The Church of the Future - Archbishop Diarmuid Martin

From Archdiocese of Dublin:

175th  Anniversary of Saint Michael’s Church, Pery Square, Limerick

THE CHURCH OF THE FUTURE

Lecture notes of   Most Rev. Diarmuid Martin  Archbishop of Dublin

Saint Michael’s Church of Ireland, Limerick, 19 March 2019

“I am delighted to be here to celebrate the 175th anniversary of this Church of Saint Michael.  For me this is a year of anniversaries.  On 6 January I was 20 years a bishop.  On 26 April I will be 15 years as Archbishop of Dublin and on 25 May I will be 50 years a priest.  I have seen many changes in the Church in Ireland and worldwide.

Celebrating anniversaries is a special art.  It is good to celebrate.  It is hard to celebrate objectively.  There is tendency for each of us to celebrate the positive in our lives and go lightly on what is negative.  Others however might prefer to emphasise our negatives and go lightly on the positives.

There is the temptation to judge situations by the standards of today rather than situate realities in the complex situation in which they took place.  It is easy to judge the past.  It is easy to use the past to acquit people of the mistakes of today. We live in constantly changing times.

I remember once giving a homily where I worked in the Vatican that I opened with the phrase: “I entered the seminary in Dublin in 1962 and left it in 1969 into a different Church and a different Ireland”.  My superior at the time and one of my maestri in life said to me afterwards: “I liked your opening, but you have to remember that in my life I have gone through that type of radical change on four or five occasions.  The important thing is to recognise change and to come out of change always on the right side and by that I mean looking in the right direction”.

To look towards the future means to extricate oneself from the contingencies of the past to be free to look dispassionately to the future.  The difficulty is to identify what is contingent and what is essential. 

18th March 2018 - St Mary's Cathedral Limerick celebrates 850th anniversary

On this weeks programme John and the team are joined by Dean Niall Sloane to discuss with is the fact that St Mary's Cathedral is celebrating its 850th anniversary this year. We have our regular reflection on the Sunday gospel as well as some other odds and ends.

You can listen to the full podcast of this weeks programme HERE.

Celebrating 850 years - St Mary's Cathedral Limerick

Dean Niall Sloane from St Mary's Cathedral joins us on this weeks programme to talk to us about this year’s festivities which are celebrating and promoting the Cathedral’s roles in city life including – community, civic, cultural, educational, ecumenical, musical, sporting and tourism to mark  its 850th anniversary. Highlights of the year include a visit from the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge and a special service of thanksgiving. 

Each month the Cathedral will highlight a figure associated with Saint Mary’s and there will also be a tangible dimension to the celebrations as each month will focus on a charity or cause based in or around Limerick.

Speaking at the start of the year, the Dean, the Very Rev’d Niall J. Sloane said ‘Saint Mary’s holds a very special place in the city of Limerick and its citizens.  It has been a royal palace – no doubt, a place of story-telling, feasting and celebrations.  Over the succeeding centuries it has witnessed unique events, welcomed countless people through its doors and marked key moments in the lives of Limerick people. 

Today, as it continues to be a place of pilgrimage and prayer, it has a unique role to play within all aspects of city and diocesan life.  The central theme of our celebrations in 2018 will be opening our doors to all and forging links with Limerick and beyond so that we may echo the Christian message of faith, love and witness."

You can listen to the interview with Dean Niall excerpted from the main programme podcast HERE.

Check out the cathedral's website, Twitter feed and Facebook page.

Gospel - John 12: 20-30

Some Greeks who had come to worship at the Passover Feast
came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee,
and asked him, "Sir, we would like to see Jesus."
Philip went and told Andrew;
then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus.
Jesus answered them,
"The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies,
it remains just a grain of wheat;
but if it dies, it produces much fruit.
Whoever loves his life loses it,
and whoever hates his life in this world
will preserve it for eternal life.
Whoever serves me must follow me,
and where I am, there also will my servant be.
The Father will honor whoever serves me.

"I am troubled now. Yet what should I say?
'Father, save me from this hour'?
But it was for this purpose that I came to this hour.
Father, glorify your name."
Then a voice came from heaven,
"I have glorified it and will glorify it again."
The crowd there heard it and said it was thunder;
but others said, "An angel has spoken to him."
Jesus answered and said,
"This voice did not come for my sake but for yours.
Now is the time of judgment on this world;
now the ruler of this world will be driven out.
And when I am lifted up from the earth,
I will draw everyone to myself."
He said this indicating the kind of death he would die.

