St Columb’s Cathedral’s second Christmas Tree Festival was officially opened on Friday evening (17th November 2023) by the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev Andrew Forster, at an enchanting Opening Ceremony. The evening began with members of Londonderry Musical Society (LMS) — dressed in Victorian costume — welcoming members of the congregation as they entered the porch.
Among those who arrived to enjoy the festival opening was the Deputy Mayor of Derry Coty and Stranane Council, Cllr Jason Barr, who brought his young daughter.
The three clergy who officiated at the launch were the Dean of Derry, Very Rev Raymond Stewart, Rev Canon John Merrick and Bishop Andrew. Members of the Cathedral Choir and The Parish of Templemore’s Girls’ Choir provided music for the occasion, along with organists Nicky Morton and Louis Fields, and under the direction of Dr Derek Collins.
The evening began with only dim lighting in the church. Soon after the ceremony started, though, Bishop Andrew enlisted the congregation’s help in a count-down, after which the cathedral’s lights – and those on the many trees – were switched on together.
The ceremony began with the Cathedral in darkness. Ladies from the LMS, some carrying lanterns, processed into the nave, taking their seats near the front of the church. They were followed by members of the Cathedral Choir and the clergy.
Among the hymns sung this evening were ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ and ‘In the bleak mid-winter’.
The Christmas Tree Festival will continue until Thursday 21st December. The opening hours are 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday (until 1st December); after that date, trees can be viewed from 10am-5pm Wednesday to Saturday (right up until 21st December).
Leaders of the four main Churches in Londonderry took part in a joint Act of Remembrance at The War Memorial, in The Diamond on Sunday morning. The annual event is held on the Sunday nearest Armistice Day to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives for freedom in the two World Wars and in more recent conflicts.
This morning’s Service was led by the Pastoral Assistant at St Columb’s Cathedral, Rev Canon John Merrick, who was joined by the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev Andrew Forster; the Bishop of Derry, Most Rev Dr Donal McKeown; the Minister of First Derry Presbyterian Church, Rev Colin Jones; and the Chairperson of the NW Methodist Mission, Rev Dr Stephen Skuce. All five clergymen led those present in prayer.
Soft rain fell throughout the event, during which wreaths were laid by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for the County Borough of Londonderry, Mr Ian Crowe MBE DL; political and civic dignitaries; and representatives of various policing and military services.
The Britannia and William King Bands provided music for the ceremony, including a rendition of the National Anthem, and there was a poignant playing of The Last Post by a solitary bugler.
The event in the Diamond was followed by a Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving at St Columb’s Cathedral.
Members of Dunnalong Parish Church in Bready gathered on Saturday morning – Armistice Day – for an Act of Remembrance of those who gave their lives for freedom in last century’s two World Wars and in more recent conflicts. A two-minute silence was observed and wreaths were laid during a short Service, which was led by Rev Arthur Burns.
This weekend, Dunnalong is one of a number of Church of Ireland parishes in the Diocese holding festivals of remembrance. Camus-Juxta-Bann (Macosquin) and Tamlaghtfinlagan (Ballykelly) are also hosting exhibitions, holding special church services, and organising Acts of Remembrance.
The three-day festival in Dunnalong includes a display of wartime and Troubles-related memorabilia. Among its most striking exhibits are a S.E.F.F. memorial quilt bearing the names of dozens of people (members of the security forces and civilians) who lost their lives in the Troubles, and a ‘giant poppy net’ comprising 3,000 handcrafted flowers. Two members of Leckpatrick & Dunnalong MU, Ruby Hamilton and Jean Olphert, mustered the support of colleagues and friends to knit the poppies.
The festival will end on Sunday evening with a Special Remembrance Service, at 7.30pm, during which Bishop Andrew will preach the sermon.
Rapturous applause greeted the end of pianist Ruth McGinley’s performance as she concluded the inaugural concert in the CCCMSP Group of Parishes’ new series of ‘Christ Church First Wednesday Recitals’ series.
Ruth is a world renowned pianist and around one hundred people were in Christ Church on Wednesday 1st November 2023 to enjoy a programme which ranged from compositions by Rachmaninoff and Philip Glass, through to Mary Lou Williams’ ‘What’s Your Story, Morning Glory?’ and a track from Ruth’s latest album, ‘Aura’.
CCCMSP’s new Recital Ministry comprises a dozen concerts in Christ Church, Derry – on the first Wednesday of each month – all of which will be free to attend. The next event, on Wednesday 6th December, will feature the U3A choir.
