News

Clogher Diocese Focus Article 2013

 

The past year has seen a number of significant occasions in the Diocese of Clogher, not least with the visit of Her Majesty The Queen and Prince Philip to Enniskillen for the service in St Macartin's Cathedral last June to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, which was followed by the historic walk across Church Street to St Michael's Roman Catholic Church, where the Queen was greeted by representatives of the local community.

However beyond the high profile occasions which attract much public interest, there remains a steady stream of varied and valuable work undertaken throughout the diocese by parishes locally and beyond in the service of God, and in the demonstration of love towards one's neighbour.

Mission

The Diocesan Board of Missions provided an opportunity for those who had taken part in overseas mission last summer to speak at a diocesan mission service about their experiences through serving God in other places, and sharing the love of Jesus with fellow believers.

One of the more tangible ways in which God's love is shown each year is through literally the thousands of gifts contributed to the annual Shoe Box Appeal. These are sorted and dispatched from Drumkeeran Parish Hall by Mrs Irene Boyd and her team of helpers for delivery to reach the needy before Christmas.

Youth

The Wells Youth Ministry Project, spearheaded by the Diocesan Youth Officer Jonny Phenix, is now well established and into its third year, with twelve new youth ministry initiatives in operation throughout the diocese.

During the year a Resource Exhibition was held for Sunday School Teachers, and a training event for all youth ministry leaders and volunteers was hosted in conjunction with Youthlink.

The Diocesan Board of Religious Education launched its latest resource, which encompasses a series of activities to help children and young people celebrate Advent with purpose and joy.

An evening with well-known author and storyteller, Bob Hartman, took place in Rossorry Parish where he spoke on the theme Bringing Bible Stories to Life'.

The Revd Isobel Nixon, Diocesan Chaplain of the GFS, hosted a very successful coffee morning in her home in aid of a GFS International Project for the Solomon Islands.

The Diocesan Board of Social Theology in Action achieved one of their objectives with the production of an exciting new DVD resource entitled 'UNEXPECTED', which looks at the misuse of alcohol and some of its possible consequences amongst young people.

The annual Diocesan Youth Council St Patrick's Day Walk took place at Castle Leslie Estate with a short service prior in Donagh Parish Church. Proceeds were in aid of an educational project for women and children in Kenya.

An Internet Safety Awareness for those of secondary school age was held in the Fountain Centre, Kesh.

This year the annual diocesan youth weekend was led by the Revd Simon Genoe with his wife Zara, and concluded with a Celebration of Praise led by the youth of the diocese.

Care for the Family delivered an event on the theme: 'Getting your kids through church without them hating God'. The speaker was Rob Parson's, founder member of 'Care for the Family'.

Community

In September a Famine Commemoration Day was held in Ardess Parish Centre, concluding with a Service of Commemoration of the Great Famine.

Also in September the diocese together with local Methodist and Presbyterian Churches and the Orange Order organised an informative evening on the subject of the Ulster Covenant entitled 'Making History Talk', which was addressed by Prof. Brian Walker and Brian Feeney.

Clogher Diocesan Celebration of Music was held in association with Enniskillen Festival, and included workshops for organists and singers, an organ recital and a "Come and Sing" event. This complimented the launch of a new music bursary scheme in the diocese, which has to date awarded thirty bursaries.

On 8th November the 25th Anniversary of the Enniskillen Bombing was marked with a Service of Remembrance in St Macartin's Cathedral, Enniskillen. An Taoiseach, Mr Enda Kenny TD, attended the subsequent Remembrance Day Service in the cathedral.

St Patrick's Day was celebrated in Clogher Cathedral with a range of events concluding with Choral Evensong led jointly by the Choir of the Cathedral Group of Parishes and the Choir of St Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Clogher.

On Pentecost Sunday the Bishops of Clogher, The Most Revd Dr Liam MacDaid and the Rt Revd John McDowell led the annual ecumenical open-air service. The service commenced in the Centenary Garden at the Sacred Heart Church, Irvinestown, concluding in Castle Archdale Parish Church.

The Diocesan Board of Education organised a Transferor Governors' Information Evening providing support and information for Transferor Governors of Controlled Schools in the Diocese. The Revd Ian Ellis, the Church of Ireland Education Officer (NI) and two local school principals, Mrs Joan Cathcart and Mrs Ingrid Logan, addressed the meeting.

Another information evening, organised by the Diocesan Glebes Committee, provided valuable information for those involved with the management of parochial property.

In January Dr Margaret Knox was commissioned as Clogher Diocesan MU President. The Diocesan MU Quiet Day took place in Rossorry Parish at which the speaker was the Revd Grace Clunie, Director of Celtic Spirituality.

Ministry

In August a number of Parochial Readers were admitted at a service in St Finbarr's Church, Carrickmacross. Currently six new Diocesan Pastoral Assistants are in receipt of training.

The Diocesan Ministry of Healing continue to organise a number of healing services throughout the diocese, together with fortnightly lunchtime healing services in Enniskillen Cathedral. Recently the ministry of healing organised a Carer's Family Support evening for those affected by terminal illness.

The Revd Bryan Kerr was formally acknowledged and admitted as Canon at a Choral Evensong Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate the 350th Anniversary of the Restoration Book of Common Prayer, at which the preacher was Prof. Steven Ellis.

At a Diocesan Youth service the Revd Arthur Barrett was formally acknowledged and admitted as Canon.

During the past year two new clergy have been welcomed to the Diocese, the Revd Brian Harper as rector of Magheracross, and the Revd Caroline Mansley as curate-assistant in Magheraculmoney. Capt. David Hamilton of the Church Army also joined the diocese as Evangelist with responsibility for Aghadrumsee, Clogh and Drumsnatt.

During the summer the Revd Ngozi Njoku will be instituted as Rector of Garrison, Slavin, Belleek and Kiltyclogher, and the Revd Anita Kerr will take up the position of Diocesan Curate in charge of Galloon, Sallaghy and Drummully.