Reflections on this Sunday's gospel:

Word on Fire

Sunday Reflections

English Dominicans

Centre for Liturgy

Liturgical odds & ends

Liturgy of the Hours - Psalter week 1, 5th week of Lent

Saints of the Week 

March 19th - St Joseph - husband of BVM

March 20th - St Clement of Ireland

March 21st - St Enda

March 22nd - St Nicholas Owen SJ

March 23rd - St Turibius of Mongrovejo

March 24th - St Macartan

March 25th - Palm Sunday - feast of the Annunciation of the Lord is moved to 9th April 

Saint Mary’s Cathedral Limerick to Launch 850th Anniversary Programme

On Tuesday 30th January 2018 the Bishop of Limerick, the Rt Rev’d Dr Kenneth Kearon, will launch its 850th anniversary programme. Saint Mary’s which was gifted to the Church by Donal Mor O’Brien, the last King of Thomond has been a site of Christian worship since 1168 and it is one of the oldest buildings in Limerick City.

The year’s festivities will celebrate and promote the Cathedral’s roles in city life including – community, civic, cultural, educational, ecumenical, musical, sporting and tourism. Highlights of the year include a visit from the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge and a special service of thanksgiving. Each month the Cathedral will highlight a figure associated with Saint Mary’s and there will also be a tangible dimension to the celebrations as each month will focus on a charity or cause based in or around Limerick.

Speaking of the year, the Dean, the Very Rev’d Niall J. Sloane says ‘Saint Mary’s holds a very special place in the city of Limerick and its citizens. It has been a royal palace – no doubt, a place of story-telling, feasting and celebrations. Over the succeeding centuries it has witnessed unique events, welcomed countless people through its doors and marked key moments in the lives of Limerick people. Today, as it continues to be a place of pilgrimage and prayer, it has a unique role to play within all aspects of city and diocesan life. The central theme of our celebrations in 2018 will be opening our doors to all and forging links with Limerick and beyond so that we may echo the Christian message of faith, love and witness. I invite you to join us as we celebrate this historic occasion and give thanks for Saint Mary’s Cathedral’.

Christmas Message from the Bishops of Limerick

We're both quite new to Limerick and its surrounds, and it's a real delight to see the way Limerick celebrates Christmas. The city looks great with street lights, shop windows and Christmas tunes everywhere, but so too does every town and villages, each celebrating Christmas in their own way.

 

There is plenty to celebrate – time with family, homecomings, young children, presents – and at the heart of it all the central Christian message that God came among us as a baby and remains with us today. Amidst all the tinsel and glitter, there is this simple true story of a young mother and her baby, a baby who would grow up to change the world and open up the possibility of new life and a new relationship with God.
 
That young baby and his parents were homeless at the time; that's why they found themselves in a stable. Very soon they were refugees in Egypt, escaping a tyrant who sought to kill all young children. That's why refugees and those who are homeless are often at the centre of our concerns around Christmas.
 
Homelessness is a terrible scourge in any society. Not to have a place to call home robs individuals of their dignity and of their self-worth. If you don't have a home it's hard to get a job. If a family is homeless their children find it hard to go to school and to settle down. The instability of homelessness brings suffering which continues right throughout life. And yet we hear more people are homeless in Ireland than ever before, and despite all our concerns and efforts the situation is getting worse, not better.
 
We sit in stunned silence every night in front of our televisions watching images of another refugee crisis in the middle-east and in Europe. We are silent at the unspeakable violence which drives people from their homes, and pushes them to undertake the dangerous journey by boat in an effort to find safety, security and a new life free of fear.
 
When news broke that some of those refugees would be coming to Ireland the immediate response was one of sympathy and welcome. That welcome will, we are sure continue into 2016 when the first refugees arrive.
 
Homelessness, refugees, part of that first Christmas in Palestine 2000 years ago, and still with us. How we as a society respond to this during 2016 will be the test as to whether we take the Christmas message, seriously, whether our celebrations are sincere.
 
So may we wish you all a happy and meaning-filled Christmas, and a peaceful New Year.
Brendan Leahy. Kenneth Kearon.

