THE CHURCH IS OPEN Only the buildings are closed - COURAGEOUS GEMMA - Church of Ireland Gazette
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
AN ALL IRELAND PUBLICATION
ISSUE 14: MAY 2020
THE CHURCH IS OPEN
Only the buildings are closed
COURAGEOUS
GEMMA
Set for the
high seas!
NEWS
CLIFFORD RETIRES AS
CHAPLAIN TO
BISHOP OF CONNOR
The Rev Clifford Skillen, former
assistant editor of the ‘Gazette,’
has retired as the Bishop of
Connor’s Senior Domestic
Chaplain. He had served in that
capacity throughout the entire 12
years of Bishop Alan Abernethy’s
episcopacy.
Clifford said: “It was always my
intention to step down when Bishop Shirley Crutchley, left (photo: Ann Wright), and Marie Anderson, pictured in
Alan retired - and prior to the their gardens with their Maundy purses.
diocese entering a new era under a
new bishop - though I didn’t
anticipate it would be quite so soon
MAUNDY GIFTS FOR
SHIRLEY AND MARIE
or in such unfortunate circumstances
as Bishop Alan’s ill health.
“It has been a great personal
privilege - and hugely enjoyable Two loyal Church of Ireland lonely elderly people, and befriends
- not only to have served Bishop parishioners were honoured to those who are struggling with loss
Alan and the diocese in this position receive Her Majesty the Queen’s and grief. She has set up a variety of
throughout all of his episcopacy, but Maundy money – by special community-based support groups in
also to have been able to play even delivery! her local area, and has served as a
a small part, especially in Shirley Crutchley from Kilhorne diocesan lay reader.
institution and ordination services Parish, Annalong, Diocese of Down Marie was nominated for the
which marked very special occasions and Dromore, and Marie Anderson, Maundy money by former Bishop of
in the life of parishes and the Christ Church Parish, Lisburn, Connor, Alan Abernethy. “I knew the
ministry of diocesan colleagues.” Diocese of Connor, were among bishop from attending church events
Clifford wished Bishop Alan and this year’s recipients of the traditional and his annual Lenten Talks, but I
his wife Liz a happy retirement. “I Maundy purses. got to know him a bit better because
would also like to wish Bishop- Sadly, the Maundy Service we went on the same journey at the
designate George Davison every planned for April 9 in St George’s Cancer Centre,” Marie said.
blessing for the future,” he said. Chapel, Windsor, didn’t go ahead “He was getting his radiotherapy
Bishop-designate George said: because of the restrictions around at 12 noon and I was getting mine
“The diocese owes a great debt of Covid-19, but both Shirley and Marie at 11.30. We enjoyed each other’s
gratitude to Clifford for his faithful received their Maundy coins in the company while waiting. I had 27
support of Bishop Alan at so many post. sessions and the bishop had more,
public occasions in the life of the Shirley thanked former Bishop of but we went through the whole thing
diocese. Down and Dromore, the Rt Rev together.”
“As he retires from this role I - Harold Miller, for putting her name Marie has been a parishioner in
and I’m sure all of us - offer him our forward. “It was truly a completely Christ Church Lisburn for more than
sincere thanks and wish him God’s unexpected but lovely surprise,” 50 years. She was a Sunday School
blessing in the years ahead.” Shirley said. teacher from 20 years, has been a
“I am disappointed that the long-term member of the Mothers’
ceremony at St George’s Chapel Union and for a number of years
was cancelled, but I feel honoured was branch leader. She also worked
to have received a letter from our as the parish administrator and was
Queen and also the special Maundy secretary of the Select Vestry for five
purses, and these will always be years.
greatly treasured.” She said she was honoured to
Each year, The Queen distributes receive the Maundy money. “I still
special Maundy money to a number can’t get my head around why I was
of pensioners in recognition of their chosen. There was a letter from the
contribution to community and to Lord High Almoner, and I read about
The Rev Clifford Skillen with Bishop the Church. what people have done in Church
Alan Abernethy at the Thanksgiving Shirley is a former principal circles and I think, ‘that’s not me!’
Service last December prior to the teacher of a primary school. In There are lots of people who are
bishop’s retirement. retirement, she visits vulnerable and much more deserving!”
2 I ISSUE 14: MAY 2020
CONTENTS
05 Pastoral care during
Covid-19
06 Coronavirus stories
10 Fancy a virtual run?
12 Diocesan Focus
18 New archbishop
outlines vision
19 Veteran celebrates
100th birthday
20 Practical advice for 8-9: Mark Ferguson, lead singer of the Mark
parishes Ferguson band, is the subject of our Q&A.
22 A global pandemic
14-15
25 The Big Question
26 Devotional
30 Blooming marvellous!
31 Mothers’ Union
34 Archive of the Month 17 21
35 Training for church CHURCH OF IRELAND SINGLE COPY RETAIL PRICE
GAZETTE
musicians £4 €4.50
38 Grow your own! DELIVERED TO YOUR CHURCH OR
PRICES FOR 2020 LOCAL SHOP (ANNUALLY)
40 Living at The Hub • The Gazette is a monthly £40 €45
publication published on the
Chaplaincy, Belfast DELIVERED TO YOUR HOME
first Friday of each month -
(ANNUALLY)
41 Reviews ePaper available on the
£55 €75
previous Tuesday.
Cover photo: The Church is open:
• There are 10 issues per year. EPAPER ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION
Only the buildings are closed.
• You can purchase the Gazette £35 €40
Parishes across the island of Ireland (The rest of the world price for ePaper is
by contacting our office
are running a vibrant online ministry as the sterling price).
(contact details below).
during the coronavirus crisis.
CHURCH OF IRELAND 3 Wallace Avenue, Lisburn, BT27 4AA. Our office is currently closed.
GAZETTE
t: 028 9267 5743 (ROI 048 9267 5743)
e: gazette@ireland.anglican.org w: www.gazette.ireland.anglican.org
EDITOR ADVERTISEMENTS We are grateful for the
Karen Bushby For information on advertising suppport of the Priorities
e:editorcofigazette@gmail.com options and prices contact the Fund of the Church of
DEPUTY EDITOR Gazette office. Ireland.
Suyai Rodriguez Cameron Clasified £12 / €12 (maximum 20
OFFICE MANAGER words)
Ella McLoughlin Registered as a newspaper at the
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR GPO.
