The victims and survivors of the Omagh bomb atrocity were remembered on Sunday afternoon at a Service of Reflection and Prayer at the town’s Memorial Garden, a short distance from where a car bomb exploded almost a quarter of a century ago, killing 31 people, including unborn twins.
The service was organised jointly by Omagh Churches’ Forum, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and family and support organisations in the local community. Among the dignitaries who attended were the Northern Ireland Office minister Lord Caine, the Republic’s Minister of State for European Affairs, Peter Burke, and the former Police Ombudsman, Baroness O’Loan (who headed the Omagh Bomb Inquiry).
Clergy from the four main Christian denominations took part in the service, which was led by the joint chairmen of the Omagh Churches’ Forum, the Church of Ireland’s Rural Dean for Omagh, Rev Canon Robert Clarke, and Drumragh Parish Priest, Fr Eugene Hasson.
There was a touching passage during the Service when the Lord’s Prayer was recited in three different languages — English, Irish and Spanish. A young Spanish woman, Rocio Abad Ramos, and her 12 year old compatriot, Fernando Blasco Baselga, were among those murdered in the explosion.
During the service, Canon Clarke paid tribute to the late Fr Kevin Mullan, who had been a great support to the bereaved at the time of the bombing and had subsequently been a stalwart of the Churches’ Forum. Fr Mullan died earlier this year.
The Omagh bombing led to the greatest loss of life in a single incident in the Northern Ireland ‘Troubles’.
Another Service, this time a private one for relatives and others affected by the bombing, will be held in Omagh Library on Tuesday 15th August — the 25th anniversary explosion. In Buncrana, meanwhile, people will gather at Knockalla Park on Tuesday afternoon for public prayers to remember local children who died in the blast and the other victims of the atrocity.
Reverend Chris Matchett has been appointed Priest-in-Charge of the new Parish Group of Clondevaddock and Mevagh, in north Donegal. The 58-year-old former accountant, who was born and grew up in Londonderry, served as Rector of St Mark’s Church in Newtownards for 12 years and, prior to that, spent seven years as the incumbent of Magheracross (Ballinamallard), in the Diocese of Clogher. He also served two curacies in Down and Dromore.
It is a “bitter-sweet feeling”, he says, to be leaving St Mark’s, where he and his family enjoyed many happy years, but he says he is looking forward to seeing what God has in store for them in this new chapter in their lives and ministry. “We see God’s hand in this,” Rev’d Matchett says. “We didn’t go looking for the move. We weren’t even aware of the vacancy in Clondevaddock, but it was mentioned to us and we thought it could be the right move for us.”
Rev’d Matchett and his wife, Ali, have three grown-up children – the last of whom sat her A-Levels recently – and the couple will be moving to Clondevaddock and Mevaghwithout their children. “It’s a new start for us, but then it’s a new start for everyone in the new parish group. It’ll be the first time I’ll have been responsible for more than one church. I’ll be looking after four, now [the Church of Christ the Redeemer in Rosnakill; All Saints, Portsalon; Leatbeg Parish Church; and Holy Trinity Church in Carrigart].
“Obviously, we’ve been to the parishes. We’ve enjoyed the stunning scenery. We’ve met some of the people. We’ve been greeted with warmth, openness and generosity. You go there believing it’s the right time and the right place. Ministry in north Donegal will certainly be very different to ministry in Newtownards, but Newtownards was very different to Ballinamallard. There’ll be similarities and there’ll be differences. The task, though – what God calls us to do – never changes. I’ll try to be in listening mode and I’m looking forward to seeing what God has planned for us.”
Ali says she will always be thankful for the warmth shown to their family during their years in Newtownards. “We’re grateful for the time our children spent there as teenagers growing up as a church family. It’ll be hard to leave St Mark’s but the fact that the last of our children is leaving home now suggests, perhaps, that it’s the right time for a move.”
Rev’d Matchett says leaving St Mark’s and its parishioners will be a huge wrench. “We went to Newtownards looking forward to the opportunity, waiting to find out what plans God had for us, hoping people would welcome us. And that’s what we encountered. People welcomed us into their church family and showed us tremendous generosity.”
Bishop Andrew Forster says Rev’d Matchett’s decision to accept the position of Priest-in-Charge of Clondevaddock and Mevagh is wonderful news for the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe and for the parishioners in north Donegal. “This is an exciting time for Chris and Ali, and for everyone in Clondevaddock and Mevagh. I trust that his new parishioners will welcome Chris and Ali with their customary warmth and generosity, and that they’ll offer him their ongoing support and prayers.”