Ecumenical Easter Messages

Easter Message of the Heads of Churches in Jerusalem

“He has given us new birth into a living hope through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (I Peter 1.3)

We, the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem, send our Easter Greetings and Blessings to all people everywhere in the name of our risen Saviour, Jesus Christ.

In the face of so much that threatens to devalue or diminish human life, the hope that springs from the Resurrection is rooted here in Jerusalem.   The message of Easter has shaped the very identity of this Holy City over many centuries.   Here is located the site of the Empty Tomb, the place where God’s sovereignty over death and the powers of darkness was manifested in the raising of Jesus from the dead. As a consequence of this reality, the location where the Resurrection took place is not merely an object of archaeological curiosity but remains a living focus of Christian worship.   It is a place where God’s grace has been manifested in numerous ways down the centuries and for that reason alone it deserves respect.

Along with all people of good will, we are deeply distressed by the level of violence still being falsely perpetrated in the name of religion in parts of the Middle East and elsewhere in recent times. Members of some of the ancient Christian communities in this region – especially in Egypt, Iraq and Syria – have been among those most directly affected, along with other minority populations.   There is no true religion which advocates violation of the human person or the victimization of minority groups in society and we condemn such actions in the strongest possible terms. Those who engage in such barbaric behaviour dehumanize not only their victims, but themselves.

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ we urge people everywhere not to fall into despair. The very existence of this city of Jerusalem is paradoxically a sign of hope that God’s kingdom of peace, love and justice will prevail. There are indeed signs of darkness around us which make this a painful time to live through, but the darkest part of the night is often shortly before the dawn. The joyful proclamation of the Resurrection at dawn on Easter Sunday assures us that the last word lies not with violence and inhumanity but with God’s purpose of love, justice and hope which runs like a thread throughout history and will find its ultimate fulfillment in the coming fullness of his Kingdom.

The Lord is risen!   He is risen indeed!

+Patriarch Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate
+Patriarch Fouad Twal, Latin Patriarchate
+Patriarch Nourhan Manougian, Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Patriarchate
+Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, ofm, Custos of the Holy Land
+Archbishop Anba Abraham, Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate, Jerusalem
+Archbishop Swerios Malki Murad, Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate
+Archbishop Aba Embakob, Ethiopian Orthodox Patriarchate
+Archbishop Joseph-Jules Zerey, Greek-Melkite-Catholic Patriarchate
+Archbishop Mosa El-Hage, Maronite Patriarchal Exarchate
+Archbishop Suheil Dawani, Episcopal Church of Jerusalem and the Middle East
+Bishop Munib Younan, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land
+Bishop Pierre Malki, Syrian Catholic Patriarchal Exarchate
+Msgr. Georges Dankaye’, Armenian Catholic Patriarchal Exarchate

*************

Text of Archbishop Justin Welby's (Archbishop of Canturbury) Easter letter to partners and heads of other churches around the world.

“Rejoice, O Mother Church! Exult in glory! The risen Saviour, our Lord of life, shines upon you! Let all God’s people sing and shout for joy!”

These words of triumph are sung out across churches as Easter dawns. For centuries such sounds of joy at the Easter festival have echoed and continue to echo around the globe in a multitude of different tongues and cultural contexts, making a deep impact on the lives of Christians and Churches. With the confession of Jesus having conquered death we proclaim that we have been raised to new life in him.

In the 15th chapter of the First Letter to the Corinthian Christians, St Paul couples the resurrection of Christ with confidence in the resurrection of Christ’s people.

The Apostle clearly states that the resurrection of Christ is a beginning, and that the hope of our own resurrection can only be in Christ. He argues: if the dead are not raised, then Christ is not raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then his proclamation is empty and our faith is in vain.

Having laid out all the arguments that would dispose of the Christian claim to the risen Christ, he continues: "But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep." This is the faith that is also proclaimed in the Byzantine opening to the Easter Liturgy and which has been the confession of Christians down the ages.

The resurrection of Christ is the great hope, not only for each of us individually, but also for today’s troubled world - a world in which violence and violation of human rights describe the day to day context of people in many parts; a world in which moral and spiritual values often seem hopelessly inadequate against the forces of self-seeking gain in every sphere of life.

It is also a world in which our brother and sister Christians are still a beleaguered and even persecuted community in many places, as they have been at different times and places in history. We continue to remember the suffering Christians in the Middle East.

