Council for Justice and Peace, Lenten Reflection: The Crisis For People Seeking Refuge

The Council for Justice and Peace has created a  Lenten Reflection entitled “The Crisis for People Seeking Refuge”.   In this short resource, the CJP invites all to reflect through the ‘See, Judge and Act’ model.

We are all called to recognise and consider the great difficulties encountered by those who face devastating realities that force them to believe that their best option is to flee to another country seeking refuge.  In seeing an recognising these difficulties we are called to discern our own responsibilities, seeking ways in which we can take positive action to help and assist all seeking refuge in todays world.

Click here to access the resource in PDF format

For more information on the Council for Justice and Peace see www.justiceandpeace.ie

St Patrick’s Archdiocesan Trust Limited – Annual General Meeting – 3rd March 2021

The Annual General Meeting of St Patrick’s Archdiocesan Trust Limited (Trust) was held by Zoom conference on Wednesday 3^rd March 2021, in which the audited Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31^st March 2021 was presented. Presenting at the meeting were Archbishop Eamon Martin (Director of the Trust), Mr John McVey (Secretary to the Trust) and Mrs Roisin Traynor (Audit Manager – Cavanagh Kelly Accountants).

In attendance at the meeting where the Directors of the Trust, Members of the Diocesan Committees, Diocesan Clergy, Members of Parish Finance Committees, External Auditors, staff members throughout the diocese and volunteers throughout the Diocese.

A full copy of the Annual Report and Financial Statements and the presentation of the summary of the Financial Statements to 31^st March 2020 can be view below.

Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st March 2020

AGM Presentation 

Bishops encourage support of vaccine programmes against Covid-19

Council for Healthcare of the Bishops’ Conference urges everyone to support the vaccination programmes currently in place in the Republic and in Northern Ireland

As a matter of priority, vaccines should be made available to carers and to priest-chaplains to nursing care facilities and who preside at funerals

Last December the Irish Catholic Bishops in a statement said that “safe and effective vaccination is an essential aspect of the prevention of disease”. They encouraged Catholics to support the programme of vaccination “not only for their own good, but for the protection of life and the health of those who are vulnerable and for the common good of humanity”. The Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith made a similar call to all Catholics in its Note on the morality of Covid-19 vaccines (21 December 2020). The Council for Healthcare of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference wishes to reiterate that message and urges everyone to support the vaccination programmes currently in place in the Republic of Ireland and in Northern Ireland.

The development and provision of the vaccines is already providing reassurance for those who are most vulnerable to the virus and will help us to return to normality in terms of work, education, religious practice, and sporting and leisure activities as soon as possible.

We note that many people both North and South have already received the vaccine and we particularly welcome the fact that all residents and staff of nursing care facilities have been vaccinated at this stage. At present the group prioritised in the Republic of Ireland to receive the vaccine in the coming weeks are those over 70 years of age while in Northern Ireland it is those over 65 years of age along with others who are clinically vulnerable. We encourage all parishes and Church personnel to promote this programme and to encourage elderly parishioners, relatives and neighbours to avail of the opportunity to protect their health and the health of the whole community.

In Northern Ireland the main carers in the home for those who are elderly or disabled can now book a vaccination online at one of the 7 trust centres. An appointment can be made at  https://covid-19.hscni.net/get-vaccinated or, if you cannot access the internet, by telephone at 0300 200 7813. The phone line is open Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm. We call for the Department of Health and public health authorities to make vaccines available to carers in the Republic of Ireland as a matter of priority and to priests who are chaplains to nursing care facilities and who preside at funerals. 

Trustworthy and updated information on vaccines is available on https://www2.hse.ie/covid-19-vaccine/ in the Republic of Ireland andhttps://www.publichealth.hscni.net/covid-19-coronavirus/northern-ireland-covid-19-vaccination-programme in Northern Ireland.

“Reflecting on Church as the Family of God” 

As we approach the season of Lent we find our public prayer and worship still severely curtailed by the public health guidelines. Thankfully the progress in digital and social media has allowed us an opportunity to reach out to people over the past year and will continue to do so as we enter this sacred season of preparation for Easter.