The Diocese of Derry and Raphoe is to get its first female dean following the appointment of Rev Liz Fitzgerald as Rector of the Grouped Parishes of Raphoe, Raymochy and Clonleigh and Dean of St Eunan’s Cathedral.
News of the appointment, by the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev Andrew Forster, was announced today at services in the Raphoe Group of churches and in Rev Fitzgerald’s current parishes of Gweedore, Carrickfinn and Templecrone.
The Omagh-native said she may have “squealed” when the proposition was initially put to her by Bishop Forster to succeed Rev Arthur Barrett as Dean. “I think I squealed, ‘Who me?’”
Mrs Fitzgerald says she is looking forward to the challenge immensely. “Being invited to be Rector of the Raphoe Group and Dean of St Eunan’s Cathedral is very exciting and I’m really looking forward to it. When I was ordained curate, I never thought that I would see a time when I would be in full-time ministry in a parish, so that is very exciting for me. My grandmother lived next door to St Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh. As a child I’d be in and out of the Cathedral and I just loved the feeling and the atmosphere and I would have worshipped there, so to be invited to be Rector of St Eunan’s Cathedral is wonderful. The ‘Dean bit’ I think is exciting, it’s a privilege. I’ve a lot of learning to do.”
St Eunan’s has a long and distinguished history. The church is 800 years old and people have prayed on the site for 1,400 years. While acknowledging the historic nature of her appointment, Rev Fitzgerald says she is undaunted by it, putting her trust in God.
“I was brought up in a family where we considered professions as genderless. If it was the right person in the right place to do the right job that was good. The fact that I’ve been appointed [St Eunan’s Cathedral’s] first lady Dean, I don’t feel weighed down by it at all. I think it’s very exciting. It’s certainly an historic event, but I feel the weight of the calling more than the weight of history. Am I daunted? I just feel spiritually guided. I feel spiritually very content in what I’ve been asked to do, and I feel God will be my guide and will see me through it – but I still have to do the graft.”
Rev Fitzgerald will miss her parishioners in west Donegal. “My part of Donegal – Bunbeg, Carrickfinn, Dungloe – is beautiful, and what makes it beautiful is the good, kind people, my parishioners and the people in the community. But about a year ago I had a restlessness deep inside me which I tried to ignore and tried to leave to one side. That restlessness continued all of last year. [Rev Fitzgerald’s husband] Sean had a huge role in Rotary Ireland, my son was on placement in Belfast, our life was upside down and then, all of a sudden, our life is now calm. Sean’s retired. Rotary has stopped. This offer has been presented to me and I’ve said ‘Yes’ because the time is right, I’m ready for another challenge – I’ve time for another challenge – and I thank the Lord that this is my challenge.”
“I’ve always loved the sense of peace in Raphoe Cathedral. It never, ever dawned on me that I would actually end up being Rector of a cathedral and whenever it was proposed to me, I just heard God say, ‘This is yours’. It was the strangest feeling. I didn’t stop and think about it. I just put it totally in God’s hands, and that’s why I’m so calm and excited all at once.”
Rev Fitzgerald says she is not totally sure what being Dean of St Eunan’s entails in its entirety but says she is up for the challenge. “I feel energised, I feel awakened. Sean even said this morning that I look 10 years younger. This has reawakened my call, my duty. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and learn about the administrative roles and responsibilities of being Dean and Rector, as well as the pastoral needs and the worship needs involved. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and go.”
A date has yet to be finalised for Rev Fitzgerald’s institution as Rector and installation as Dean. “The only thing that I have in my head,” Rev Fitzgerald says, “is that St Eunan’s Day is the 23rd of September and it would be lovely if something could happen around St Eunan’s Day.
“It’s all a bit of a fantasy to me. George Otto Simms was the Archbishop in Armagh when I was a child. He inspired in me how central to the Church and yet how important to our faith a cathedral and cathedral worship can be. I just feel privileged. Thank you, God. Thank you for letting me serve this way.”Bishop Forster has congratulated Rev Fitzgerald on her appointment and thanked her for her ministry in the Gweedore Group. “On behalf of the Diocese, I wish to express my gratitude to Liz for her generous and faith-filled witness in Gweedore, Carrickfinn and Templecrone. She is a gifted priest and pastor, and will share those gifts with her new parishioners in Raphoe, Raymochy and Clonleigh. I trust that parishioners in Raphoe, Manorcunningham and Lifford will welcome Liz warmly and offer her their prayers and support.”
