‘When we are afraid, we are told not to be, because even though it is perfectly normal and human, it does not reflect the goodness, the nearness, and the faithfulness of God.’
As new Covid restrictions come into effect in the Republic, Archbishop Michael Jackson has encouraged people who feel safe in attending church services this Christmas to do so to send a message of hope to those who can’t.
Our final video, from the Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough, for Advent 2021 sees us ‘Finding Love in Advent’ at the Gathering Grounds in Kilternan Parish Church.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Alison Gilliland and the Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Michael Jackson, will formally launch the 2021 Black Santa Sit Out at St Ann’s Church, Dawson Street, on Tuesday December 21 at 1pm.
The modern dioceses of the Church of Ireland, including Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh, were formed at the Synods of Rathbreasail in 1111 and Kells–Mellifont in 1152.
“This has been a tough year. The COVID–19 pandemic continues to affect all our lives. The scriptures tell us that after their visit to the new–born Saviour in Bethlehem, the wise men ‘went home by a different way’. The pandemic has also forced many of us to change our ways, to do things differently. Nobody has been unaffected.”
Happy Christmas in advance! Welcome to our weekly round–up of news from around the Church of Ireland’s dioceses and parishes.
Bishop David’s message for Advent and Christmas echoes that of the angels to the shepherds in Luke 2 – “Do not be afraid”.
A joint message for Christmas 2021 from Archbishops John McDowell and Eamon Martin.