Bishop Andrew was in County Donegal, on Thursday morning (October 26th 2023), to bless the new extension to Robertson National School in Stranorlar. The building was decked out in bunting and balloons as the school also celebrated its 60th birthday.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was performed jointly by Mrs Bonnie Oliver and local T.D. Joe Mc Hugh who, four years ago – when he was Minister for Education & Skills – announced the extension to the building.
Bishop Andrew was accompanied by the Rev Mervyn Peoples who has been pastoring to the Stranorlar Group of Parishes since the departure of the Rector, Rev Adam Pullen.
The entire staff and student body gathered outside, at the front of the building, as the Bishop led them in prayers asking God to bless all present and to bless the new extension. “May our children grow in wisdom and grace before you and all your people,” Bishop Andrew prayed. “May this school always be a home of truth and wisdom, of faith and goodwill towards all, and may this school help our community and build your kingdom of justice and light and peace.
“Almighty God, we give you our school, we give you all the teachers and staff who work here, we give you all the children who study here. We pray our school will be a place of great discovery and adventure and creativity. May it be a place where we love to learn and learn to love, a place where everyone is respected and all are deeply valued.”
Robertson National School was built in 1963 to replace the old school on Main Street, Stranorlar (where Andie’s Superstore is now). The school is under Church of Ireland management but welcomes all faiths and none
The building was first extended in 2007 to include two new classrooms. The grounds were updated in 2009 to provide a soft play area and ball courts. In the latest extension, a further classroom, a new office and SET rooms have been added.
Almost 200 delegates attended this year’s Derry and Raphoe Diocesan Synod at the Everglades Hotel in Londonderry (on Wednesday 25th October, 2023). Synod members approved a request to Diocesan Council to set up a commission to “prayerfully conduct a strategic review” of the diocese. The motion, which was proposed and seconded by the two Archdeacons in the name of the Honorary Secretaries, was endorsed without objection.
The day began with a Service of Holy Communion. Bishop Andrew Forster described the sharing of the bread and wine as “the most important part of today”.
In a brief homily, the Bishop shared three nautical images which he asked the congregation to bear in mind: the Church as a lifeboat for those who needed rescuing in the storms of life; as a lighthouse, sharing Christ’s light, and helping people to find their way through the difficult moments in life; and as a ferry – big enough, and with doors wide enough – to welcome all, accept all and bring all into the fellowship of the Church.
When the synod got down to business, a presentation was made to Ms Caroline Dickson, to mark her retirement after 40 years as Diocesan Architect.
In his presidential address, Bishop Andrew reminded delegates that this year’s Synod was taking place against the backdrop of a world in considerable turmoil. He said the events which had unfolded in Israel and Gaza since the dreadful terrorist attacks on October 7th had been “quite simply horrific”. The harrowing news reports from the region and the rapidly rising toll of dead and injured led us to turn to God both in lament and in intercession.
“We pray for an early end to the conflict,” Bishop Andrew said, “for the safe release of all the hostages, for relief for those in need, for peace and comfort for the bereaved and broken-hearted, and for a just and lasting peace for the region.”
Bishop Andrew said the terrible conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere in the world put our own challenges into perspective. “Yet,” he said, “we continue to pray for a restoration of effective government here in Northern Ireland because we need it. And we pray for those who continue to suffer because of The Troubles, those in this room who continue to suffer because of the legacy of the Troubles, and we pray that this country will find God’s peace and we’ll know his peace in our hearts.”
It was easy to become dispirited, the Bishop said. “In addition to the conflicts I’ve mentioned [in the Middle East, Ukraine, South Sudan and Yemen], we wrestle with enormous challenges such as poverty and homelessness, domestic violence, migration, famine, climate change – it can be overwhelming. But we are people of hope, people who seek to be faith-filled, hope-filled and love-filled.”
We would only be human, Bishop Andrew said, if we thought that the best days of the church were all behind us. “But what if they’re not? What if the best days of the church aren’t just behind us? It’s our church, of course, but first and foremost it’s His church, and Jesus says, ‘I will build my church.’ What if the best days are ahead of us and God is calling each of us to play our part in building His church?
“Sometimes our own context and circumstances may make that seem unlikely or unrealistic or unachievable – I get that,” the Bishop said, “but we are people of faith, and we believe faith changes things. The church might – not might, it will – the church will look very different to how it used to look; it looks different now from how it used to look; but if we were to ‘dream a dream’, to ‘have a vision’ as the prophet Joel puts it, what might it look like? What if we say the best days are ahead?