This year our remembrance is also focussed particularly on the Armenian people who a century ago were driven to their death and into exile because they were Christians.

It is into this world that the message of the Church at Easter remains constant over the centuries, proclaiming in the midst of hopelessness the hope of Christ, triumphant beyond death and the powers of evil; living and life giving amongst us.

In this resurrection faith we follow the saints and martyrs throughout the ages who have proclaimed the Risen Christ as their Lord and Saviour, who believe that in Christ there is abundant life and that death and suffering will not have the final say. The Easter faith strengthens us with the hope in life, here and now and in the world to come.

This hope is not an illusion, which turns out to be empty; rather, it is the tested cantus firmus over the ages for all Christians. Beyond human imagination, the power of the resurrection overcomes disparate, conflict-laden and destructive forces. We are called to proclaim God’s Good News in confidence and obedience to Christ to bring healing and reconciliation.

Christ’s resurrection, therefore, also compels us to ever closer bonds of Christian fellowship with one another – the saints in the here and now - to seek greater unity and work together with Christ, as his Body, in the newness of life already begun by him.

It is in this spirit that I greet you with this letter.

I will continue to pray that the hope and joy of the resurrected Christ will deeply move our hearts and souls, that it will heal relationships between individuals, communities and nations, and that it will banish fear, overcome suffering, broker peace and bring reconciliation.

I close with the Song of Zechariah (Luke 1:78): “By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

I embrace you with brotherly love in the Risen Christ,

The Most Revd and Rt Hon Justin Welby
Archbishop of Canterbury
Easter 2015

************

BELGRADE – Serbian Patriarch Irinej Friday sent happy Easter wishes to the leaders of all Christian churches who celebrate “the most joyous Christian holiday” on the Western Christian date for Easter Sunday. According to a release from the Serbian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Irinej wished a happy Easter to Pope Francis, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, Evangelical Bishop of Bavaria Heinrich Bedford-Strohm and dignitaries of other Protestant churches around the world.

Patriarch Irinej wished a most happy Easter to dignitaries and believers of traditional churches and religious communities in Serbia, including the Roman Catholic Church, Slovak Evangelical Church, Reformed Christian Church and Evangelical Methodist Church in Serbia.

The Serbian Patriarch also sent Easter greetings to ecumenical and denominational bodies and organizations – the World Council of Churches, Conference of European Churches, Lutheran World Federation, World Communion of Reformed Churches and other ecumenical bodies and organizations.

Enthronement of Bishop Kenneth Kearon in St Mary's Cathedral on 7th February 2015



Bishop Kearon blessing the city and county from the Great West Door
of St Mary's Cathedral after his enthronement

On 7th February Bishop Kenneth Kearon was enthroned in St Mary's Cathedral in Limerick in a ceremony full of symbolism and which finished with the new bishop blessing the city and county from the Great West Door of the cathedral which is only opened on the most solemn of occasions.

Bishop Brendan Leahy and Bishop Donal Murray were in attendance at the enthronement representing the Roman Catholic community at this most important occasion for our neighbours and brothers & sisters in the faith.

Full report and photos from the ceremony available from the Church of Ireland website HERE.

Consecration of new bishop of Limerick at Christchurch Cathedral in Dublin - 24th January 2014

From Anglican Communion News Service:

Bishop Kenneth Kearon, his wife Jennifer and two of his three daughters Alison and Rachel by Paul Harron Church of Ireland Press Office

The Service of Consecration and Ordination of Kenneth Kearon as the new Bishop of Limerick and Killaloe took place at Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, this afternoon (Saturday 24th January) – the Eve of the Conversion of St Paul.

The preacher at the service, The Most Revd Dr Barry Morgan, Archbishop of Wales, said: ‘Life as a bishop is like a ride on a zip wire … Just as zip wire riders need someone to launch them at the start and haul them in at the end, so too a bishop sets people off on their sometimes daunting journeys of faith and holds them safe as they travel.’ More than that, though, he added, ‘a bishop is someone who climbs onboard the ride first – to lead by example’. 