Soon-ok Je Potter DESIGN InHouse Publications The Gazette online is sponsored by
PRINTERS Spectator Newspapers Ecclesiastical - www.ecclesiastical.ie
CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE I 3
EDITORIAL
RISING TO THE CHALLENGE
It is hard to believe how quickly I watched a ‘funny’ video on social church’ once this
the extraordinary becomes the media which showed hundreds of pandemic is over, will
ordinary. Two months ago, reading chickens racing madly out of a barn change.
accounts of Wuhan residents and down a hill. The video was We make no apologies for the
living in lockdown because of the captioned: ‘When they let us out!’ I many coronavirus-related stories
coronavirus, I would never have suspect, however, that as lockdown in this issue. Key workers and
imagined that in a short space regulations ease, we will actually others are doing an incredible job
of time we would have to do the step out slowly, nervous about making sure we, the public, stay
same, and for so long. re-entering the world. safe and well. Health workers,
The shocking daily death tolls What a joy it will be to be able to law enforcement officers, food
experienced by our European return to the sanctity of our churches. producers, teachers and other key
neighbours are now being recorded This crisis, however, has proved workers are having to adapt the way
here: A tidal wave of grief sweeping that while our buildings have had they work - many at risk to their own
through our communities as loved to close, the Church remains open health. We thank them sincerely.
ones die, exacerbated by the and continues to carry out a vibrant To keep our distributers safe, this
unimaginable, but tragically real, ministry. issue of the ‘Gazette’ is available,
ban on wakes and services of Clergy and others have risen to free to all, in online format only,
thanksgiving, and the strict limit on the challenge of transferring ministry and can be printed at home at
numbers attending a burial. to an online platform - David Ritchie, www.gazette.ireland.anglican.
Older people are the most Chief Executive of the Representative org. Our office is currently closed,
isolated and the most vulnerable. Church Body, comments (page 21) but if you have a story to share
Taking steps to reduce the former that many parishes say numbers in our June issue, please email
increases their risk of the latter. tuning in for Sunday services online editorcofigazette@gmail.com.
Thankfully, the evidence shows that are far in excess of those attending Thank you for downloading the
social distancing is working. If we worship before the pandemic. ‘Gazette.’ I am delighted that we can
keep it up, we will beat this virus That is a clear endorsement of the continue to provide this service and,
and, one day, life will return to the efforts of our clergy - and perhaps at the same time, encourage our
‘ordinary’ that we once enjoyed. an indication that the way we ‘do readers to stay home and stay safe.
VIRTUAL SERVICE OF INTRODUCTION IN MEATH AND KILDARE
The Rev Fran Grasham has taken
up her post as part-time priest-in-
charge of Geashill Union, Diocese
of Meath and Kildare, following a
virtual Service of Introduction
conducted by Bishop Pat Storey.
The service took place on April 27
using the Zoom online platform. Fran
was accompanied by her husband
Steve and seven others, including
diocesan registrar Karen Seaman.
Bishop Pat said: “We had to
adapt to the restrictions on social
distancing because of Covid-19, by
holding the Service of Introduction
virtually. Even though the
parishioners of Geashill Union have Bishop Pat Storey conducts a virtual Service of Introduction for the Rev Fran
not been able to hold a physical Grasham (inset).
Service of Introduction, the warmth
of their welcome is just as real, as is
Please check our website and social media for updates on
Rev Fran’s enthusiasm for ministry deadlines and publication of the June issue of the ‘Gazette.’
amongst them.”
Prior to taking up her new DISCLAIMER
Any views which may be expressed in the features, news reports, articles, letters and
appointment, Fran served as a
reviews are not necessarily those of the editor or of Church of Ireland Press Ltd. Editorial
non-stipendiary minister in the comment and other articles do not necessarily contain the official views of the Church
Kildare and Newbridge Group of or Ireland. The editor reserves the right to decline any advertisement, letter or other
Parishes and as Chaplain to the Irish material without assigning any reason. Publication of advertisements does not necessarily
Defence Forces. imply endorsement of products or services advertised.
2 I ISSUE 14: MAY 2020
CORONAVIRUS
AT THE HEART OF
were introduced, we knew
immediately that this would be very
challenging for our patients and their
PASTORAL CARE
loved ones at what is perhaps the
most vulnerable times in their lives.
We have been overwhelmed by
the generosity of so many towards
THE PROVISION OF PASTORAL CARE IN our appeal. The iPads have already
been used to provide valuable final
THE MIDST OF COVID-19 HAS BEEN A connections with families, to
provide pastoral care to patients
GLOBAL CHALLENGE, WRITES HOSPITAL who were unable to have visitors,
and to virtually bring family guests
CHAPLAIN, DR DANIEL NUZUM to a wedding which they could not
attend in person.
At the heart of palliative care is upset for our patients, the pastoral At the heart of pastoral care is
the philosophy of living as well as care team led on the provision of ‘relationship,’ and this new initiative,
you can for as long as possible in virtual care with patients using iPads that I am proud to be part of with
the midst of a life-limiting illness. and video conferencing. This our pastoral care team and the wider
Marymount University Hospital provided pastoral care for patients in multidisciplinary team, has meant a
and Hospice is a specialist inpatient isolation and also allowed patients lot to our patients and their families.
palliative care service located in to connect with their loved ones at It is another example of the
Cork, with 44 inpatient beds, in home. Following an initial generous tremendous ‘can do’ attitude that is
addition to 66 residents in our donation of two iPads and the evident within our Marymount staff
Service for the Older Person and a evident success of the initiative, a and community.
large number of community palliative drive was launched to provide this The provision of pastoral care in
care patients who are cared for at service for all patients. the midst of Covid-19 has been a
home or in care facilities. global challenge for chaplains and
Due to the increase of the APPEAL pastoral care teams around the
Covid-19 virus in the wider A fundraising appeal was made on world. At a time of isolation and
community, Marymount Hospice Good Friday, and within 24 hours uncertainty, healthcare chaplains
reluctantly had to introduce severe more than €20,000 was raised and have been providing meaningful care
visiting restrictions to protect our more than 80 devices hand-delivered and exploring new ways of
vulnerable patients and the staff to the hospice and hospital. Most maintaining care for patients, their
who care for them. This was a were brand new and ordered by loved ones and staff colleagues.
difficult decision, and in many ways individuals and companies especially The spiritual challenges of the
goes against the core philosophy of for Marymount. At the time of writing Covid-19 pandemic such as
family-centred care that Marymount the appeal had reached €45,000, isolation, fear, uncertainty,
holds dear. including €35,000 through our loneliness, abandonment are
Recognising that the GofundMe site and immense. As chaplains, a
absence of loved a €10,000 donation number of us are collaborating
ones was a from Apple. globally to share good practice,
source of When visiting research, and experiences to
restrictions develop innovative ways to provide
meaningful pastoral care.