Bishop Andrew Forster ordained two new deacons for the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe at a St Peter’s Day service in St Columb’s Cathedral in Londonderry. Rev Brian Robinson will serve in the Balteagh Group of Parishes and Rev Sean McClafferty will serve in the Taughboyne Group.
Rev McClafferty’s wife, Jennifer, and their daughter, Zara, were in the Cathedral for the service, as were Rev Robinson’s wife, Mary, his mother, Joyce, and his son, Andrew. In the days leading up to their ordination, the two new deacons spent time on retreat with Bishop Andrew and the Diocese’s two Archdeacons, Venerable David Huss and Venerable Robert Miller.
Bishop Andrew said it was a pleasure and an honour to welcome the congregation to St Columb’s Cathedral on a very, very special occasion. It was, he said, an evening of delight and celebration, but it was also an evening of solemnity and prayer. “We know that this step of faith, that Sean and Brian take, is of deep significance to them and to the whole Church,” Bishop Andrew said, “so, we come seeking the support, the help and the equipping of God’s Holy Spirit.”
The Dean of Derry, Very Rev Raymond Stewart, and the Parish of Templemore’s Pastoral Assistant, Rev Canon John Merrick, took part in the service, along with the Bishop and the two Archdeacons. The Diocesan Registrar, Rev Canon David Crooks, and the Balteagh Group Rector, Rev Rhys Jones, delivered the first and second readings, while the Gospel was read by the Dean.
In his sermon, Bishop Andrew described ordinations as “special” occasions. Thursday evening’s service had “an added specialness”, he said, because it marked the beginning of a new form of ministry in the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe – Ordained Local Ministry. “As this new sphere of service begins, tonight, your families, your friends, your parishes, the Diocese and, indeed, the whole Church of Jesus Christ is right with you, it delights in you, and tonight we want to bless you in the name of God as you take this hugely significant step in your journey of faith.”
An ordination reminded all of us, not just those who are being ordained, that we were bearers of Good News, Bishop Andrew said, that we shared light where there was darkness, brought hope instead of despair, and shared purpose instead of disillusionment.
“Tonight,” he said, “as we celebrate and anticipate, we delight in the power of the Gospel to bring salvation and hope to a needy world.
“The culture that we live in has shifted in most of our lifetimes. When I was boy, society was fairly positive about the Christian faith. It was seen as a good thing to be part of a church. It was seen as a positive thing to hold to Christian values. And then there was a bit of a shift where it maybe became fairly neutral, where society really didn’t care that much about church, didn’t really care that much about faith, and sort of said, ‘Well, if that’s what you want [then] that’s fine.’ But, you know, over the last number of years I think there’s been another shift, where society around us has become actually pretty hostile to Christian faith, pretty hostile to the things that we hold to be the greatest treasures for the world.
“Now, what do we do in a situation like that? Well, first of all, it doesn’t do us any good just to sort of hark back to the past and think of some golden days that didn’t really ever exist, to be honest, and wish that we were like that again. It’s not going to happen. It’s in the past. What we need to do now is work out through the spirit of God, and through engaging with His word, what it means to live faithfully, to live fruitfully and to live positively for Jesus Christ in the culture of today.
“And I believe that even in that sort of sense of negativity about faith, God still calls us to be confident in Christ. He calls us to be confident people, and we have much to be confident in, we have plenty to be positive about. Why? Because you will attest to it. Faith in Jesus Christ works. It works in every culture and every country. It works for every age group and profession. It works for every colour and class.
“All over the world, and in this cathedral tonight, there are people who will tell you how Jesus Christ has rescue them from addiction and desperation, from despair and hopelessness. All over the world, and right across our diocese, there are churches that are making a positive difference. They are sharing hope and love in their communities.
“Do you know, it’s the most wonderful thing in the world to be a follower of Jesus Christ, and it’s the most wonderful thing to be part of His family in what we call the Church of Jesus Christ. So, don’t lose confidence in what God has called us to be and what He calls us to do for Him.”