You can read the full text of Bishop Andrew’s Presidential Address to the 2023 Derry and Raphoe Diocesan Synod below.
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS
‘It‘s one of the main responsibilities of every diocesan synod to act effectively as an annual general meeting of the diocese, and that means that today we will receive reports from various committees and councils about the important work that they do and, this being a triennial year, we will elect members to serve on our different boards and to fulfil wider representative roles within the diocese and the Church of Ireland.
‘All of this business is important, indeed it’s vital for ensuring the smooth running of the diocese in its task of supporting parishes and ministry from Coleraine to Ballyshannon, and Dunfanaghy to Maghera. And yet, our time together today is much more than an annual general meeting. I regard it more as a family gathering, a family reunion.
‘We gather from every corner of our large and diverse diocese – from city, town and village; from countryside, mountainside and seashore; from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland; from Counties Donegal, Londonderry and Tyrone. In some ways we are a very disparate group of people, but these differences are a tremendous strength. Like the various strands which become stronger when they’re intertwined to make rope, we treasure our unity in the family of God in general and in the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe in particular.
‘Now when families come together, just like this family, of course they share their joys and their challenges, their hopes and their frustrations. They spend time together, enjoying each other’s company and learning from each other. And I hope and pray that today’s synod will have the feel of a family gathering.
‘I love that verse from Micah Chapter 6 which exhorts us all to “walk humbly” with our God. To walk humbly means we’re open to learning and to hearing, and in all humility, as we meet as a Synod, it’s important to be open to learning from each other, from other traditions and denominations. At equivalent meetings in the Methodist Church, with whom we are, of course, joined in covenant, discussions are often framed under the tile, “A conversation on the work of God’.”
‘I like that description, because ultimately the work of God and our commitment to that work are at the heart of all of our discussions and deliberations today. We share the joy and the privilege and the responsibility of partnering with God in the great work of building his kingdom. And today we’ll have conversations about the work of God in our own contexts and in the wider context of the diocese. As we’re called to that great work of building his Kingdom, I think it’s summed up beautifully in those famous words of Teresa of Avila:
‘Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
Compassion on this world,
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,
Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands, yours are the feet,
Yours are the eyes, you are his body.
‘Today – both formally in our proceedings, and informally around our tables and over lunch – let’s have conversations on the work of God in our parishes and in our own lives.
‘Now, as I travel round the diocese, week by week and Sunday by Sunday, I’m always struck by two things in particular: welcome and faithfulness. Without exception (well, without exception so far), I’ve been made to feel very welcome wherever I’ve gone and whenever I’ve come to be among you. Welcome, which is one of the ways we show hospitality, is hugely important in the mission of the church and, in my experience, we are people of warm welcome.
‘I also see a depth of faithfulness – faithfulness to your local parishes which is born out of a deep love of God and his church. This is exemplified in the hard work of clergy and countless volunteers not simply to keep the show on the road, but to ensure that the church is a blessing to parishioners and to the community at large. I want to thank you for your welcome and your faithfulness because we know that the challenges the church faces are great.
‘The tectonic plates of culture have shifted in all of our lifetimes. Most of us can still remember a time when the church was seen as important to society. Membership and attendance were the norm, there was a general acceptance of church in society.
We shifted, though, to a more ambivalent attitude, something along the lines of ‘Well, if it’s okay for you that’s fine but it’s not for me’. I think things shifted, yet again, from ambivalence to criticism (some of it very valid, it has to be said), and then to outright hostility as we sought to find our way through the cultural minefields of today. And I fear that things may be changing yet again, with hostility giving way to a commonly held belief that we are irrelevant and no longer merit much attention.
From acceptance to ambivalence to hostility to irrelevance.
‘That’s a remarkable and, let’s be honest, a painful evolution. Now, I know it’s dangerous to speak in generalities, and our individual experiences might be quite different – and I fully acknowledge that – but I do know that this cultural shift has been and remains hugely challenging for all of us as we seek to build the kingdom, to bless our communities and be a blessing in the world.
‘Week by week, I do experience welcome and faithfulness but it’s also clear to me that a lot of the time we have a sense that things are not how they used to be. Cultural change, falling congregations and the legacy of the Covid years have combined to make our aspiration to be a ‘Transforming community, radiating Christ’ more and more difficult. We’d only be human if we thought that the best days of the church were all behind us.
