Death of Very Rev Canon Patrick (Patsy) McDonnell PE

The death has taken place on Wednesday, 12 October 2022, of Canon Patsy McDonnell, PE.

May he rest in peace.

Archbishop Eamon extends his sympathy and that of Cardinal Seán, Bishop Michael, the clergy and people of the Archdiocese to his sisters, brother, nieces and nephews.

CURRICULUM VITAE

Very Rev Canon Patrick McDonnell, PE

Born: 05 July 1933, Parish of Tallanstown

Studied

St Patrick’s College, Armagh 1946 – 51

St Patrick’s College, Maynooth 1951 – 58

Ordained: 22 June 1958, in Maynooth

Appointments

Assistant, Portadown 1958 – 64

Curate, Killeeshil 1964 – 65

Curate, Armagh 1965 – 75

Administrator, Armagh 1975 – 86

Parish Priest, Keady & Derrynoose 1986 – 98

Pastor Emeritus, Assistant Pastor, Cullyhanna 1998 – 01

Pastor Emeritus, Assistant Pastor, Drogheda 2001 – 10

Pastor Emeritus 2010 – 22

Appointed member of the Metropolitan Chapter (Canon) 1991

Date of Death: 12 October 2022

Vacancy, Diocesan Finance Manager

St Patrick’s Archdiocesan Trust Limited

VACANCY

Diocesan Finance Manager

Archdiocese of Armagh

The Archdiocese of Armagh seeks to appoint a highly motivated and talented professional, to undertake the role of Diocesan Finance Manager. The Diocesan Finance Manager is responsible for the effective management and deployment of the Archdiocese’s finances and budget, as well as other resources, in line with the Church’s mission and objectives of the Charity. The Finance Manager will work closely with the Archbishop of Armagh, the Council of St Patrick’s Archdiocesan Trust Limited (SPATL), Parishes and Clergy across the Diocese, both in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and Diocesan Curia staff to ensure the well-ordered stewardship of the Archdiocese’s finances and resources by providing leadership to the finance and general office services.

The appointment will be on a permanent full-time basis requiring 35 hours attendance each week, generally Monday-Friday. Flexibility in work pattern and hours worked can be anticipated as an essential requirement of this role.

Starting salary: Commensurate with experience.

Click Here for Role Specification

If interested in making an application for this position, please apply by letter enclosing a current CV outlining experience and qualifications to date and stating clearly your suitability for the role.

Ara Coeli
Cathedral Road
ARMAGH BT61 7QY
Tel (028) 3752 2045
Fax (028) 3752 6182
Email: [email protected]

Closing date for receipt of completed applications is Friday 14 October 2022 at 5pm

St Patrick’s Archdiocesan Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer

Annual Triduum in honour of St. Therese of Lisieux

Message of Archbishop Eamon Martin ahead of attending the funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II

“Queen Elizabeth was a courageous peacemaker and a reconciler of difference … The work of peace, however, remains unfinished” – Archbishop Martin

As I travel today to London for the funeral of Her Majesty, the late Queen Elizabeth II, I bring with me the thoughts and prayers of very many people on the island of Ireland. Before the Service of Reflection in Saint Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, on Tuesday last, I had an opportunity, on behalf of the Catholic community in Ireland, to sympathise with King Charles III and to offer him prayerful good wishes as he takes up his new responsibilities.

Since the Queen’s death there has been an outpouring of affection and genuine respect from right across the island of Ireland. I hope and pray that in some small ways this has helped to strengthen relationships and mutual understanding between our communities. Queen Elizabeth herself would want this. She was a courageous peacemaker and a reconciler of difference.

In her Christmas message 2014, Queen Elizabeth said, ‘For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace … is an inspiration and an anchor in my life. A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, He stretched out His hands in love, acceptance, and healing. Christ’s example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people, of whatever faith or none.’

I will be praying at the funeral in Westminster Abbey that the efforts of Queen Elizabeth, and of so many others who took risks for our peace, will not be forgotten, or allowed to slip away. Many of these peacemakers have now gone to their rest. The work of peace, however, remains unfinished and urgent – and it is up to all of us to play our part.

May Christ the Prince of Peace remain with us. May Queen Elizabeth rest in the Peace of that same Christ.

+Archbishop Eamon Martin

Archbishop Eamon Martin’s Statement on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Like so many people here on the island of Ireland and around the world, I was saddened to hear of the death today of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. I express my sympathies to the new King, to the members of the Royal family and to all those who will grieve the loss of this much-loved and deeply respected monarch. Since the Queen’s coronation in 1953, she has shown immense commitment, not only to her royal duties and responsibilities, but also to the wider common good. What stands out for me is her dedication to faith, to family, and to peace and reconciliation.

I remember meeting Queen Elizabeth in Enniskillen in 2012, before I was ordained as bishop, when she took the courageous and historic step of visiting Saint Michael’s Catholic Church. She came across as friendly and good humoured and took time to put everyone at their ease. I have always admired Queen Elizabeth’s quiet dignity and calm nature despite living through very difficult times with much political, economic, social and family upheaval. That was why ordinary people of all backgrounds and faiths could relate to her and held her in such affection.