As well as Archbishop Morgan and a number of serving and retired bishops of the Church of Ireland – including The Rt Revd Sam Poyntz, the new bishop’s father–in–law – Bishop Kearon’s consecration brought together a large number of attendees from across the Church of Ireland, the wider Anglican Communion and, notably, the Methodist Church in Ireland also. The President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, the Revd Peter Murray, along with the Revd Donald Ker, former President and General Secretary of the Methodist Church in Ireland, and former President and Co–Chair of the Covenant Council, the Revd Winston Graham, joined with other bishops in the laying on of hands on the new bishop – the first time that participation by Methodist leaders has taken place. Since the decision of both the General Synod and the Methodist Conference allowing for the inter–changeability of ministry, Methodist Presidents are now regarded as Episcopal Ministers and as such can participate in a consecration service.

The service was led by the Archbishop of Dublin, The Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, and the Bishop of Meath and Kildare, The Most Revd Pat Storey, and the Bishop of Tuam & Killala, The Rt Revd Patrick Rooke, were co–consecrators.

The first reading from Numbers 27: 15–20, 22–23 was read by one of the new bishop’s three daughters, Rachel Kearon; the second reading from 2 Corinhtians 4: 1–10 was read by the Revd Gillian Wharton and the Gospel, John 21: 1–17, was read by The Rt Revd Dr James Tengatenga, Chair of the Anglican Consultative Council. The Choir of Christ Church Cathedral sang Mozart’s Coronation Mass during the Eucharist.

Bishop Kearon was also surrounded by many family and friends at the service, including his wife, Jennifer, and two of his three daughters – Alison and Rachel (pictured right); his daughter Gillian is living in New Zealand and was unable to attend. Bishop Kearon’s mother, Mrs Ethel Kearon, was joined by his sister, Mrs Lynda Goldsmith.

Born in Dublin in 1953, Bishop Kearon attended Mountjoy School and Trinity College, Dublin, where he studied Philosophy. Following further study at Cambridge and in Dublin, he was ordained a priest in 1982 and served as curate in All Saints Raheny and St John’s Coolock before his appointment as Dean of Residence at Trinity College, Dublin. In 1991 he became Rector of Tullow before becoming Director of the Irish School of Ecumenics in 1999 and Secretary General of the Anglican Communion in 2005, the role which he performed until late last year.

Canon Kearon is no stranger to Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, having been a member of the Chapter since 1995 and served as its Chancellor from 2002. In September 2014, he was elected Bishop of Limerick and Killaloe following a meeting of the Episcopal Electoral College which took place at Christ Church Cathedral, and he succeeds The Rt Revd Trevor Williams who retired as Bishop of Limerick and Killaloe in July last year.

Enthronement services in the cathedrals in his new dioceses will take place at later dates.

You can read more including the text of the sermon HERE.
 
 Other coverage of his election and consecration here, here, here, here and here.

Habemus Episcopum Anglicanam II - We have a new bishop!

Back in September SS102fm extended our congratulations to the Church of Ireland United diocese of Limerick & Kilaloe on the election of their new bishop.

The Service of Ordination and Consecration of the Revd Canon Kenneth Kearon as the new Bishop of Limerick and Killaloe will take place in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin on Saturday 24 January 2015 at 2.30 p.m. – the Eve of the Conversion of St Paul.

The service will be led by the Archbishop of Dublin, The Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, and the preacher will be The Most Revd Barry Morgan, Archbishop of Wales.

For those unable to attend, the service will be streamed by the cathedral; visit: http://christchurchcathedral.ie/worship/live-webcast/

The date of his installation/enthronement in St Mary's Cathedral in Limerick is still to be announced and confirmed is 7th February 2015.

In this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, lets pray for the new bishop and his family and welcome them to Shannonside!

Habemus Episcopum Anglicanam - We have a new bishop!

SS102fm extends cordial congratulations to the Church of Ireland United diocese of Limerick & Killaloe on the election of their new bishop is succession to Dr Trevor Williams (who was interviewed on SS102fm here).

From the diocesan website:

Canon Kearon is Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, a position he has held since 2005. Born in 1953, he is a native of Dublin. Educated at Trinity College Dublin (TCD), he served his curacy in All Saints Raheny and St John's Coolock, before becoming Dean of Residence at TCD in 1984, a position he held until 1990. He was Rector of the Parish of Tullow (Dublin) from 1991 to 1999 after which he became Director of the Irish School of Ecumenics (1999-2005). Dr Kearon is a Canon of Christ Church Cathedral Dublin and an Honorary Provincial Canon of Canterbury Cathedral, St Paul's Cathedral London and St George's Cathedral Jerusalem. He also has an extenisive list of publications to his name, including "Medical Ethics: An Introduction" published in 1995 by Columba press.