Bishop Andrew reflected on the Gospel reading (Mark 10: 35-45, recounting ‘The Request of James and John’ [to sit at Jesus’s right and left hand in His glory]). The Bishop felt the passage explained how bearers of the Good News ought to proclaim the Good News. “‘Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be slave of all,’ says Jesus”.
Bishop Andrew shared with the congregation an account of a dinner party that he and his wife attended, a number of years ago, in a rather smart part of London. They were greeted on arrival by a butler who took their coats and ushered them into the drawing room. When the time came for dinner, they were brought to the dining room where the meal was served by a maid. “Whenever we left that house, we thought, ‘What wonderful hosts – how kind they were, how good the food was, and how relaxed they made us feel – and they did. We never really thought that much about the staff, who had the place looking great, who had prepared the meal, and I’m sure did the dishes. And I suppose that meant the staff had done their job really well. They brought all the attention to the master of the house.
“Now, in the passage, Jesus tells us that the very heart of all of our ministry – and the ministry of a deacon has a special emphasis on this – that the very heart of all our ministry is servanthood – to be a servant. And as servants, it’s all about bringing attention to the master. That’s what we’re about. That’s what we’re for: to bring attention to Jesus, so that people will find hope in Him. And I think the passage tells us about the character of a servant and the characteristics of servanthood.”
Bishop Andrew said that in the Gospel reading, James and John had shown an unfortunate paradox that all in ministry had to be very careful of. They hoped to honour Jesus whilst honouring themselves. “How easily worship and discipleship can be blended with self- interest or, worse, self-interest masked as worship and discipleship. We see something completely different with Jesus. He renounces status for the wellbeing of those He comes to
serve. And I’m sure that the character of a disciple, that the character of a servant, needs to be one which decides to turn from self-interest and to renounce a worldly view of status.
“You see, James’ and John’s request, to be honest, was elitist and self-serving, and there’s a lot in our society today that would tempt us to act in the same way. No temptation is stronger or subtler than pride. Pastors and church leaders are vulnerable, because we’re always in the limelight. And it’s exactly what we see with James and John – pride crept in. And we need constantly to remember that Jesus introduced into the world a new style of servant leadership. The character of a disciple? Whoever wants to become great amongst you must be your servant. And whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.
“One scholar, T.W. Manson, sums it up like this: ‘In the Kingdom of God, service is not a steppingstone to nobility, it is nobility – the only nobility that is recognised.'”
Bishop Andrew said Jesus was the obvious role model for Christians and Christian leaders. “When we look to Christ, we see the ultimate in self-giving and self-sacrifice. We see the one who poured Himself out for us, who met people at their point of need, who knew tiredness and hunger and rejection, He knew what it was to be unfairly treated and maligned.”
Servanthood is not easy, Bishop Andrew said. ‘The slave of all’, as Jesus put it, would know pain and heartache. “Discipleship is not an easy option. Look at the great heroes of Scripture. Abraham had to up sticks and leave all that he was familiar with. Moses had to risk his life and go to Pharaoh and say, ‘Let my people go’. Job had to endure the unfairness of suffering. Mary had to live with gossip and whispering. Paul was shipwrecked and flogged. The disciples endured martyrdom. Jesus goes to the cross. Servanthood is not easy, but it is how we will reach out to this needy world with the cause of the Gospel.”
The Bishop recalled his own ordination in offering some words of advice for the new deacons. “Brian and Sean, guard your own spiritual life because without it our ministry fails. When I was ordained, I was given a card by an elderly clergyman who has now gone to receive his heavenly reward. I don’t know whether these were his words or not but he put this on the card: ‘Andrew, stay close to Jesus, stay close to His word and stay close to people’. It was good advice and it’s good advice that has stood the test of time and it’s good advice for you gentlemen, too.”
Music for Thursday’s Service of Ordination was provided by The Cathedral Choir, directed by Dr Derek Collins, and accompanied by Mr Nicky Morton on the organ.
There was a mood of celebration and tremendous thankfulness in Derg Parish Church on Thursday evening as Rev Claire Henderson was ordained priest by the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev Andrew Forster. The new curate has battled against serious illness in the three years since she was ordained deacon, including two spells in intensive care. Bishop Andrew said to Rev Henderson, “After what you’ve been through these last number of years, Claire, this was just the work of God’s spirit that you were brought to these parishes [of Derg and Termonamongan]. I really think God’s hand was in that.”