To support the iPad initiative,
please visit: https://ie.gofundme.
com/f/MarymountTechAppeal.
Dr Daniel Nuzum is a member of
the Pastoral Care Team at
Marymount University Hospital and
Hospice and is a Healthcare
Chaplain and Clinical Pastoral
Education Supervisor at Cork
University Hospital and
Cork University
Maternity
Hospital.
@marymountcork@
danielnuzum
CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE I 5
CORONAVIRUS
A VITAL ROLE IN
work. We have added additional
canteen and hand-washing areas and
employed extra cleaners to ensure
FOOD PRODUCTION
communal areas are disinfected on a
regular basis.
“We have identified ways of
ensuring social distancing which
include staggering breaks, and have
regular meetings with all staff to
ensure they are aware of government
advice and regulations.”
Food producers like Codd
Mushrooms are essential during this
crisis. “Our staff are playing a vital
role in keeping food production
moving and feeding the country,”
said Hazel. “We are committed to
ensuring that all retailers receive their
orders without delay. We will strive
to keep up a level of production to
The Codd family (pictured), all the Irish market. How has Covid-19 ensure that mushrooms are supplied
members of the parish of St impacted the company? to the quality and volumes required
Columba’s Church in Tullow, Co “The greatest challenges we by the retailers.”
Carlow, Diocese of Cashel, Ferns currently have are ensuring the safety William Codd is a member of
and Ossory, have been growing of our staff and the unpredictability Diocesan Synod and Hazel is Lay
the finest quality mushrooms at of orders,” Hazel said. “While sales Honorary Secretary of the General
their home farm in since 1989. in the catering sector have reduced Synod.
“Over the last 30 years we have dramatically, retail sales have
seen many changes and have increased.” MAGGIE’S MISSION
progressed to a modern, purpose She said that the health and safety A retired nurse
built mushroom and packing facility of all staff is paramount. “We have from Gilnahirk
which currently employs 240 had to implement huge changes to has joined
people,” explains Hazel Codd. keep our employees safe. We are the army of
Codd Mushrooms Ltd is now the currently taking temperature checks volunteer
largest supplier of mushrooms into on everyone before they commence seamstresses
making hospital
TEACHER’S BOOK SUPPORTS CHILDREN scrubs to help
Primary school teacher Mike keep staff and
Teacher and patients safe
Forde, who grew up in the rectory
author Mike during the Maggie Murphy.
of St Cedma’s, Larne, Diocese of
Forde. coronavirus crisis.
Connor, where his father Stephen,
now Dean of Belfast, was rector, Working with the ‘Dundonald
has published a new book to Darners’ group, Maggie Murphy’s
support children in the midst of first scrubs are already in use at the
the coronavirus crisis. Ulster Hospital, helping to protect
Mike now lives in Lancaster where high-risk, immuno-compromised
he teaches at Ingleton Primary cardiac and cancer patients, and the
School. He penned the story in an staff caring for them.
effort to help pupils come to terms Maggie, a warden of St Dorothea’s
adventures of Parsley Mimblewood. Church, Gilnahirk, Diocese of Down
with the school shutdown. “Each chapter explores an issue that
“I initially shared it as a Kindle and Dromore, was a MacMillan nurse
might be weighing on children’s until her retirement. She wanted to
book with the class and it was minds at the moment such as
downloaded hundreds of times return to nursing to offer
dealing with emotions, missing bereavement support to families
and shared by teachers across the friends and feeling cooped up,” said
country,” said Mike. “I’ve now affected by the pandemic, but at 73,
Mike. “At the end the chapter, there her family felt it was too
created a website for the book - are prompts and questions to
https://parsleymimblewood. dangerous, so she has been making
support parents to discuss these scrubs instead.
wordpress.com/ - so that anyone can issues as a family.
access it for free.” Maggie, a long-term volunteer
“It seems to have appealed to lots with Christian Aid, also rings the
Titled ‘How to NOT go to school,’ of children and families beyond my
the story follows the whimsical daily church bell at 8pm on Thursdays to
school.” show gratitude for frontline workers.
6 I ISSUE 14: MAY 2020
Donoughmore parishioner Marcella Eager chats to Archdeacon Neal O’Raw.
WHEN STREAMING
The visits are all conducted in an
appropriately socially distant
manner and clergy have a
IS NOT AN OPTION
dispensation to move beyond their
2km radius to carry on their work.
“On a normal pre-Covid-19
By Lynn Glanville the only way forward. Sunday, I might see two or three
Neal is the rector of dozen people. It’s a rural area and
How do you ‘do church’ during Donoughmore and Donard with there is quite a small Church of
a lockdown when going online is Dunlavin. Located on the west side Ireland population. I started limited
not an option? When your fellow of the Wicklow Mountains, the parish visiting, focusing on those who are
clergy are becoming YouTubers or is among the most rural in the particularly isolated. I had been
streaming services on Facebook Diocese of Glendalough. Here, calling people, but I don’t like the
Live, but you and your internet is creaky at best, and even phone and, as a former long
parishioners are largely confined mobile phone coverage is far from distance lorry driver, I like to be out
to a broadband blackspot? guaranteed. and about. This helps keep up the
It’s back to basics for the “My answer to this has been to Sunday connection and maintains
Archdeacon of Glendalough, the meet people face to face,” Neal the sanity of the rector,” he says.
Ven Neal O’Raw, who now finds that says. “I drive up to a parishioner’s With his ‘walk and talk’
socially distant conversations with gate and ring them. They come philosophy, Neal is as busy in
parishioners across their gates are outside and we have a chat.” lockdown as ever before.