Our new Bishop elect is married to Jennifer and they have three adult daughters: Gillian who lives and works in New Zealand, Rachel and Alison, both of whom live and work in Ireland.  

The Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin, said, 'Canon Kearon has expressed his delight at returning to work in Ireland and his intention to serve the people of Limerick and Killaloe and the communities of which they are a part. I have known Canon Kearon for many years and have always appreciated his personal friendship. I wish Kenneth and Jennifer all that is best within the love of God in their time in Limerick and Killaloe.'

The bishop-elect said: 'I am honoured and delighted to have been elected to the Diocese of Limerick and Killaloe, and I look forward to getting to know the diocese, its people and its clergy well in the near future. Ireland has been through a very difficult period in its history, and I look forward to helping the diocese play its part and making its contribution to shaping the future. This diocese has made a distinctive contribution to the Church of Ireland in the past, in part through the work of its bishops and most recently through Bishop Trevor Williams, and I hope to be able to continue in their footsteps.

There are still some procedures to be completed, including the formal approval of the House of Bishops, so there is, as yet, no date set for the consecration. Nevertheless we look forward to welcoming our Dr. & Mrs Kearnon as Bishop Kenneth and Jennifer to their new home amongst us here in the Mid-West of Ireland and offer our prayerfull support as they prepare for the upheaval of moving."

We welcome the new bishop-elect and his family to Shannon side and perhaps look forward to inviting him on the programme at some future date.

Update:

Comments from Bishop Brendan Leahy on the election news.

8th June 2014 - Interview with Bishop Trevor Williams - Pentecost Sunday

On this weeks programme we are joined by Bishop Trevor Williams who is the Church of Ireland Bishop of Limerick. He joins John and Shane and tells us about his ministry and looks forward to his retirement as bishop. We have a short reflection on this weeks gospel and some other notices.

You can listen to the podcast of this weeks programme HERE.

Bishop Trevor Williams

On this weeks programme, we are joined by Bishop Trevor Williams who is the Church of Ireland bishop of Limerick - or to give him his full title Bishop of Limerick, Ardfert, Aghadoe, Killaloe, Kilfenora, Clonfert, Kilmacduagh and Emly (that is a lot of area to cover considering that he would have 7 contemporaries in the Roman Catholic church one of whom is technically Pope Francis as there is no bishop of the diocese of Kilfenora). The United Diocese stretches from the heart of the midlands in counties Tipperary and Offaly, West to the outskirts of Galway city and South all the way to Co. Kerry. The natural centre of the diocese is Limerick City with its ancient cathedral of St Mary.

Bishop Trevor tells us of his life journey and how he went from the northside of Dublin to being Bishop of Limerick focusing on the winding path that his life has taken with its focus on reconciliation and the need for outreach and listening among communities. He tells us of his studies in Dubin, his ministry in England before returning to Northern Ireland in 1977 where he lived and ministered until his appointment to Limerick in 2008 including his work at Queens University and his involvement with the Corrymeela Community which promotes reconciliation and peace-building through the healing of social, religious, and political divisions in Northern Ireland. He looks to the future after his retirement as bishop with his wife Joyce and plans to continue his involvement with Corrymeela Community.

Gospel - John 20:19-23

"On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."

Reflections on this weeks gospel:

Word on Fire
Sunday Reflections
English Dominicans
Centre for Liturgy

Liturgical odds and ends

Liturgy of the Hours - with the end of Eastertide we return to ordinary time in the LOTH and this week we start Week 10 in ordinary time, psalter week 2.

Saints of the Week:

June 9th - St Columcille (Abbot and missionary, secondary patron of Ireland)
June 10th - Bl Thomas Green
June 11th - St Barnabas (Apostle)
June 12th - St Leo III (Pope)
June 13th - St Anthony of Padua
June 14th - St Davnet

Christmas Messages from Bishop Brendan Leahy and Bishop Trevor Williams

A Joint Christmas Message from bishops Brendan Leahy, Roman Catholic Bishop for the Diocese of Limerick, and Trevor Williams, Church of Ireland Bishop of the Diocese of Limerick and Killaloe.