‘But what if they’re not? What if the best days of the church aren’t just behind us? It’s our church, of course, but first and foremost it’s His church, and Jesus says, ‘I will build my church.’ What if the best days are ahead of us and God is calling each of us to play our part in building his church?
‘Sometimes our own context and circumstances may make that seem unlikely or unrealistic or unachievable – I get that – but we are people of faith, and we believe faith changes things. The church might – not might, it will – the church will look very different to how it used to look; it look different now from how it used to look; but if we were to ‘dream a dream’, to ‘have a vision’ as the prophet Joel puts it, what might it look like? What if we say the best days are ahead?
‘Recently, I’ve been thinking of three words St Paul used in 1 Corinthians 13 – the three pillars of what it means to be a follower of Jesus and to live in the fellowship of believers: faith, hope and love. Now surely we can build better and stronger into the future if we are more faith-filled, hope-filled and love-filled:
• Faith-filled: when our faith, our confidence in God is strong, when we’re faith-filled, a faith-filled believer and a faith-filled church can not only weather the storm but find renewed strength in the storm. You know, there’s not one person in this room whose faith has not been tested, yet as we seek to build our faith – which I believe happens through prayer, devotion to scripture, fellowship one with another – as we build our faith our church becomes stronger. Faith is the antidote to fear and to doubt. A faith-filled church is a stronger church. We’re here to build faith.
• Hope-filled: faith gives birth to hope, and doesn’t our world need hope today? Hope is the lived-out expression of our faith, which tells us that no matter what our circumstances are that we believe his kingdom will come. I’m so encouraged by the hope that parishes right across our diocese are giving to their communities – hope to those who are lonely and on the margins; hope to our young people and children; hope that shines as a light in the darkness; hope to those whom we love and care for, and those outside that care at the moment. A hope-filled church is a stronger church.
• Lastly, love-filled: ‘And now these three remain, faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love’, says Paul. Love for God and love for his world is the fuel for our discipleship and of the church’s mission. In Ephesians we read a beautiful phrase that talks about us “being rooted and grounded in love”. Being rooted tells us that we’re nourished and fed by God’s love, and being grounded implies the strong foundations and the stability that come from living in the love of God. Let’s be sure our churches are love-filled, because a love-filled church is a stronger church.
‘Let’s not think the good days are all behind us. Faith-filled, hope-filled, love-filled helps us build better into the future. The church may look different than it did in the past but that doesn’t mean our best days are behind us. One of the ways the Church of Ireland is seeking to respond to the challenges we face is through its newly formed Pioneering movement. When I say ‘newly formed’, I perhaps should qualify that by saying that pioneering has been in gestation mode for quite some time. The project was launched recently and pioneering has a very, very straightforward objective: to reach ‘those with little or no contact with church’.
‘Now, on the table here you can see this candle. This candle was presented to me, to the diocese. One’s been presented to every diocese – all eleven – across the church, by our National Director of Pioneering, Rev Rob Jones, who’ll be sharing a little bit later on. It reminds us of the light that we can bring into this world – the lighthouse – to reach those with little or no contact with church.
‘At first glance, that seems like a simple goal, doesn’t it, but in many ways it will require a radical rethink of how we live out our God-given ministry? The diocese, through the good work of the Finance and General Purposes Committee and the Diocesan Council, is exploring options as to how we can support and help parishes in mission initiatives and pioneering.
‘In this address, I’ve sought to bring our attention to both the challenges and the opportunities that we face. As the synod’s proceedings continue, and as we have our conversations about the work of God, we’ll hear about the tireless work that goes on in our diocese, work that seeks to build a more faith-filled, more hope-filled, more love-filled church. I want, in advance, to thank all of those who will present reports today and who serve on our various committees, and I hope that our proceedings will generate both discussion and debate.
‘I am mindful that our synod is taking place against the backdrop of a world in considerable turmoil. The events which have unfolded in Israel and Gaza since the dreadful terrorist attacks on October 7th have been quite simply horrific. The harrowing news reports from the region and the rapidly rising toll of dead and injured lead us to turn to God both in lament and in intercession. We pray for an early end to the conflict, for the safe release of all the hostages, for relief for those in need, for peace and comfort for the bereaved and broken-hearted, and for a just and lasting peace for the region.