WE CAN EMBRACE EVEN IF WE ARE NOT THERE
Bereaved relatives mourning the You are in the Mourne Mountains. Holy Week, the resurrection hope
loss of a loved one - whether This is where this lady was born and does bring comfort.”
the death was a consequence of brought up, and this is the family Paul said that as some clergy are
contracting Covid-19 or not - are grave. You are reading Psalm 23, confined to home for 12 weeks,
now facing the additional pain of which is what she requested as part clergy who are able are helping out
restrictions in terms of funerals. of her funeral service. in other parishes. “There has been
In Northern “The birds are singing, and the a lot of sharing,” he said. He paid
Ireland, sheep are bleating and you think - tribute to the hard work of
regulations this is a funeral. This is someone for undertakers and graveyard staff.
dictate social whom we would have loved to have Following appeals by the Bishop
distancing must had a service in a church, singing of Derry and Raphoe, the Rt Rev
be observed in the hymns she chose, and just being Andrew Forster, and the Roman
graveyards, and able to hug. Catholic Bishop of Derry, the Most
only 10 people “Families and congregations Rev Dr Donal McKeown, the
may be present cannot be there. That’s the hard part. Northern Ireland Executive reversed
at a burial. Ecclesiastes says there is a time to a decision to close cemeteries.
The Ven embrace. We cannot embrace Expressing his concerns about the
Paul Dundas. Paul Dundas, physically, but we can embrace closures, Bishop Andrew said the
Archdeacon of Dalriada and rector through sharing our thoughts and legislation allowed public parks to
of Christ Church, Lisburn, Diocese of prayers online on Facebook and remain open but forced cemeteries
Connor, has conducted a number of WhatsApp. We can embrace to close. “We’re literally ‘standing
these graveside funerals. someone even if we are not able to on holy ground’ when we’re talking
Reflecting on the funeral of a be there. about this issue,” Bishop Andrew
parishioner who died of Covid-19, “We have been very blessed by said, “because cemeteries are a
held in Castlewellan, Co Down, Paul the weather. We can stand by the place of memory, they’re a place of
said: “It is very surreal standing at grave and not get blown away. And grief, they’re also a place of hope
a graveside, the sun beating down. for those suffering during Easter and and resolution as well.”
CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE I 7
EVENTS CAUSED ME
There have been a few significant
events in my life that have caused
me to ask questions. Times when I
TO ASK QUESTIONS
have had to really choose to believe
that God is still in control, in spite of
circumstances.
In 1998 I was involved in a serious
MARK FERGUSON IS THE FOUNDER OF car accident, as a result of which my
passenger lost his life. In 2001, I lost
THE MARK FERGUSON BAND, A CO my mother to cancer. In 2010, my
wife Delia gave birth to our daughter
ARMAGH-BASED WORSHIP GROUP Ana-Lily. We were soon to learn that
she was born with a rare condition
1/ Tell us about your background. meaning that she is severely
I was brought up in a loving and physically disabled and has a variety
lively Christian home. My father, of complex medical needs.
Dean Raymond, is a retired Church This is probably the greatest daily
of Ireland clergyman. His longest challenge, and has led my wife and I
spell as rector was at Mullabrack on a rollercoaster of questions and
Parish, near Markethill. This is where hospital admissions - continually
I grew up. having to find a ‘new normal’ after
My late mother, Rosemary, was many trying situations.
a primary school teacher. She was However, in everything I am
heavily involved in the life of the The band: James Donaldson, Matt
reminded that Jesus freely chose
church too. Both my parents Duke, Mark Ferguson and Tim Duke.
the way of suffering, ie the cross, to
encouraged music, and particularly band’ on a regular basis for a bring about an end to all suffering.
singing, around the home at all number of years. Initially we only I must hold on to this! I must trust
times! I have two brothers and two played at Resonate each month, but God to make me stronger by leaning
sisters. My siblings all sing and play were soon invited to play at events more firmly on Him.
a variety of instruments too, so all over Ireland - in church halls, Our daughter is nine years old
music and singing songs and hymns churches, festivals, civic centres, now and brings us joy every day, we
together around the piano was - and open air stages, theatres etc. wouldn’t change anything about her.
still is - part of our family life. Recently, having become busier We have seen her have an impact on
with jobs, families and so on, there people that we will never have, and
2/ What prompted you to form has not been a regular band as such. we have seen her reflect the glory of
the band? I have been less busy with it all too. God in ways that go deeper than our
In August 2006, I became involved Now, I usually call upon a number of words could ever describe.
in an inter-Church outreach initiative good musician friends and singers as
in Portadown called ‘Xpression.’ The and when I need them. 6/ Do you feel your music is a
week-long event began each day ministry?
with morning worship. It ended with 4/ How much of your music do I do. I feel very humble, yet greatly
an open air celebration of praise and you write yourself? privileged when I receive messages
worship in the town centre. Over the years we have released from people telling me of how the
Towards the end of the week, the three albums and one EP. ‘Your songs have had an impact on them.
regular worship leader was unable Name On Our Lips’ (five track EP in For this I am thankful to God. I feel
to attend and I was asked to fill in. I 2009), ‘Dust’ (studio album in 2013), that the songs ultimately belong to
suppose this was the ‘birth’ of what ‘Hidden’ (studio album in 2016) and God and his people.
became the band. Xpression was to ‘Hidden Live’ (live album in 2019, I never really see the songs as
play a big role in the growth of the songs from ‘Hidden’ studio album ‘mine’ as such, so I am delighted
band over the coming years. and some new material). when I am reminded that they have a
I wrote all of the songs. Most are life or ministry of their own as it were,
3/ Who makes up the band and for use in sung worship, but there are as God uses them as he pleases.
where and how often do you play? also some songs of a more personal
In September 2006, a monthly nature that have been born out of 7/ Should more churches
inter-Church youth event called life’s experiences. The albums and introduce ‘praise band’ worship
‘Resonate’ was in need of a band. the songs are available on all the alongside the traditional hymn and
I invited two of the guys who had usual digital platforms. There may be organ?
played at Xpression, Matt Duke the odd one knocking around a Faith I think this is a question for each
(drummer) and James Donaldson Mission Bookshop too! individual church. It depends on the
(electric guitar) to join me. Matt people that the music ministry is
asked his younger brother Tim (bass) 5/ Has your faith ever been there to serve. I do not feel that any
to join us too - this became ‘the tested? church should rule out one or other,
8 I ISSUE 14: MAY 2020
INTERVIEW
outside for walks, usually with some
music in my ears. I enjoy watching
sports - soccer in particular. I love to
travel. I could sit and look at a map
of the world for hours and imagine
myself in places that I’ve been to or
would yet love to go to!
11/ Do you have a song that you
feel would speak to people at this
time of worldwide crisis?
One song that people have been
asking about or using during this
time has been ‘Beneath the Cross.’
After my daughter was born and my
wife and I discovered she would not
be the little girl that we were
expecting, I had a very dry period
during which I didn’t write any songs.