Many of us in the past few days have been or will be welcoming home sons and daughters, sisters and brothers, as well as many other cousins and relations for the festive season. There’s excitement and emotion in the air because the bonds that link us, though often taken for granted, are deep. It is good to come and be at home for Christmas. There we breathe the air that has shaped us in so many ways.

It’s true, of course, that we need to be careful about becoming too misty-eyed about Christmas. Perhaps we overdo the perfect home bit during this season. And yet, it is right to have this occasion once a year when we focus on the notion of home.

The Christmas Nativity scene presents us with a home, simple in material things but rich in spiritual value. In the narrative we hear of Jesus, Mary and Joseph as well as their guests, the shepherds and kings, not to mention creation’s representatives in the animals. The Christmas scene speaks to our heart because it is tender. It captures something of the desire each person has in his or her spiritual DNA for a home, a place of love and care, a sanctuary of peace, solidarity and being true to ourselves.

But why did Jesus come on earth if not to offer us the building tools to make of our world a home? By putting into practice the art of loving that he lived and taught, we find ourselves creating and re-creating continuously a home with others wherever we find ourselves.

For instance, while we were still sinners, the Son of God came among us so here we find a first step: take the initiative in loving others; don’t wait to be loved. Jesus came for everyone because God wants all to be saved. So here we have another step – our love must be universal, without exclusion. Indeed, just as God, who was rich, became poor for our sake, so too our love must prefer the poor, just as Jesus did.

It’s a strange paradox of today’s world that while we admire so many and look to celebrity stars we easily forget Jesus, the One who more than anyone else has shaped Ireland and all of Europe. He has provided the values and example that have inspired for generations. Not only that, but since he, the Son of God, in becoming human, associated himself with everyone, he is to be discovered and loved in each person we meet. As one of the Church Fathers of the first centuries, Gregory of Nazianzus, reminds us: ‘Before it’s too late, since the end of our life comes quickly, assist Christ, help Christ, nourish Christ, clothe Christ, honour Christ by inviting him to your table.’

In Limerick this Christmas there’s new energy around. The Limerick City and County councils are uniting. The revised Regeneration Plan as well as the Economic and Spatial Plan have been launched. We have an airport, Shannon, on our doorstep that is crucial for us all and, gladly, rebounding. There’s now the promise of new jobs. The Limerick City Year of Culture is also now upon us. Let’s thank God for all of this and celebrate as we should.

But let’s also recognise that all of us in Limerick are now being offered a golden opportunity to rediscover our calling to first and foremost create a home for people. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if, on hearing of Limerick, people’s reaction would be: “it’s a great place; you feel so much at home there”. Each of us can do our part, starting from wherever we are, but also reaching out to people or situations we might naturally avoid. To decide to make of all our neighbourhoods, our workplaces, our city, our towns, our villages, a home, a place of sanctuary and peace, a place of relationships of mutual love – it’s the great invitation that comes to us this Christmas.

*******************

Ireland's Bishop Brendan Leahy approaches his first Christmas as leader of the Limerick Diocese with a mission to help his flock appreciate a season of light.

A Christmas message from our Church Leaders in Limerick

Christmas Message 2012, from Church Leaders in Limerick

The 25^th December is near enough the darkest day of the year, so its tempting to see Christmas as a party to forget the harsh realities of life. There is a lot of darkness around. The impact of the budget on some of the most vulnerable members of our community is going to make their lives even more of a struggle. Those who thought investing in a home was something that would bring security now find that negative equity has robbed them of all hope for the future. Then comes news from the United States, a massacre of the innocents, twenty children and six teachers, in Newtown, Connecticut.

 

In the midst of all this darkness the Christmas Gospel states “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1.5). The Christmas story points us to where hope can be found and where light is shining. Light is shining in the many carers for whom this Christmas day will be like any other day, caring for a loved one who needs their support. Light is shining among those who will spend their Christmas day with the homeless as they eat together. It is shining in the work of doctors, nurses, and members of the emergency services who will be there, as always, to help us, if we need them. It will be there in the many community groups and organizations whose volunteers work tirelessly to improve the lives of others. The list of people who care selflessly for others, goes on and on. They are stars that light up the darkness. Their work often goes unnoticed, but they carry on caring.