The new priest served her most of her diaconate under the guidance of the Rector of the Derg Group of Parishes, Rev Peter Ferguson, who preached the sermon at the Service of Ordination. The new curate’s parents, George and Jean, sat beside her in the front pew, along with her brother, David, who delivered the first reading.
In his sermon, the Rector recounted his great admiration for the famous polar explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose 1914 expedition on the ship Endurance was, he said, regarded as the greatest example of survival in history. “If the words ‘endurance’ and ‘survival’ could be applied to anyone I have the privilege to know,” Rev Ferguson said, “it would be to Claire.”
Thursday evening’s service was more than an ordination, the Preacher said. “It’s a celebration of life and grateful thanks to God for His grace. It is remarkable that we stand with Claire here today. Praise be to the Lord.”
Rev Henderson’s experience had prompted Rev Ferguson to choose a passage from Hebrews 12:1-12 for the first reading. “I keep thinking of these words when I think of Claire,” he said. “‘Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.’
“I love these verses. They remind us that as Christians we are in Jesus’s team. We don’t live the Christian life or run the Christian race alone, and we see evidence of that this evening all around. We have a great cloud of witnesses. We are part of Jesus’s family and team from all over the world and all over the ages who cheer each other on. And so, Claire, hear those words: keep going, don’t give up, persevere.
“I’m sure Claire can testify to so many who have heard and prayed for her over the years. I think of her parents. Without their love and Christian example, would we be here today? And I think of so many who have cheered Claire on in recent years, in her home parish, in our rural deanery, in the diocese and beyond.
“Run the race with perseverance. In 2020, in ‘lock-down’, Claire was ordained deacon and after a short spell in Raphoe joined us in Derg and Killeter, at a time when we were recording services online. Claire you don’t like taking the easy approach, do you, at all?” That was borne out by Rev Henderson’s bouts of serious illness (which resulted in her admitted to ICU on two occasions). “I remember Claire sending me messages from ICU about parish ministry and ideas that she had. I said, ‘Claire, you’re in ICU; would you rest for goodness sake?’”
The preacher spoke, too, about “the amazing places and people” Jesus leads us to when we are on His team. “Reverend Claire, just think of it: from being a long-term patient in the S.W.A.H. to visiting others in that very ward – encouraging patients and staff alike – with a totally unique insight; to standing in this pulpit and other pulpits with a message to share; leading bible studies and leading sessions on mental health; developing a new outreach ministry in our parish group for seniors called ‘JOY’ – Just Older Youth (and yes Claire came up with that title and I think it’s a great one, ‘JOY’, Just Older Youth. What an adventure and Claire, the adventure continues.
“As Claire embarks on this significant step, may we embark upon it with her. Jesus isn’t finished with us yet and he never will be, so we keep going, we keep running with our eyes fixed on him. The adventure continues for Claire and the adventure continues for us all.”
Rev Ferguson said he was excited about the next step in his curate’s “adventure with God” and what it would mean for the clergy team, the parish group, the rural deanery and the diocese as she entered into part-time stipendiary curacy.
The Rector and the Bishop were joined by two Archdeacons for Thursday’s service, Venerable Robert Miller (Archdeacon of Derry) and Venerable David Huss (Archdeacon of Raphoe). Rev Carmen Hayes was the Bishop’s Curate for the occasion. Clergy from both dioceses attended the service and took part in the ‘laying on of hands’. Music for the service was provided by the Derg Parish Group organist, Gordon Speer.
Afterwards, the congregation moved to the nearby parish youth hall for refreshments and speeches. The new curate said: “Most of you’ll know this has been quite the journey for me. I was ordained at the height of Covid in 2020 and I was meant to be in Raphoe but Dean Arthur [Barrett] moved on and I was reassigned to Peter.”
Rev Henderson thanked her rector for his leadership and support. During her three years as Deacon, she said, she had spent a long time in hospital but knew the whole time that the parishes were praying for her. “That kept me strong, and they’re still praying for me and that’s what keeps me going”. She was excited now to see what the future held for her as curate in Derg and Termonamongan.
Bishop Andrew also thanked the Rector for the training he had been providing for Rev Henderson, and expressed gratitude, too, to the parishioners of St John’s and St Bestius’ Churches. “What you’ve found in Derg and Termonamongan,” he told Rev Henderson, “are warm-hearted, big-hearted, loving-hearted people who have taken you to their hearts, and cared for you and have been blessed by you as you seek to be a blessing to them.”