‘As we pray for the peace of Jerusalem for Israel and Gaza, we remember, too, that war continues to rage in Ukraine, and in some of your parishes I meet Ukrainians who have found a spiritual home in your churches and I thank you for the welcome that you have given to these dear people. Last month, I happened to be in Rome for a series of meetings with the Church Leaders Group. One of the most moving parts of it was an afternoon meeting with a Council of Churches of South Sudan. I was sitting beside a Bishop from South Sudan and as we shared around the table, he said that in his 60 years of life he had never known peace in South Sudan – in 60 years of life! Think of the struggles there and in Yemen. In many ways, such terrible conflicts put our own challenges into perspective, but yet we continue to pray for a restoration of effective government here in Northern Ireland because we need it. And we pray for those who continue to suffer because of The Troubles, those in this room who continue to suffer because of the legacy of the Troubles, and we pray that this country will find God’s peace and we’ll know his peace in our hearts.
‘It’s easy, isn’t it, to become dispirited? In addition to the conflicts I’ve mentioned, we wrestle with enormous challenges such as poverty and homelessness, domestic violence, migration, famine, climate change – it can be overwhelming. But we are people of hope, people who seek to be faith-filled, hope-filled and love-filled. In Matthew 25, Jesus tells his disciples that whatever they did for one of the least of his brothers and sisters, they did it for him. Just remember that as we seek to serve. For us, his followers, every single encounter with our brothers and sisters is an opportunity; and every single one becomes an encounter for Christ and with Christ. Using our hands, our feet, our eyes, our bodies – being a ‘Transforming community, radiating Christ’ – we can make God’s love known in our parishes and in our communities and in the world.
‘It’s always appropriate to finish one of these addresses with a word or two of thanks. The organisation of this year’s synod has been particularly challenging due to upheaval in the diocesan office caused by an unwelcome outbreak of dry rot. If you have visited the office lately, you will have seen the level of disruption that that has brought over the last number of weeks. So I want, on your behalf, to give sincere thanks to our diocesan secretary, Gavin Harkin, who deserves special mention for having ensured everything was in order for today. I get the impression sometimes when I’m out around the diocese that people think the office in Derry is some big, burgeoning bureaucracy, that has all these people keeping everything going but there it is over there – sitting by himself at that table – and I know all of us appreciate Gavin’s work and support, particularly this year.
‘I also want to say that I would find the role of Bishop next to impossible to fulfil without the support, and wisdom and help of our two Archdeacons, Robert Miller and David Huss. My thanks to them is both genuine and heartfelt. I am in their debt, as is the whole diocese. Please show your appreciation.
‘I’d also want to thank my relatively new secretary, Joanne, and her predecessor, Sarah, for keeping me right and making sure I turn up at the right place, usually at the right time (if it’s not the right time it’s my fault) and that’s no mean feat, given different competing responsibilities between the roles of Bishop and also, at the moment, of President of the Irish Council of Churches and so on; Sarah and Joanne must have felt like jugglers at times, so thank you, Joanne, for all that you do.
‘Lastly, I want to thank all of you – the delegates to this year’s Diocesan Synod – for everything that you do, not just today but throughout the year for your parishes, the diocese and our Church. Thank you for being here today for this Derry and Raphoe family gathering, for helping to create the warm, welcoming atmosphere for which this diocese is famous, and for joining in the fellowship that makes this occasion so special. So, now let us proceed with the business of Synod and let us have our conversation on the work of God.’
The Rector of the Parish of Kilcronaghan, Rev Rosie Diffin, described Saturday 30th September, 2023 as “a day of joy and gratitude and hope” as the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev Andrew Forster, cut the ribbon to officially open the congregation’s new church hall in Tobermore.
The parishioners beamed with pride as they got their first glimpse of the building, whose restoration was only completed in the last few days.
The Rector paid an emotional tribute to her parishioners for their efforts to make their dream a reality. “You know, you’ve worked long and hard to get to this point – it’s over 20 years – and this building is a real credit to you as a parish. So, don’t rush home. Take time to go round and own it and see this beautiful new church hall that you now own.
“Only last Saturday, someone came and stood in that doorway back there,” the Rector said, “and they said to me, ‘Rosie, this is a miracle, this is a miracle.’
“You know, it really is a miracle. God has so richly blessed all that we’ve offered back to him. So, finally, after more than 20 years, we come to this, what really is a remarkable day in the life of our congregation – a day that is filled with joy and gratitude and hope as we gather here in this beautiful new church hall.