In the next few days the trains and boats and planes will be full of people who have made a special effort not to miss out. Being home for Christmas is really special. Its a time to be with family and friends. If we are fortunate enough to spend Christmas with children so much the better. Their joy, wonder and sheer excitement is infectious. We celebrate with those we love, because good relationships are among God’s greatest gifts to us and Christmas is a time to be thankful for the gift of those who love us.

However the story that lies behind our Christmas celebration is not a family party. Far from it. The story is about Mary, a vulnerable young woman away from home with nowhere to stay, and about to give birth. Joseph is with her, but he can’t provide for Mary as he would wish. Mary and Joseph find themselves at the mercy of a very busy inn keeper. The inn is fully booked. The inn keeper is run off his feet. But he listens to the young couple, and he takes the time to do what he can. He offers Mary and Joseph shelter where the animals were usually kept. The innkeeper takes time to care. The little he offers is enough for God’s greatest gift to be offered to us all.

The Christmas story tells us that God is with us no matter what our circumstances may be.

But God has linked our lives together in families and communities.

And God depends upon us to be agents of his love in the world as we care for all those in need.

Each one of us can be a light in the darkness.

No one person can do everything that is needed, but each one of us can make a difference.

It may be a phone call to someone who is away from home, visiting a neighbour who is alone, or responding to one of the many charities who make special appeals over Christmas.

So let’s follow the example of the inn keeper, let’s do the little we can, for those in need, because we care.

That’s the spirit of Christmas.

 

Have a joyful one!

The Rt Revd Trevor Williams
Church of Ireland, Bishop of Limerick and Killaloe

Fr Tony Mullins,
Diocesan Administrator, Diocese of Limerick

22nd January 2012 - 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - Interview with Dean Maurice Sirr, retired Dean of St Mary's Cathedral Limerick

January 18th to 25th is the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and this year, Sacred Space 102fm decided to get out and make the acquaintance of our christian neighbours in the Church of Ireland United Diocese of Limerick & Killaloe. John has a special interview with Maurice Sirr, the retired Dean of St Mary's Cathedral in Limerick City.

This weeks programmes podcast is available HERE.

Dean Maurice is originally from county Monaghan - "Drumlin country" -  was born the son of a rector, he attended boarding school in Dundalk, studied in Dublin at Trinity College before ordination for ministry, served in Belfast where he met and married his wife before serving in Sligo for eighteen years and then to Limerick where he became the Dean and Rector of Limerick City parish. As Dean, he has had responsibility for the cathedral church of a diocese; responsible with the team supporting him for administrating the cathedral and services.


The Church of Ireland is an episcopal church (i.e. it has a bishops in charge of its dioceses) in the Anglican tradition and is a member of the Anglican Communion. It is an independent self-governing church through its General Synod consisting of the Houses of Bishops, Clergy and Laity in various proportions. The General Synod makes the rules for the governance of the Church of Ireland with the bishops.

Traditions within the Church of Ireland would be a strong focus on being a biblical church often demonstrated by the tradition of the family bible and its daily use in the prayer life of the families. The Church of Ireland highlights two Gospel sacraments - Baptism and Holy Communion. Other sacraments in the church include marriage and penance.

John and Dean Maurice discuss some of the differences between our two faith communities but also stress how many are the things that unite us far out way what divides us. Various topics discussed include the differences in methods to handing on the faith education through Sunday schools, the tradition of singing in church, the challenges of youth ministry, the challenges of ministry and vocations to ministry in the Church of Ireland. They look at the different forms of devotion, types of liturgies and services,  discuss the different emphasis on the role of Mary and the traditions in both traditions towards the Mother of God.

More information about the Church of Ireland is available from Association for Promoting Christian Knowledge leaflets about the various aspects of beliefs and traditions.


Gospel - Mark 1:14-20

While we didn't have a gospel reflection this week, for those that may wish to have some reflections and resources for this weeks gospel:

• Word on Fire
• Renewal Ministries
• English Dominicans
• Sunday Reflections 

Saints of the Week

For our regular readers and listeners just for your information our celestial guides for the coming week:
Psalter: Week 3

January 23rd - St Colman of Lismore
January 24th - St Francis de Sales
January 25th - Conversion of St Paul the Apostle
January 26th - Ss Timothy and Titus
January 27th - St Angela Merici
January 28th - St Thomas Aquinas