, and the address of the President.
The Synod met this year in Galway, the first time ever west of the Shannon and was generally agreed to be a success, with all venues within in walking distance. A memorable Synod Eucharist showcased the multicultural worship in St. Nicholas parish, and the church also hosted the Mayor’s reception the following night.
The President’s address was especially memorable. It was the first time that The President of Ireland had addressed the Synod. She spoke of the contribution of the Churches to peace building and reconciliation, often in times when all seemed hopeless, and looked forward to a new future.
“What we sow now, generations of Irish men and women will reap for years to come. The seeds of our historic problems were sown centuries ago in political and religious conflicts. Their bitter harvest endured too long…… I am ever-conscious that we are the first generation of Irish men and women who have been privileged to have been granted the potential of altering the course of our island’s history on such a grand and humanly uplifting scale…… make the island of Ireland the best it can be through the active citizenship of its people, bonded now in an historic and exceptional solidarity and for the first time able to say—they will know we are Christians by our love.”
President McAleese received a standing ovation from everyone present.
Among the items discussed at Synod were minor alterations to the marriage service, a change to the pension scheme, a proposal to pay Non Stipendiary Ministers, developments in youth work and interfaith discussions. The only proposal to generate widespread debate was that of attaching an explanatory paragraph to the 39 Articles of Religion, which dissociates the modern church from some of the hurtful and unpleasant descriptions of other Churches which were a product of the 16th century when the Articles were written.
Next year’s Synod takes place in Armagh.
Thank You
On behalf of Ada, Theo and Paul, I would like to say a sincere Thank You for the wonderful gifts you presented to us on Sunday 18th May 2008. The day will be memorable for many reasons but in particular the warm welcome and the generous hospitality that we received.
My training for ordained ministry commenced many years ago amongst the wonderful people of Castelknock and Mulhuddart with Clonsilla and the then Rector and current Bishop of Cork, Paul Colton. I learned many things from the many clergy colleagues - curates, assistant priests, to churchwardens, select vestry members, members of the uniformed organisations and parish office administrators that I worked with down through the years including the current Rector, Rev. Andrew.
So now I journey to Celbridge Union of Parishes feeling suitably equipped and strengthened in the knowledge that we always have friends in the area but encouraged that I go there in the power of the Holy Spirit.
May God be with you on your journey.
Kind Regards,
Robert
Pipeworks Festival 2008
It’s festival time again and a truly wonderful programme awaits all music lovers this summer. Read on for an overview of the festival: better still consult Pipeworks Festival website for full details and how you can become involved. www.pipeworksfestival.com or just call the administrator at 085 7868860 if you do not use web sites.
Pipeworks presents a diverse and exciting programme for its thirteenth festival. This year’s programme includes performances by organ virtuosi from the UK, France, Germany, the USA and Sweden; sees sixteen young, aspiring organists from Canada, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Norway, Russia, South Korea, the UK and the USA compete to win the Dublin International Organ Competition; features beautifully programmed concerts performed by the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra and the National Chamber Choir; and presents a silent film with live organ accompaniment.
2008 sees the festival expanding to include recital trips to Dundalk and the beautiful cathedral city of Kilkenny with associated recitals in Galway and Wexford. Performances by the Silesian University Choir from Gliwice, Poland and the National Chamber Choir acknowledge the great choral traditions of Eastern Europe.
The festival also presents Ireland’s major celebration of the centenary of Olivier Messiaen’s birth, with performances of all his organ works as well as some of his choral and orchestral music. In short, a wonderful array of concerts, recitals, and master classes in the country’s finest churches, cathedrals and concert halls.
Booking and further information: www.pipeworksfestival.com, email adminpipeworks at gmail.com.
Vacant Position
Got some hours to spare?
Caretaker required for St. Brigid’s Church, Castleknock
19.5 hours per week – times flexible
Would suit students, early retired or unemployed
Applicants must be 18-65 & must qualify under Social Economy project rules
Closing date 20th June 2008
for further information contact Bernie via the Parish Office.
| General Synod 2008 || Thank You || Pipeworks Festival 2008 || Vacant Position |