In addition to a prayer service resource and video created for Ash Wednesday the Pastoral team has also created a video series entitled “Reflecting on Church as the Family of God”.  The first video is included above and a new video will be released each Wednesday during Lent.  Information on two resources for Ash Wednesday and Lent provided by the Diocesan Pastoral Team can be found by clicking here.

We invite all would ask all to share these resources with the sick, elderly and those shielding in the coming days and weeks.

“Prayer and outreach to survivors of abuse is a modern-day corporal and spiritual work of mercy”

Archbishop Eamon Martin

The annual Day of Prayer for Survivors and Victims of Sexual Abuse will take place on Friday 19 February 2021, the first Friday of Lent. The Day of Prayer is an initiative by Pope Francis and was first marked in Irish dioceses and parishes in 2017.

The bishops of Ireland have blessed and dedicated Candles of Atonement for use in cathedrals and parishes throughout the country on the Day of Prayer and thereafter during the celebration of Mass and other liturgies.

Introducing the Candles of Atonement in 2019, Archbishop Eamon Martin said, “In lighting these candles we will bring to mind our brothers and sisters, and their families, who have been left with a lifelong suffering as a result of abuse, whose trust was so deeply betrayed and whose faith has been so cruelly tested within the sanctity of the Church by perpetrators of abuse.

“I have been privileged to meet with victims and survivors of abuse and members of their families in the four provinces of Ireland.  Many have spoken to me about the importance of prayer for survivors, and for the need for the Church to be open to justice, to atone and never forget them. I have been humbled by their courage and overwhelmed by their generosity of spirit.

“I encourage dioceses and parishes to undertake this prayer initiative and to light the ‘Candle of Atonement’ in Cathedrals and churches across Ireland again this year. It would mean a lot to survivors if the ‘Candle of Atonement’ was a permanent feature in our Cathedrals and parish churches.  People visiting the church for quiet prayer might light the ‘Candle of Atonement’, pray the prayer, and bring to mind someone they know who has been directly impacted or affected by abuse.  I am convinced that prayer and outreach to survivors of abuse is a modern-day corporal and spiritual work of mercy.”

Archbishop Eamon continued, “The simple prayer ritual for the dedication and lighting of the ‘Candle of Atonement’ in Cathedrals and parish churches is based on the very moving Penitential Rite composed and prayed by Pope Francis at the final Mass of the World Meeting of Families 2018 in Phoenix Park when he implored the Lord’s mercy for the crimes of abuse and asked for forgiveness.

“The ‘Candle of Atonement’ and accompanying prayer are offered as a reminder to all of the need for us to atone, to ask forgiveness as a Church for the suffering caused by abuse. My hope is that these candles will be lit in Cathedrals and parishes across the country as a reminder of the need for atonement and that they will symbolise repentance, light in the darkness and hope.”

The bishops have made resources available for use in parishes and these can be downloaded from www.catholicbishops.ie

Archbishop Eamon acknowledges that while Ash Wednesday 2021 will be mostly without ashes, families can still pray, fast and be generous this Lent.

Speaking as the Church prepares to celebrate the Season of Lent in the context of Covid-19 restrictions.  

Archbishop Eamon said, “The season of Lent is a forty day penitential period leading up to Holy Week and Easter when Christians mark the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For Catholics the beginning of  Lent is traditionally marked by a day of fasting and by the distribution of ashes on the foreheads of church-goers.  Believers are encouraged to make a commitment to prayer, charity and fasting or self-denial. Many Catholics make Lenten promises or resolutions to mark the importance of this holy season.

The Video above offers some ideas on how all can mark Ash Wednesday at home this year. 

“This year, with the strong ‘Stay at Home’ message from public health authorities, north and south, it will not be possible for Catholics to gather in Church buildings to receive the ashes, which are normally applied to the forehead in the shape of the sign of the cross. The words used are Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return”, or “Repent and believe in the Gospel. 

At this time when gathering for public worship is suspended, parishes will continue to mark Ash Wednesday using online services over webcam and also by encouraging family prayer services in the home. The Northern Pastoral Network, for example, has prepared resources which are being made available to families (see armaghprays.com).  Instead of the usual ashes, families are being encouraged to keep the fast, to make their normal Lenten promises, and to consider making little crosses to wear using black ribbon or card.