One day I picked up my journal
and read the following words that
I must have written at some point
before Ana-Lily was born:
‘It’s beneath the cross of Christ
That my soul finds rest at last
Mark Ferguson. I can soar on eagle’s wings
but should seek to provide a variety service. I see it like a two-way Fearing not what this life brings.’
of opportunities and ways for people conversation, as we listen to God’s
to engage with God through music Word, we should have an opportu- The words broke me completely.
and sung worship, regardless of the nity to reply to Him in the worship I can’t remember writing them! These
“
style. that follows. I think this is all possible words were easy to write when all
in both styles! was well, but I now found myself in a
place where I had to choose whether
8/ Is this a full-time job? or not I really believed them.
The most important No! It can be busy and there I picked up the guitar again and
thing is not the style, are times when it has certainly felt eventually finished the song. The
song goes on to say, ‘the cross is not
like my job! However, I am a music
but that the music teacher. I am currently working at the end, I know that my Redeemer
Sperrinview Special School in lives, and I will live with Him’! I
and words glorify Dungannon. I teach the full realised that if ‘the cross in not the
God above ourselves curriculum and co-ordinate the music end,’ then equally, ‘this world is not
within the school. Challenging but the end.’ Something that we all can
and our opinions
”
equally rewarding! shout!
Because Jesus went to the cross
9/ Have you ever been tempted to and defeated death, this fallen world
There is certainly a place for both step away from Christian music into and all the disability, sickness, viruses
- the most important thing is not the the mainstream industry? that we experience have been
style, but that the music and words Perhaps in my younger days, defeated too! The words of the
glorify God above ourselves and before fully deciding what to do with bridge say:
our opinions, and give His people a my life. I have written songs for my
place in which to meet Him and be wife and songs about life, but these ‘The blind will see and the lame will walk.
transformed by Him. haven’t always been recorded or The cross is not the end
I believe it is more important released commercially! Every tear is gone, a new day has
to focus on how the words of the If God allows, I intend to record a dawned ,
This world is not the end.’
songs connect with God’s Word and new album and plan to put what you
what He is specifically saying to the might call some more ‘mainstream’ It took me some time to be able
Church at any particular time. songs on that. to sing the words, ‘and the lame will
It is also vital that our worship walk,’ without crying! However, this is
gives space for us to respond 10/ What are your other interests the joy of being a follower of Christ -
corporately and individually to what and hobbies? in spite of current frustration or fear,
God has said in any particular I enjoy reading. I love to get this world is not the end!
CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE I 9
PEOPLE
to Alastair. In the summer of 2013,
he organised Run4Christ around the
perimeter of the island of Ireland,
covering 1,298 miles, spread over 53
‘marathons’ and taking eight weeks
and three days. On some days he ran
up to 30 miles.
Alastair is now seven years older,
and happily married to Elise and
father to Josiah (3) and baby Edith.
His aspirations, he says, are more
modest. “If you break down the
distance of 380km (approximately
236 miles) over 52 running days, it
translates to a manageable 4.5 miles
per day and as such would be within
the UK Government restriction of
one session of exercise per day,” he
explained.
The Rev Alastair Donaldson on his 2013 Run4Christ marathon around the
FAITH
island of Ireland, covering 1,298 miles.
There is another, ultimately more
ALASTAIR SET TO important, reason for his mission. For
Alastair, his running challenges have
served as a visual demonstration of
RUN ‘VIRTUAL RACE’
his faith in Jesus Christ.
“God has always seen me through
and my runs, in my own head at
The coronavirus pandemic has They then ‘run the race’ remotely least, have acted as a parable of
brought many challenges. It alongside other entrants,” Alastair sorts to how He is bringing me and
continues to cause much explained. “When they finish, they those who would trust in Him to
heartbreak, but new opportunities submit proof of completion - pictures Heaven,” Alastair said.
and benefits have also arisen. or downloads of their GPS watch “This coronavirus pandemic has
The Rev Alastair Donaldson, rector etc. A medal will then be sent in the really shaken the foundations of
“
of Kinawley and Holy Trinity Parish, post.” individuals and society across the
Diocese of Kilmore, Elphin and world. The need for Gospel truth has
Ardagh, has a love of running. Like never been greater. Pointing people
all those who share his passion, he to the Easter hope of Christ as
found the cancellation of races for God has always Saviour is more urgent than ever.”
which he had trained hard was taking seen me through, To this end, he is using his ‘virtual
a toll on his mental health. run’ to raise awareness of the work of
“I had planned, God willing and and my runs... have Irish Church Missions in Dublin and
injuries permitting, to run a their prayerful intention to see 10
number of major races between
acted as a parable new Gospel congregations planted
of sorts
”
Easter and the end of June,” Alastair by 2028. These range from
said. “However, with the lockdown, pioneering work in the Silicon Docks
one by one these disappeared from among the business community to
the race calendar.” the ongoing pastoring of an ethnic
As he looked to the days and Alastair saw a new opportunity Iranian community, already feeling
weeks ahead, Alastair discovered the for himself and others with a love isolated, in both Belfast and Dublin.
concept of ‘virtual running.’ “At first I of running. “With my 38th birthday “In the months going forward
thought it was something to do with approaching, I began once again to such Gospel initiatives may prove
a computer game, but it was nothing think like Pheidippides, the original vital to all the citizens of Dublin and
of the sort,” he said. marathon runner. Running was the throughout the country and island,”
only sport I was ever good at. Over Alastair said.
ATHLETE the years, I have seen it both bless Alastair is keen to hear from
He soon discovered that ‘virtual me and use me to bless others. I anyone interested in running
running’ is big business. “The idea is thought of remotely running 380km ‘remotely’ with him, or partnering
not necessarily new, but has gained (my age to the multiple of 10) over him through prayer or financial
much traction of late. A typical the months of May and June, giving. Please visit https://www.give.
athlete will enter a race of whatever excluding Sundays.” net/RunandPlant380 or Facebook -
distance through various organisers. Distance running is nothing new search for RunandPlant380.
10 I ISSUE 14: MAY 2020CORONAVIRUS
PRESERVATION OF LIFE AT CORE
Detective Constable Clive McKee, us in a professional and responsible thoughtful and measured manner.
a member of Devenish and manner. Covid-19 has not changed I do not wish to cause a risk to any
Rossorry Parishes, Diocese of this ethos, but it has given us members of the public or my
Clogher, is a Police Service of challenges in conducting every day, colleagues. It is fair to say the way
Northern Ireland (PSNI) officer on the ground, police work. we go about our business has
attached to the Economic Crime “Policing ‘the lockdown’ in the changed but we still carry out our
Unit South Area, Enniskillen. area that I serve is challenging for police duties.”
