‘What the world needs now,’ the Foyle U3A Choir sang, ‘is love, sweet love,’ and the sentiment in Hal David’s lyrics were rarely more appropriate, given what’s happening in the world at present. The hit song, whose melody was composed by Burt Bacharach, was one of the highlights of the U3A Choir’s barnstorming performance at…
The Season of Advent was launched formally and dramatically in St Columb’s Cathedral in Londonderry on Sunday evening (3rd December 2023) with its now traditional Advent procession. This is a well-established and much loved service of readings, hymns and anthems on the theme ‘Darkness into Light’. The temperature hovered around freezing as the congregation made…
The Rev’d Andrea Cotter has been appointed Rector of the parishes of Leckpatrick and Dunnalong, succeeding Rev Canon Paul Whittaker, who retired last February. The announcement was made at services in both churches, this morning, and also in All Saints’, Clooney, where Rev’d Cotter has been serving as Curate-Assistant since her ordination as priest there…
Politicians from the four main parties on Derry City and Strabane District Council attended the official launch, this afternoon, of a new public realm scheme at All Saints’ Church, Clooney by the Mayor, Cllr Patricia Logue. Congratulating the various partners, the Mayor also thanked the Department for Communities, without whose funding — she said —…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