The Bishop recalled how inspirational Claire had been during her spells in hospital. “When Claire was in hospital – it was Covid times, and we couldn’t [visit] – and I used to phone her up, knowing she was really ill, and yet she was cheerful, she was positive, she was prayerful, she was faith-filled. It was really humbling for me.
“So, Claire, we just delight, tonight. At times we wondered was this going to happen, were you going to be able to take the next step in ministry? And the Lord has provided the way and we bless His holy name for that and give Him the glory in what He’s been doing in your life and what He continues to do in the life of these great parishes.”
Sixty years after their voyage by currach to Iona – following in the spiritual and historical slipstream of Saint Columba – the four surviving crew members gathered with relatives and friends in St Patrick’s Church in Bunbeg last Sunday, the saint’s feast day, for a special service commemorating and celebrating their epic journey.
The idea for the original pilgrimage had been conceived by the late Canon John Barry, then-Rector of Hillsborough, as a way of marking the 1400th anniversary of Columba’s voyage to the Scottish island where he was to settle, found a monastery and, eventually, die.
The crew for the journey was assembled by Maghera parishioner Wallace Clarke, a well-known and highly respected sailor (who also acted as skipper), and the boat was built by Bunbeg parishioner Jim Boyd, who was part of the crew who rowed to Iona.
Of the thirteen who made the journey, only four are still alive – Jim, Billy Patterson, Alistair Jameson and Jim Connolly. The quartet joined the Bishop’s Curate -in-Charge of Gweedore, Carrickfinn and Templecrone, Rev Liz Fitzgerald, in Bunbeg Parish Church last Sunday for a service which had ‘Journey of Faith’ as its theme.
Rev Fitzgerald began by reading an extract from an article in the June 1962 Church of Ireland Gazette which described the planning that had gone into the journey. She told the congregation that the voyage of 60 years ago had been a “journey of faith” as the men rowed in their 30-foot by 5-foot-seven currach to Iona – faith that they would make it safe and sound. It was also, she said, a journey of faith as in a pilgrimage; the adventure and journey deepened the faith and commitment these men had for their Lord God.
Throughout the service, a cross that the crew made and took with them to Iona, 60 years ago, was displayed at the front of the church. The service ended with a slide show and a talk about the voyage, and this in turn was followed by tea, fellowship and then lunch.
Mr Boyd disclosed that he had received a letter from the curator of the Tower Museum in Londonderry confirming that the original currach was in safe storage and would feature as an exhibit when the new maritime museum opens.
Note: the first photo shows the four surviving crew members (front row left to right) Jim Boyd and Billy Patterson; and (back row left to right) Alistair Jameson and Jim Connolly.
Around 300 people – from the very youngest to the (ahem) most knowledgeable – took part in today’s Diocesan Family Fun Day at the Ulster American Folk Park near Omagh.
It was a most encouraging turn-out for the organisers – Diocesan Children’s Officer Kirsty McCartney of SEEDS Children’s Ministry, Diocesan Youth Officer Claire Hinchliff from Derry and Raphoe Youth, and the indefatigable members of Derry and Raphoe Mothers’ Union, led by their president, Jacqui Armstrong.
The day began with some group time – including an interactive story, music, and prayer – in the Meeting House. Worship was led by the local Rector, Rev Graham Hare, with The Rector of Urney, Rev Johnny McFarland, supporting him on the guitar.
Bishop Andrew Forster welcomed those present, and thanked Kirsty and Claire and the “wonderful” Mothers’ Union for organising the Fun Day. Bishop Andrew also introduced the two newest members of the Diocese’s clergy cohort: Rev Andrew Neill, who will be ordained to the priesthood in September, and Rev Susan Elliott, who was instituted as Rector of the Inver Group early last month.
After worship, there were street games, stories, songs and a treasure hunt for those who wanted them while others were free to wander off and visit the park’s many attractions.
The weather for the day was hot but overcast, and there were plenty of rather fetching hats being sported to protect wearers from the sun’s UV rays.
Clergy from three of the main Christian churches in Londonderry made their way through a dusty building site, ton Wednesday morning (7th June 2023), to lead a short ecumenical service of prayer for the success of Ardnashee School and College’s new construction project.
Work is well under way on the single storey building on the Northland Road, and the project is scheduled to be completed in February 2025.