He has been with the PSNI for 33 all, but it is being made easier by the
years, primarily in the Criminal majority of people understanding CONSEQUENCES
Investigations Branch. “Prior to the dangers of Covid-19 and gladly Clive said that even in this crisis,
Covid-19, being a police officer was complying with the restrictions that crime still happens. That, in turn, has
already challenging,” said Clive. have been imposed by Government. serious consequences for victims and
“Every day had its surprises, drawing Our communities should be praised the wider community.
upon your personal strengths, your for the manner in which they have “We in the Police Service still
experience and the training that you faced this virus. endeavour to investigate and bring
have received. “Present events have changed before the justice system those who
how I conduct my business. I have have alleged to have committed
ETHOS to bear in mind the serious health whatever crime,” he said. “The
“Always in the forefront of one’s implications if I do not take into preservation of life is at the very core
mind as a police officer is that you consideration social distancing of policing ethics, and we who serve
are there to serve all within the measures, washing hands etc, but in the PSNI will do everything in our
community. I, along with my I also must consider the health of being to effect this ethos, along with
colleagues from within all branches those persons I may be coming into our partner agencies and all in the
of the PSNI, have this ethos and we contact with because of my role as a community.
cherish the responsibility that has detective. “We are there to assist without
been given to us to keep people “Every operational matter and fear or favour, all within our
safe, protect life, investigate crime encounter that I have with members community who require the service
and to effect the powers given to of the community is dealt with in a that we gladly give.”
WE HAVE A ‘WOBBLE ROOM’
WHERE WE TAKE TIME OUT
Joanne Clayton, a member of and keep themselves safe, always
Knockbreda Parish, Diocese of mindful of changes.
Down and Dromore, is a CT Joanne added: “Not being able to
radiographer in the Ulster Hospital go to church has been difficult, but
in the South Eastern Health and it has been great to be able to live
Social Care Trust. stream the Sunday services or catch
“The challenges we face at up on social media.”
present are scanning and x-raying She feels she and her colleagues
seriously ill patients of all ages, are ‘coping incredibly well.’ “We
who are faced by staff wearing full have a little prayer group that meets
personal protective gear and trying once a week, or more often if
to keep them calm and reassured someone needs it,” she said. “We
that we are doing our best to help are an amazing team who all know
Radiographer Joanne Clayton.
them,” Joanne said. each other well and can tell when
“I worry daily that I might carry the someone might need a little extra their doorstep each week. I just can’t
virus home to my family, so I’m support. We also have a ‘wobble help smiling when I see a rainbow
taking every precaution I can to room’ where we can go and take that’s been lovingly painted for us.”
protect them. Working additional time out if we need to, it’s a quiet It is vital that key NHS staff like
shifts means that I have even less space that just recharges the soul.” Joanne carry on working. “We need
time to spend with my own family.” Joanne added that the support to ensure that our patients get an
She said friends and colleagues from the public has been wonderful. accurate, timely diagnosis to enable
have to stay calm and reassure each “It has kept us all going when we’ve our doctors, nurses and the rest of
other that they are doing all they can been exhausted - from hand creams our healthcare heroes to treat them
to prevent the spread of the virus to food and buns to clapping on appropriately,” Joanne said.
CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE I 11DIOCESAN FOCUS
TUAM, KILLALA AND ACHONRY DIOCESE
A YEAR IN REVIEW
By Alistair Grimason
We have been busy in Tuam,
Killala and Achonry (TKA) in the
past year. Lots of small - yet in
their own way important - things
have happened which I wish I
could acknowledge individually.
But I am constrained to cherry-
picking a few significant highlights.
General Synod 2019 is where
we start, when an historic Bill was
passed which effectively united the
dioceses of Tuam and Limerick. This
was subject to ratification by the two
diocesan synods. That ratification
was affirmed unanimously by both
Tuam and Limerick. The unification
will come into effect when either or
both of the current bishoprics
becomes vacant. The Tuam, Killala and Achonry and Mory, Ross and Caithness youth
As we await organic unity, the exchange.
dioceses continue to work on nuts Roundstone and Maebh in Achill. It is
and bolts like diocesan regulations, hoped that all three will be ordained
the financial scheme etc. At the same priests in the autumn.
time, TKA and Limerick and Killaloe Galway had a major event early in
are doing as much as possible in 2020. This year is the 700th
a ‘together’ way. We had our joint anniversary of the building of St
clergy conference in Adare and our Nicholas’ Collegiate Church. A
joint Quiet Day in Tuam Cathedral at service celebrating St Nicholas’
which Bishop John McDowell, now past, present and future was held on
Archbishop of Armagh, was guest February 9 2020. Honoured guests Bishop Rooke, Bishop McDowell and
speaker. When the bishops of the included Michael D Higgins, Bishop Kearon at the joint Quiet Day.
Church of Ireland were invited by President of Ireland, Mrs Higgins,
Limerick and Killaloe to visit for a and Church and civic leaders. the internet or social media. And
Mission Weekend in November, TKA folks are doing their pastoral best by
was also included, which ended with CRISIS telephone and generally are minding
Choral Evensong in St Mary’s We couldn’t let this article pass one another.
Cathedral, Limerick. without at least a nod to the
current global crisis, which has CHALLENGES
SCOTLAND severely curtailed activities in the As we struggle to rise to the
In June of last year, seven TKA young diocese and beyond. For instance, challenges of these strange times,
folk visited our link diocese of Mory, the Rev Canon Jen McWhirter, we look forward to better days with
Ross and Caithness in the north who was appointed incumbent of the hope that all of us in the Church
east of Scotland. Friendships were Aughaval Group of Parishes earlier in of Christ might look back and hear
forged, stories and culture swapped, the year, has had her institution an echo of the words of Scripture
and simply a great time was had by service postponed indefinitely. ‘Well done, thou good and faithful
all. A return trip by the ‘Piskies’ is Covid-19 has prompted many servant.’ Until that time, we keep in
anticipated later this year. of us in TKA to explore new ways mind the words of Julian of Norwich:
Ordinations can be infrequent of ‘being Church.’ A weekly - and ‘All shall be well and all shall be well
occurrences in TKA, but in 2019 we during Holy Week, daily - recorded and all manner of things shall be
had three! The Rev Karen Duignan, act of worship has been posted on well.’
the Rev Carole Reynolds and the our website. A booklet of services, Dean Alistair Grimason
Rev Maebh O’Herlighy were made readings and prayers has been is Diocesan
OLM deacons in St Mary’s Cathedral, produced and widely distributed Communications Officer
Tuam, in September. Karen is by post to parishioners, specifically for the Diocese of Tuam,
now serving in Kilglass, Carole in aimed at those who cannot access Killala and Achonry.