“Even in parts of the world where there are less restrictions on gathering for worship, the Vatican has asked that ashes would not be applied to the forehead in the usual manner, but would be sprinkled on the top of people’s heads.

“Some parishes are making small envelopes of blessed ashes available for those who will be visiting their parish churches in the early days of Lent for individual prayer when out for their daily exercise. People will also be able to collect their Trócaire Box from parishes in the same way.”

Trócaire’s Lent 2021 campaign

“Here are my hands, hold them. Please don’t leave South Sudan alone. We need your prayers. We need your support. We need your love.” Fr. James Oyet Latansio, South Sudan Council of Churches.

Trócaire’s Lenten campaign for 2021 tells the stories of two families in South Sudan whose lives have been impacted by conflict. Awut and Ajak are shining examples of resilience, friendship and solidarity. This Lent we hear not only about the enormous challenges they have faced, but also about how they support each other through these challenges.  

Due to the ongoing challenges of Covid-19, Trócaire has developed a variety of resources for use in your parish and that will support you in raising awareness about the Lent 2021 campaign: 

1. Resources 

The below resources focus on the stories and voices of families and communities with whom Trócaire works, and looks at how our faith calls us to act for justice. We also hear from one of Trócaire’s partners, the South Sudan Council of Churches, and learn about the role that the Christian churches are playing in working for peace in South Sudan. We encourage you to use these resources during Mass, at your Parish Council meeting, Liturgy Group or with any other active parish group. All resources are available on the Trócaire website. The below are available in English and Irish: 

• Parish resource, which includes a workshop, reflection and prayers 
• Stations of the Cross
• Exploring the Gospels with Children

You will also find the following resources on the website that you can use during mass to inform your congregation about the Lent campaign: 

• Homily Notes
• Script that can be read during Mass
• Short PowerPoint presentation on the 2021 Lent campaign
• To access Trócaire Mass talk with Caoimhe de Barra. Click here 

2. Awareness raising 

Furthermore, please find below some other ways that you can raise awareness about the 2021 Lent campaign: 

• Insert for parish newsletter
• Suggested posts for use on social media
• An audio recording of the Mass script that can be shared on your website and social media 

To provide ongoing support to you throughout Lent, you will also receive a short email from Trócaire on three occasions during Lent, containing prayers and reflections which can be used during Mass. 

3. Box distribution 

You will also have received information recently about your Trócaire boxes. We want to support you as much as possible during the ongoing challenges of Covid-19. We have compiled some simple ideas about ways in which your parishioners could collect their boxes, mindful of safety and well-being being of the utmost importance as well as compliance with current government guidelines. 

4. UK Aid Match

This year, the Lent campaign is part of UK Aid Match, meaning public donations* given between 17 February 2021 and 16 May 2021 will be doubled by the UK government, up to £2m. Furthermore, if a donor signs up for a monthly gift, or increases their monthly gift, before the 16th of May 2021, up to three of their instalments will be matched! We will be able to support thousands of people in South Sudan to grow enough food to feed their families. Don’t’ forget that donations will only be matched up until the 16th May.

5. Lent online workshops 

Finally, we want to make you aware of a series of online workshops that Trócaire will be delivering during Lent. These workshops are open to all, and you can find out more and sign up here.

The Mass script is available online for your use. If you are interested in hearing from a Trócaire staff member or volunteer for a mass talk or workshop, please contact colm.hogan@trocaire.org (ROI) or  [email protected] (NI). We will do our best to accommodate your request. You should also have received a large Trócaire box for display in your church.  

This past year has brought many challenges to parishes and communities around Ireland, and the impact of Covid-19 continues to be felt by many. We are continually humbled by and grateful for the generosity shown by you and your parishioners. Now more than ever, families like Awut and Ajak’s need our compassion and our support as they continue to carry their immense burdens with dignity. 

Pioneer Association Short Term Pledge Lent 2021

World Day for Consecrated Life 2021

On this the feast of The Presentation of the Lord  The Church celebrates World Day for Consecrated Life.  We pray for all men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving the Lord through a vocation to consecrated life.