“In that reading, from 1 Chronicles 29, we have this record of a time when God’s people had presented their richest offerings to God for the building of the Temple in which they would worship God. And in verse 9 we read, ‘And then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the Lord.’
“This parish has wholeheartedly offered freely to the Lord and so today we rejoice just as King David and the people of Israel rejoiced with their whole hearts over God’s willingness to accept our contribution to the building of His kingdom in this place.
“We stand here as those who know that outside of God’s blessing, this hall would never have come to be. God has blessed us, He has blessed us, and we’re grateful – we’re deeply grateful – as we look around this hall that has been built for the glory of God and for the furtherance of His kingdom.
“Each of you has contributed, along with many, many faithful members of this congregation who are no longer with us, and we remember them today with gratitude. We know just how much time and talent and resources it has taken to make this long-held dream a reality.
“We journeyed together through planning and re-planning, and re-planning, and at times it really did feel as though we were just like the Israelites who came to the edge of the promised land only to be led back into the wilderness.
“But then we grouped as God in His great goodness sent us [architect] John Simpson and he helped us to find a way forward, so that just nine short months ago, [builder] John McIntyre was contracted to build this beautiful hall for us.
“And I have to say, the way in which it came together was nothing short of a miracle. One moment the whole project seemed impossible, and the next we were clearing the hall ready for the building work to begin.
“God, who is the source of every blessing, has truly blessed Kilcronaghan Church.”
Bishop Andrew confessed that as recently as a fortnight ago he had doubted that the new hall would be opened on schedule, “so forgive me my lack of faith,” he said, “and well done all of you for working so hard to make sure this hall was finished. It is simply wonderful – it is absolutely wonderful.
“This says a lot about the family of God here in Kilcronaghan Parish and about your vision, and your commitment and your desire to serve.
“It says that you want to have a church and a parish that is filled with activity and I pray that this hall will be filled with activity, that it will be filled with young people and old people, that people will want to come to it, that the doors will be wide enough to welcome all, and that it will be a place where God’s kingdom is built up, the family of God blessed, and that people will come here and feel at home here.”
Bishop Andrew paid tribute to the long-term vision of the parishioners. “Isn’t it brilliant,” he said, “that we are sitting here this afternoon and there are babies in this hall? They will grow into children who will use this hall and into adults who will use this hall long after a lot of us have gone, and that says a lot about your vision, that you weren’t content just to have something for the here and now, but you want to build for the future – for generations that are to come. I want to say, ‘Well done,’ to that.”
The new hall was packed for the opening service. Hymns were sung by the parish’s ladies choir and its men’s choir, and afterwards the congregation enjoyed a celebratory cream tea.
The Rector and the Bishop then cut a substantial cake – baked and decorated specially for the occasion – and the cake was shared among the parishioners and visiting friends.
The Rector of the Parish of Kilcronaghan, Rev Rosie Diffin, described today as “a day of joy and gratitude and hope” as the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev Andrew Forster, cut the ribbon to officially open the congregation’s new church hall in Tobermore.
The parishioners beamed with pride as they got their first glimpse of the building, whose restoration was only completed in the last few days.
The Rector paid an emotional tribute to her parishioners for their efforts to make their dream a reality. “You know, you’ve worked long and hard to get to this point – it’s over 20 years – and this building is a real credit to you as a parish. So, don’t rush home. Take time to go round and own it and see this beautiful new church hall that you now own.
“Only last Saturday, someone came and stood in that doorway back there,” the Rector said, “and they said to me, ‘Rosie, this is a miracle, this is a miracle.’
“You know, it really is a miracle. God has so richly blessed all that we’ve offered back to him. So, finally, after more than 20 years, we come to this, what really is a remarkable day in the life of our congregation – a day that is filled with joy and gratitude and hope as we gather here in this beautiful new church hall.
“In that reading, from 1 Chronicles 29, we have this record of a time when God’s people had presented their richest offerings to God for the building of the Temple in which they would worship God. And in verse 9 we read, ‘And then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the Lord.’
“This parish has wholeheartedly offered freely to the Lord and so today we rejoice just as King David and the people of Israel rejoiced with their whole hearts over God’s willingness to accept our contribution to the building of His kingdom in this place.
“We stand here as those who know that outside of God’s blessing, this hall would never have come to be. God has blessed us, He has blessed us, and we’re grateful – we’re deeply grateful – as we look around this hall that has been built for the glory of God and for the furtherance of His kingdom.
“Each of you has contributed, along with many, many faithful members of this congregation who are no longer with us, and we remember them today with gratitude. We know just how much time and talent and resources it has taken to make this long-held dream a reality.