Nine pupils from the current campuses in Belmont joined principal Raymond McFeeters, the vice-chair of the Board of Governors, Dee Amor, and three teachers at today’s ceremony, which took place on an area of raised ground overlooking the site. The project’s architect and two members of staff from Woodvale Construction also attended. A number of the pupils gave readings.
The clergy who took part were the Bishop of Derry, Rt Rev Dr Donal McKeown; the Rector of St Augustine’s Church, Londonderry, Rev Nigel Cairns; and Rev Dr David Latimer from the Presbyterian Church. All three clergy performed readings and Dr Latimer shared a short reflection.
The children brought with them hopes and wishes they had written down for the success of the new school. After the service, these were buried in a hole, which was then covered in by the shovel-wielding principal, and they will remain under the school’s flooring for the rest of the building’s lifetime.
The Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev Andrew Forster, was one of the Church leaders who met His Majesty King Charles III, this morning, when he visited St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral on the Hill of Armagh.
The King was greeted by members of the Church Leaders Group (Ireland) and other church representatives. On the site of St Patrick’s 5th century ‘Great Stone Church’, The King had the opportunity to hear something of the work of the Church in Ireland in relation to peace building, environmental issues, and work with the impoverished and with those from other places in the world now living in Northern Ireland.
A period of reflection and intercession followed, during which the Church leaders prayed for God’s blessing and guidance for The King.
The King was hosted by the Dean of Armagh, the Very Revd Shane Forster, who welcomed His Majesty to the ecclesiastical capital and to “this shared sacred space, where for centuries pilgrims have come to learn, pray and experience the loving presence of God.”
The Cathedral Choir, which was founded by a charter of King Charles I in 1634, was honoured to sing the words of ‘St Patrick’s Breastplate’ upon the King’s arrival, and the gentle and calming words of the ‘Irish Blessing’ to a setting by Bob Chilcott during the time of prayer.
The Hill of Armagh has been a place of Christian worship since the 5th century AD. It has connections to both St Patrick and to another King as it is the burial place of Brian Boroimhe (Boru), High King of Ireland, who died at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014.
As Prince of Wales, His Majesty was previously the guest of the Cathedral on a visit to Armagh in June 2000 and was hosted by St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral when he returned to the city in May 2019. The Cathedral was honoured to welcome Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, when it held the Royal Maundy Service in March 2008.
Archbishop McDowell said: “The King is no stranger to Northern Ireland, nor indeed to the whole island of Ireland, for which I know he has a particular affection and friendship. I know, too, that he comes today with words of encouragement to the Church leaders as we continue to work towards a reconciled future. Our prayers of blessing for The King and Queen today will continue as together they enter ever more fully into their vocation in the years ahead.”
Dean Forster said: “In this Coronation year, it was a great honour to welcome His Majesty The King to the Cathedral and have the opportunity to share something of the story of this ancient holy site and place of pilgrimage with him before all present joined in prayer with The King and for The King. It was also a particular joy for the Cathedral Choir to sing for The King as they are the current members of a foundation which is linked to one of His Majesty’s predecessors and namesake, King Charles I. A moment the young choristers will remember for a very long time to come.”
With thanks to Kelvin Boyes (PressEye) who took the photographs.
(The Church Leaders Group comprises the Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic Primates of All Ireland, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, and the President of the Irish Council of Churches).
Rev Canon David McBeth has been installed as a member of The Chapter of St Columb’s Cathedral, at a service led by the Dean of Derry, Very Rev Raymond Stewart and attended by the Bishop of Derry, Rt Rev Andrew Forster. Members of the McBeth family, including his wife, April, were there to see Canon McBeth take his seat in the stall left vacant following the retirement of Rev Canon Paul Whittaker.
Worshippers filled the two centre aisles and spilled into the side aisles, and Cathedral staff ran out of Orders of Service well before the service got under way.
Canon McBeth wore the British Empire Medal awarded to him by the late Queen Elizabeth II, seven years ago. Members of his previous parishes – Glendermott and Newbuildings (where he served his curacy under Rev Canon Derek Creighton), and Dungiven and Bovevagh – mingled with those from his current parish, All Saints Clooney.
The sermon was preached by the Rector of the Balteagh Group of Parishes, Rev Rhys Jones, who was a former Curate of Canon McBeth’s in Clooney.