On this special day we pray also for vocations to the priesthood and religious life and encourage those who are discerning a call to priesthood or religious life to contact their local vocations team. 

Here in the Archdiocese of Armagh you can contact Fr Peter McAnenly who is Vocations Director for the Archdiocese.

Address: Parochial House, 42 Abbey Street, Armagh, BT61 7DZ
Phone: (028) 3752 2802
Email: [email protected]

Prayer For Vocations to Consecrated Life

Loving and Generous God,
it is You who call us by name
and ask us to follow You.
Help us to grow in the Love
and Service of our Church
as we experience it today.

Give us the energy and courage
of Your Spirit
to shape its future

Grant us faith-filled leaders
who will embrace Christ’s Mission
of love and justice.

Bless the Church here in the Archdiocese of Armagh
by raising up dedicated and generous leaders
from our families and friends
who will serve Your people as Sisters,
Priests, Brothers, Deacons and Lay Ministers.

Inspire us to know You better
and open our hearts
to hear Your call.

Amen

Knock Shrine to host special online faith discussions during Lent

Ash Wednesday falls on 17 February and heralds the beginning of Lent 2021.  This year Knock Shrine will host a new series of online discussions to help engage Christians during Lent, under the title ‘Living Christian Faith – Lenten Conversations’.

What nurtures our faith and what challenges it today?

Where do we find hope and joy in our lives?

How can our faith build mental strength, wellbeing and resilience?

How has the Covid pandemic impacted upon our faith? 

These are just some of the questions that will be explored over the 6 weeks of Lent during a new series of online discussions on the topic of ‘Living Christian Faith’. Faith Renewal at Knock Shrine is all about reaching out to people. This will open a conversation on contemporary issues of faith and church life.

Chaired by Father Eamonn Conway DD, Priest in Tuam diocese and Professor of Theology at Mary Immaculate College, the conversations will explore a different theme each week and guest speakers will discuss some of the important questions we all face in living out our faith.

The discussions will be streamed online via the Knock Shrine website offering people from all over the world the opportunity to engage in relevant topics and to hear from a range of people, from those in public life such as Baroness Nuala O’Loan and Senator Ronan Mullen to groups of young teachers and members of the clergy.

Thursday 18 February ‘Living Christian Faith in the Family’                  
Saint John Paul spoke about how the future of humanity passes by way of the family. Patrick and Linda Treacy, who have four children and run a centre for domestic spirituality called Integritas from their home, will speak about the joys and challenges of living Christian Faith as a family today. 

Thursday 25 February ‘Living Christian Faith as Young Adults’              

A group of young Irish adults, for whom Christian Faith is of great importance, will discuss the strength it gives them and how we can better communicate the joy of the Gospel today. 

Thursday 4 March ‘Living Christian Faith in the Classroom as Young Teachers’

Three recently qualified primary teachers explain how their religious faith is important to them and how it influences their work as teachers in the classroom. 

Thursday 11 March ‘Living Christian Faith in Public Life’           

Baroness Nuala O’Loan, Senator Ronan Mullen and discuss their own faith, how it informs their public service and the challenges people of faith encounter in the public sphere today. 

Thursday 18 March ‘Proclaiming Christian Faith as a priest or religious today’

Sr Ursula Lawler, lecturer in Christian Ethics at Mary Immaculate College, returned missionary and editor of the Africa Magazine, Father Sean Deegan SPS; Ballyhaunis Parish Priest Father Stephen Farragher and Father Eamonn Conway will discuss living priesthood and religious life today in conversation with young Irish Catholic journalist Jason Osbourne. 

Thursday 25 March ‘Studying Christian Faith’

Máire McDonald is Vice Principal of a busy secondary school in Dublin. Judith King is an internationally recognised psychotherapist and Margaret Naughton is a busy hospital chaplain. Yet they have all found time to fulfil their passion of doing a PhD in theological studies. They share with us how their theological studies enriches their faith and their work. 

The talks will be streamed at 8.30pm every Thursday during Lent.

Join us at www.knockshrine.ie/watch-live

or on Facebook @knockshrine