“We journeyed together through planning and re-planning, and re-planning, and at times it really did feel as though we were just like the Israelites who came to the edge of the promised land only to be led back into the wilderness.
“But then we grouped as God in His great goodness sent us [architect] John Simpson and he helped us to find a way forward, so that just nine short months ago, [builder] John McIntyre was contracted to build this beautiful hall for us.
“And I have to say, the way in which it came together was nothing short of a miracle. One moment the whole project seemed impossible, and the next we were clearing the hall ready for the building work to begin.
“God, who is the source of every blessing, has truly blessed Kilcronaghan Church.”
Bishop Andrew confessed that as recently as a fortnight ago he had doubted that the new hall would be opened on schedule, “so forgive me my lack of faith,” he said, “and well done all of you for working so hard to make sure this hall was finished. It is simply wonderful – it is absolutely wonderful.
“This says a lot about the family of God here in Kilcronaghan Parish and about your vision, and your commitment and your desire to serve.
“It says that you want to have a church and a parish that is filled with activity and I pray that this hall will be filled with activity, that it will be filled with young people and old people, that people will want to come to it, that the doors will be wide enough to welcome all, and that it will be a place where God’s kingdom is built up, the family of God blessed, and that people will come here and feel at home here.”
Bishop Andrew paid tribute to the long-term vision of the parishioners. “Isn’t it brilliant,” he said, “that we are sitting here this afternoon and there are babies in this hall? They will grow into children who will use this hall and into adults who will use this hall long after a lot of us have gone, and that says a lot about your vision, that you weren’t content just to have something for the here and now, but you want to build for the future – for generations that are to come. I want to say, ‘Well done,’ to that.”
The new hall was packed for the opening service. Hymns were sung by the parish’s ladies choir and its men’s choir, and afterwards the congregation enjoyed a celebratory cream tea.
The Rector and the Bishop then cut a substantial cake – baked and decorated specially for the occasion – and the cake was shared among the parishioners and visiting friends.
The Diocese of Derry and Raphoe was well represented at the 2023 Donegal Schools’ Service in Ramelton Presbyterian Church on Tuesday 26th September. Hundreds of pupils from 29 schools throughout Donegal made their way to the church which has established itself as the home of the annual service.
Clergy from a number of Raphoe parishes were in attendance, along with Des West from the Raphoe Diocesan Board of Education, and the Diocesan Children’s and Youth Ministry Officers, Kirsty McCartney and Claire Hinchliffe.
The theme for this year’s service was ‘Connection’ and clergy from the different Protestant denominations in the county were welcomed by the Minister of Ramelton and Kilmacrennan, Rev Richard Tregaskis.
There was loud and energetic hymn-singing throughout the service. The address was delivered in three parts by the Rev John Montgomery from Donegal Methodist Church and the Moderator of the Derry and Donegal Presbytery, Rev Gordy McCracken. With readings from Luke’s Gospel telling the Parable of the Lost Son, they talked to their young congregation about the importance of ‘connection’ with God, reminding them that even when they became ‘disconnected’, God was happy to see them ‘reconnect’ with Him.
Bishop Andrew made the Call to Worship at the outset of the service and later led the congregation in reciting the Lord’s Prayer.
There was significant involvement by the young people, with representatives of each of the schools reading prayers during the service.
As usual, as the children filed out of the church at the end of the service, the took with them ‘goody bags’ for each of their schools.
The Very Rev Liz Fitzgerald has been installed as the first ever Lady Dean in the long and distinguished history of St Eunan’s Cathedral. The historic Service of Installation took place on Saturday evening, 23rd September 2023 – the Feast Day of St Eunan, after whom the cathedral church is named.
The Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev Andrew Forster, told a gathering after the service that the new Rector had been appointed Dean not because she was a woman but because she was the best candidate for the position.
The incumbent-elect was presented for institution as Rector of Raphoe, Raymochy and Clonleigh by the Archdeacon of Raphoe, Ven David Huss, who also preached the sermon.
The Archdeacon began by commiserating with the new Rector because he said it was the third occasion on which she had had to listen to him (he had been the preacher when she was made deacon in St Columba’s Church, Omagh in 2015 and again, six years ago, when she was introduced as Bishop’s Curate in the parishes of Gweedore, Carrickfinn and Templecrone.