12 I ISSUE 14: MAY 2020NEWS / MISSION
From left: The Rev Jonathan McFarland; the Ven Robert Miller, Archdeacon of Derry; the Rev Canon David Crooks,
diocesan registrar; and Bishop Andrew Forster. (Photo: Jonny Collins @UlsterImage).
I AM DISAPPOINTED
behind us, we will all pull together to
celebrate God’s faithfulness in an act
of thanksgiving for my institution.
ONLY FOR MEMBERS BISHOPS’ APPEAL
In the light of the global Covid-19
JONATHAN MCFARLAND REFLECTS ON pandemic, Bishops’ Appeal - the
HIS INSITUTION BEHIND CLOSED DOORS Church of Ireland’s World Aid and
Development Programme - is
You might imagine that I was me of their commitment to press on. releasing €50,000 to five key
disappointed to be having my The reason I am not disappointed partner mission and development
service of institution as rector to with all of this is that, given the agencies - Christian Aid, Tearfund
the Parish of Urney, Diocese of serious circumstances, I am simply Ireland, CMS Ireland, USPG and
Derry and Raphoe, behind closed very grateful that the service actually Motivation.
doors. After all, as a parish, we went ahead. The emergency responses include
had been preparing the service for distributing essential supplies and
months. STRIPPED DOWN information to people whose
All the invitations had been sent On the night, the service was at- markets have shut down, people
out, the readings and hymns chosen tended by my wife and daughter, who live in informal settlements and
and the order of service was ready Bishop Andrew, Archdeacon Millar, refugee camps, and people who are
for printing. Then along came the the Rev Canon David Crooks and a living with a disability.
coronavirus. congregation of 20, made up mainly The Rt Rev Patrick Rooke, Chair
The service was planned for by members of Urney Select Vestry. of Bishops’ Appeal, said: “Aware of
Friday March 20, but as we moved There were no hymns. The service the financial pressures parishes are
closer to this date, the restrictions had been stripped down to the currently experiencing, the Church
on social distancing became tighter legal essentials and some prayers of Ireland is not launching its own
and tighter. It was looking like all our and words of encouragement from major appeal but asking dioceses,
plans were about to be scuppered Bishop Andrew. parishes and individuals to give what
and that the service would have to If I felt any disappointment, it was they can to the appeals launched by
be postponed. for the members of my parish who our partner agencies, with Bishops’
In the days and even in the hours had been looking forward to a full Appeal acting as a conduit. In the
before the institution, major scale celebration. midst of our own sufferings and
adjustments had to be made. We left the service with the deep fears at this time, it is vital that we
Bishop Andrew Forster and commitment that when all this remember those in countries with
Archdeacon Robert Millar reassured trouble with the coronavirus is fewer resources and expertise.”
CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE I 13INSPIRING GEMMA
had, and believes it has helped her
recovery.
“The day after my accident, the
HAS PLANS TO TAKE
rector of Tullow Group of Parishes at
the time, the Rev Andrew Orr, and
parishioners held a prayer service for
TO THE HIGH SEAS!
me and I believe it was brilliant - a
full church with people I didn’t even
know!” she says.
“The January after I came home,
MARGARET HAWKINS MEETS THE we had a service of thanks, just to
show everyone how their prayers had
COURAGEOUS GEMMA WILLIS worked. The church was fit to burst.
It was lovely to see. I will always
Gemma Willis has been looking had 14 operations in the 16 months remember it.”
forward to being part of the crew she was in hospital. Gemma says she had very good
on a tall ship due to sail from Cádiz She recalls a later conversation pastoral support while in hospital
to Lisbon as part of the Parade of with a doctor. “He told me that there too.
Sails race this summer. were seven surgeons standing round “As people say, these are the
While the Tall Ships Races 2020 me trying to decide if it was worth moments that open your eyes, when
hang in the balance due to the their while doing anything as my you go through trauma and you
coronavirus pandemic, Gemma’s injuries were so bad,” Gemma says. need someone to talk to, to rant to,
ambition to be selected and her “It’s shocking to think that. It makes to give out to and to be thankful to,
determination to take part are me even more thankful for being so it was great to have so much
nothing short of miraculous. alive and doing so well.” support.
Gemma, 24, a pastry chef from “So many people came to see
Tullow, Co Carlow, was seriously CHALLENGES me and Hilda Plant, who is chaplain
injured in a road traffic accident While life now has many challenges, in the Mater, used to play hymns
on August 5 2013, and now uses including needing a wheelchair, an and read different prayers to me.
a wheelchair. But this courageous ileostomy bag and catheter, Gemma She’d ask, ‘what prayer do you want
young woman is inspiring others with focuses on the positive, and today?’ ‘St Patrick’s Breastplate’ was
her story of recovery and resilience. celebrates the fact that she can my favourite. ‘Christ beside me…’”
Even the prospect of being be as independent as she is.
hoisted up to a ship’s crow’s nest in “One surgeon I see regularly for PHILOSOPHICAL
her wheelchair hasn’t daunted her. check-ups is amazed at how I am Gemma is philosophical about the
“I am terrified of heights, but you’ve doing. When I tell him I can change accident of which she has no
got to take these opportunities,” my own stoma bag and can get into recollection and in which her mother,
says Gemma. the chair myself he is delighted, as Elizabeth, was less seriously hurt.
She has been sharing the story of there was so little hope for me in the “I always say ‘for whatever messed
how she was ‘put back together,’ as early days. I had setbacks too, so up reason this happened, it was
she calls it, at the Mater and the they can’t get over how well I came meant to happen,’ she says.
“
National Rehabilitation Hospital out of it all,” she says. Getting to the point of
(NRH) in Dún Laoghaire. acceptance of her injuries was ‘a
mixture of everything.’