Rev Jones said that in the New Testament reading (Luke 4: 14-21), Jesus, in the power of the Spirit, had returned to Galilee, and a report about him was spreading through all the surrounding region. “‘He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.’ In the parlance of today,” the preacher said, “Jesus is trending. In the terminology of Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok – not to mention the Twitterverse some among you may inhabit – Mary and Joseph’s son has gone ‘viral.’”
Canon McBeth – “the latest and newest member of this illustrious Cathedral Chapter” – was himself often the recipient of praiseworthy report throughout the parishes of our diocese and beyond, Rev Jones said. “On occasion, in fact, the Rector of Clooney has experienced something approaching ‘viral’ public expectation. During the Covid pandemic, the weekly online services of worship from All Saints were regularly being watched by thousands – literally. Then there’s the newest Canon’s exciting music career that has seen him perform throughout these six counties and beyond; and of course, there’s his Country Gospel album releases, such as this one I seem to have conveniently brought with me,” [at this point the preacher produced a copy of one of the new Canon’s recordings] “available, Bishop, from all good retailers or indeed, direct from his ex-Curate for but a small administrative fee.
“These and more are admirable gifts and traits that Rev David possesses in abundance. But, in and of themselves, they are neither his truest gifting nor greatest passion. For that we must return to Christ’s teaching and indeed to the message of our Old Testament lesson.”
How fitting, the preacher said, that the diocese’s “newest and shiniest” Canon’s truest function, truest gifting and passion, was to be found in the sharing of “the old, old story of the Good News of Jesus Christ…in the daily lives of an expectant and needful community to which he has been called to witness…for which he has been set apart and anointed by the Spirit and the Church he loves and serves.
“Having worked alongside David this I know to be his greatest strength: to make real and tangible to those on the margins, to those seeking relational healing with the God of their fathers, all that Isaiah [in the Old Testament reading, Isaiah 61: 1-4] foretold and all that is fulfilled in Christ… it is truly nothing less than recovery of sight to those once blind, liberty to those in captivity, and a foundation upon which the spiritually destitute might construct a temple of the heart from which the Holy Spirit of God can reign and radiate.
“For this work,” Rev Jones suggested, “alongside all in holy orders, and indeed the entirety of the priesthood of all believers, David has been anointed, set apart, and commissioned as a herald of the Good News of Jesus Christ. That is the newest Canon’s truest strength and passion – not viral audiences, album releases, or the applause that greets the lighted stage – but simply Christ and the desire to make the Good News of Christ real and tangible to those on the periphery of God’s Kingdom.”
After the sermon, Canon McBeth was led to his stall by the Dean and other members of the Cathedral Chapter.
The Dean was assisted in the service by Rev Canon John Merrick (Pastoral Assistant in the Parish of Templemore), Rev Canon David Crooks (Diocesan Registrar) and by Bishop Andrew. Music was provided by Dr Derek Collins and Ms Joanne Higgins.
The Service of Installation concluded with a number of short speeches. Dean Stewart told the congregation that 44 years ago this year he became curate of All Saints Clooney, so he regarded it as “a personal pleasure” to have installed Clooney’s current Rector, Canon McBeth.
The Rector’s Churchwarden at Clooney, Charlie McGarrigle, congratulated the new Canon, saying that his installation was an honour not only for Canon McBeth but for the whole Parish.
Canon McBeth thanked Bishop Andrew for appointing him and the Dean for conducting such a beautiful service. He said God had blessed him by leading him into ministry. “I know my mother and father are not here tonight – but they’re here in spirit – and they’d be so, so proud of me standing here as a minister.”
Canon McBeth thanked Canon David Ferry for his encouragement and support. “Without his encouragement, without his leadership, without his strength I wouldn’t be here today.” He thanked Canon Derek Creighton for the example he had set during Rev McBeth’s curacy in Glendermott. The “number one person” who Canon McBeth said had guided him “through good times and bad times” was his wife, April. He thanked April for her encouragement and the rest of their family for their support. There were acknowledgements, too, for his current Curate in Clooney, Rev Andrea Cotter, and for his “friend and former Curate”, Rev Rhys, who preached the sermon.
Bishop Andrew said the size of the congregation spoke volumes of the esteem, respect and love in which Canon McBeth was held in All Saints Clooney and in his previous parishes. “David, you are a blessing to the Church,” the Bishop said, “and you are a blessing to God’s world as you seek to serve him in that.”