Archdeacon Huss chose an extract from Matthew’s Gospel, Chapter 28 v 19 – the Great Commission – as the theme of his sermon. In it, Jesus urges his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations.
“It is here,” the preacher said, “that our Lord Jesus Christ gives the church his parting words and our standing orders. He gives here a Great Project, ‘Make disciples’, and a Great Promise, ‘I am with you always.’
“If ever we are wondering ‘what are we supposed to be doing?’, the answer is here: make disciples. That is our task as the church.
“Not to maintain a building, or preserve an institution. Not to nurture an identity or to make waves politically. Not even to fill pews or balance books, to gain column inches in the paper or likes and shares online.
“All those things are good,” Archdeacon Huss said, “they have their place, but they are secondary to the great project – make disciples. That’s the imperative.”
Rev Fitzgerald’s husband, Sean, their son, John, and his partner, Eirinn Canning, were in the front pew listening to the sermon along with the new Rector.
“Perhaps some of you have a poor sense of direction (like me),” Archdeacon Huss suggested, “and when you’re driving to a new place you need to follow someone. Many’s the time I’ve been led to an unfamiliar house by someone who has said: ‘Look, I’ll meet you at such-and-such a place and then you can follow me.’
“And that works well unless you find like I have that going through busy traffic or after a junction you’re not quite sure if you’re still following the right car or someone else’s. It is worthwhile for each of us to pause and ask: who am I really following in my life?
“Am I trying to live up to the expectations of others: parents, neighbours, friends? Am I trying to chase success or popularity, pleasure or freedom? Or am I following Jesus Christ?
“That’s his call to all of us: ‘Follow me.’”
Archdeacon Huss said the first pillar of disciple-making was to administer the sacraments and the second was to teach the word of God.
“St Eunan, or Adomnán, whose feast is today, was among many other things a great teacher. He was Abbot of Iona and biographer of Columba, his relative and fellow-native of what we now call Donegal. The Annals of the Four Masters says this about him: ‘Adomnán, son of Ronan, Abbot of Iona, died on 23rd September, after having been 26 years in the abbacy, and after the 77th year of his age. Adomnán was a good man, according to the testimony of St Bede, for he was tearful, penitent, given to prayer, diligent, ascetic, and temperate… and moreover, he was wise and learned in the clear understanding of the holy scriptures of God.’
“Well, our learning may not reach the heights of Eunan, who has been called a great ‘sage of the western world’ and even ‘the founder of Scottish literature’. But surely he reminds us to place a high value on teaching and learning as foundational to our Christian task.
“We don’t make disciples by engineering or cunning or force,” the preacher said. “We use the methods God has given us: the celebration of the sacraments and the teaching of the word of God.
“That’s the great project for all of us: make disciples. Let that be the focus of this next period in the life of this cathedral and these parishes.
“But we finish with the great promise: ‘I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’
“What a promise. It’s the same thought as in Psalm 121 – we don’t go it alone: ‘The Lord is your keeper / the Lord is your shade at your right hand / my help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.’
“It’s why our whole ministry should be bathed in prayer, as Romans 12 reminds us: ‘Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.’ Because our ministry as Christians will be effective only by the power and presence of the Lord.
“Pray earnestly for the work of the Holy Spirit. Pray that his presence will go with us.”
Drawing his address to a close, Archdeacon Huss said: “What an exciting time in the kingdom of God and in the life of these parishes – which are not ours, but his. The Church for which he came and shed his precious blood to win for himself a people for all eternity.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Saturday’s Service of Installation was led by the Rural Dean and Diocesan Registrar, Rev Canon David Crooks. The Bishop’s Curate for the occasion was Rev Johnny Lowden, Curate in Glendermott and Newbuildings.
During the service, gratitude was expressed to Rev Canon John Deane and Diocesan Reader Peter Clampett who had led services during the vacancy which followed the departure of the previous Rector, Rev Arthur Barrett, to Glendalough.
A choir comprising members of different local churches led the hymn-singing, accompanied by Cathedral organist Renee Goudie.
After the service, the congregation made their way the short distance to the Cathedral Hall for refreshments and speeches.
Canon Crooks was applauded for preparing the liturgy for Saturday’s service (the new Dean thanked him for collecting her robes in England). Canon Crooks pointed out that the Bunbeg Group of Parishes – which Very Rev Fitzgerald had left after six years – had now produced its fourth Dean of Raphoe. Bishop Andrew told the gathering that the guest of honour was now the only female Dean in the Church of Ireland Province of Armagh.