INJURIES
Gemma’s list of injuries is long. In an
Faith did help “Faith did help because in times
of trauma you need to believe in
induced coma for six weeks, because in times of something, but you also need the
time to accept these things. One
doctors worked to repair the
damage - she has metal rods on trauma you need of the stages is grief. You have to
either side of her spine which was grieve. I think understanding is a big
severed, she suffered a ruptured to believe in one too. You have to understand the
extent of your injuries before you can
bowel, one kidney couldn’t be saved
and her cheek bone was broken. something, but you start to even process it all.”
Gemma’s right leg had to be
amputated due to artery damage,
also need the time Gemma says that she had no
awareness of disability before her
and the toes on her left foot had to to accept these accident.
“I never had contact with
be removed.
things
”
Gemma then suffered headaches wheelchairs before - never pushed
six months after the accident, and one, never sat in one, was never up
a scan showed that spinal fluid had close to one.”
leaked into her brain which resulted Gemma says she is thankful for the Now she prefers one that she can
in more surgery. All in all, Gemma pastoral and prayer support she has push along herself, with its
14 I ISSUE 14: MAY 2020PEOPLE
colourful wheels, to an electric one.
“I felt so un-independent when I
tried an electric chair,” she says.
Gemma and Elizabeth had been
travelling home from Naas
Hospital where Gemma had had an
eye condition treated, when the
collision happened.
“I don’t want to know anything
about the accident because I can’t
change it,” she says.
But isn’t talking about what
happened difficult for her?
“No, I’m used to it, and I like
talking to Transition Year students
about it, for example. I tell them not
to take anything for granted, that
you might make plans but that
challenging things can happen in
life and that good can come out
of them. And that friendship is so
important. My friends I’ve had since
school have been wonderful and I’ll
always be thankful for that.”
LANDMARK
There have been a few landmark
stages for Gemma. “As my mum
would say, with time you get more
daring - you are just so used to it.
When I came home from hospital, I
would always want someone there
when I was getting into bed in case I
would fall. Now I do it without
thinking about it. Your confidence
builds with time.”
She was glad to get home to her
mother’s cooking too! “It’s funny the
things you long for - lamb chops,
cheese toasties, homemade soups
and of course - having a sweet
tooth and being a pastry chef - I was
always yearning for interesting
desserts!”
Gemma also missed the family
farm when she was away. “Lambing
was always my favourite time of year.
In ways I feel so helpless, but I still
try to help when I can, with
bottle-feeding or moving sheep,
when I’ll be the one stopping the
gaps!”
In the future Gemma hopes to be
able to drive again, but in the
meantime she has her tall ships trip
to look forward to - at some stage in
the future.
“I’m very excited about it. I’m
hoping for a new wheelchair Gemma Willis.
before then. Working as crew, we will probably want to keep me in the Mater Foundation, which is aiming
have to do a different job every four galley but I want to try everything!” to raise €140,000 for two life-support
hours. Being a chef, they will Gemma is an ambassador for the machines.
CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE I 15CORONAVIRUS
keep everyone safe and treat them
effectively. This is a very fast
changing environment with high
levels of pressure.
PRESSURES
Michael said the entire primary care
team is doing ‘a superb job’
despite the obvious pressures. “We
are very grateful for the huge
support people are showing to front
line workers. We are all concerned
that we may miss a serious condition
because people are not
contacting us for advice. If you
are unwell, please get in touch!
A FAST CHANGING “We are all feeling tired, as new
ways of working and emotional
pressures can be draining. We are
ENVIRONMENT
Pharmacist Michael Ogilby.
also concerned about the risk of
infection, and the potential to carry
infection home. My faith and the
prayerful support of my church and
Michael Ogilby, a parish reader in centres,” Michael said. “My team family are a huge comfort.”
the United Parish of Ballyclare and is working to maintain treatment of He said it is vital that as a General
Ballynure, Diocese of Connor, is pre-existing conditions, supporting Practice Pharmacist, he and his
Lead General Practice Pharmacist and reassuring our patients. team work to support GPs. “We can
with the East Belfast Federation “We would normally call in continue to prescribe medication for
He says the coronavirus has forced patients with long-term conditions on-going conditions. This ensures
a transition from physically seeing such as hypertension and diabetes everyone is receiving the best
patients to remote management. for review - with many patients also possible care even when their
“The GPs in the practice are triaging requiring blood tests. This contact conditions are not related to the
by phone and working in the Covid is no longer possible. Our aim is to coronavirus,” Michael said.
YOUNGER PEOPLE ‘TERRIFIC’ and resilient
during the crisis,”
Alan Cox, principal of Temple “The solution is to be found in he said. “The
Carrig School, Greystones, Diocese getting the balance right, and every Leaving Cert,
of Dublin and Glendalough, says school principal to whom I’ve spoken which, let’s face it,
the Covid-19 shutdown presents accepts that we’re only feeling our feels especially
‘an interesting challenge’ for way in the dark at the moment.” life-changing
schools. Alan paid tribute to ‘the sterling when you’re
“Remote teaching and learning, way’ in which teenagers have actually doing it, Alan Cox.
even with all the new technology supported social distancing IS stressful to go
that most schools are accessing, is measures. “In general, younger through, there’s
novel to us and we’re having to learn people have been absolutely terrific no doubt about it. So to have it
as we go,” Alan said. in acceding to the instructions to stay moved around, prolonged and
“In the first week of the school at home,” he said. “They hate it - no certainty that it might not be
closure, our teachers - in a fit of well- they’re just at the stage in their lives changed further is hard luck.”
meaning diligence - churned out far when it is innate in them to want to Alan said the school Chaplaincy
too much work, which left students get out into the world and explore it, Team has now switched to working
reeling and the teachers themselves but in Temple Carrig we challenged online, and the school continues
up all night marking. our students that this was the most to hold an End of Week Assembly
“Online live lessons via platforms patriotic thing they’d ever been on Zoom at 3.20pm every Friday.
such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, asked to do and they deserve credit “Again, the Chaplaincy Team and
Google Hangouts etc, seemed an for how well they have supported the other staff have been wonderfully
obvious replacement for real school, lockdown.” creative in driving these short,
but we soon found that this idea He also paid tribute to the stoic prayerful services,” Alan said.
militated against the many students attitude of the school’s Sixth Year He added that students have also
who were now left minding younger students as they approach their been challenged to ‘do something
siblings while parents were still out Leaving Cert exams. “This truly incredible’ during this crisis, for
at work. generation has been calm, strong which a new prize will be presented.
16 I ISSUE 14: MAY 2020You can also read