I am grateful for Queen Elizabeth’s commitment to promoting better understanding and relationships between the Anglican Church and the Catholic Church. During her reign, she met with five popes, including Saint Pope John Paul II in 2000 at the Vatican. In Edinburgh, in 2010, Queen Elizabeth extended a wholehearted welcome to Pope Benedict XVI’s memorable visit to the United Kingdom. We also recall her warm meeting with Pope Francis in the Vatican in 2014.

In the coming days much will be remembered and commented upon, but it is important for us to keep in mind that above all, Queen Elizabeth was a person of deep faith and love for Jesus Christ. I pray that her faith in the Risen Lord will be of comfort to many people, and especially to her grieving family at this sad time.May she rest in peace.

+Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of All Ireland.

Death of Very Reverend Sean Quinn

The death has taken place on Wednesday 7th September 2022, of Fr Sean Quinn formerly of Moorhall Lodge Ardee.

May he rest in peace.

The funeral arrangements are as follows:

Reception of Remains on Thursday at 3.30 pm at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Louth Village, reposing until 10.00 pm;

Vigil Mass on Thursday evening at 7.30 pm;

Funeral Mass on Friday, 9 September at 12.00 noon;
Interment afterwards in adjoining cemetery.

The above liturgies can be viewed at the following link:

https://churchmedia.tv/church-of-the-immaculate-conception-louth-village

Archbishop Eamon extends his sympathy and that of Cardinal Seán, Bishop Michael, the clergy and people of the Archdiocese to his sister, nephews, nieces and the extended Quinn family.

CURRICULUM VITAE

Very Rev Sean F Quinn PE

Born: 25 March 1935, Parish of Dungannon

Studied St Patrick’s Crossgar, Co Down 1949-54

St Patrick’s College, Thurles 1954-60

Ordained: 11 June 1960, Cathedral of the Assumption, Thurles

Appointments

Curate, Brisbane, Australia                                                     1960-78
Curate, Caledon 1979-81
Curate, Termonfechin                                                             1981-86
Curate, Cooley 1986-91
Curate, Kildress 1991-92
On Mission, Lagos, Nigeria 1992-95
Curate, Coalisland                                                                  1995-97
Parish Priest, Louth 1997-2016

Pastor Emeritus, Tallanstown 2016

Date of Death: 7 September 2022, Moorehall Lodge, Ardee

Death of Very Reverend Bobby McKenna

The death has taken place on Thursday 1st September, of Fr Bobby McKenna, formerly of Newtown Rd. Camlough. May he rest in peace.

The funeral arrangements are as follows:

Removal remains from his home on Sunday at 5.30pm to St Malachy’s Church, Carrickcruppin, arriving for Mass at 6pm. Fr McKenna’s remains will repose in St. Malachy’s Church from 7pm to 10pm;

Requiem Mass on Monday, 5 September at 12 noon;
Interment afterwards in adjoining cemetery.

Archbishop Eamon extends his sympathy and that of Cardinal Seán, Bishop Michael, the clergy and people of the Archdiocese to his family.

CURRICULUM VITAE

Very Rev Robert McKenna PE

Born: 12 May 1934, Parish of Killeeshil

Studied St Patrick’s College, Armagh 1946-51

St Patrick’s College, Maynooth 1951-58

Ordained: 22 June 1958, St Patrick’s College, Maynooth

Appointments

Assistant, Loughgall 1958-59
On loan to Menevia, Wales 1959-59
Teacher, St Patrick’s College, Armagh 1959-60
Diocesan Advisor for Religious Education 1960-69
Director, Mount Oliver Institute 1969-82
Curate, Kilsaran 1982-86
Parish Priest, Lordship & Ballymascanlon 1986-95
Parish Priest, Haggardstown & Blackrock 1995-99
Pastor Emeritus, Assistant Pastor, Bessbrook 1999-2018

Pastor Emeritus 2018

Date of Death: 1 September, Daisy Hill Hospital, Newry

Season of Creation: “Listen to the Voice of Creation” Resources

Listen to the Voice of Creation

The Season of Creation has a special significance for the Catholic Church, particularly since Pope Francis established 1 September as an annual World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. The Season of Creation is marked throughout the Christian world from 1 September to 4 October (Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi) and celebrates the joy of creation as well as encouraging awareness-raising initiatives to protect the natural environment. In this video Archbishop Eamon speaks about this years theme and reflects on practical ways we might be active in protecting the environment.

The theme for the Season of Creation 2022 is “Listen to the Voice of Creation”. “I have heard their cry…I know their sufferings…Come, now! I will send you…I will be with you” (Ex 3: 1-12). The burning bush is the Symbol for the Season of Creation 2022. Today, the prevalence of unnatural fires are a sign of the devastating effects that climate change has on the most vulnerable of our planet. Creation cries out as forests crackle, animals flee, and people are forced to migrate due to the fires of injustice. On the contrary, the fire that called to Moses as he tended the flock on Mt. Horeb did not consume or destroy the bush. This flame of the Spirit revealed God’s presence. This holy fire affirmed that God heard the cries of all who suffered and promised to be with us as we followed in faith to our deliverance from injustice.

In this Season of Creation, this symbol of God’s Spirit calls us to listen to the voice of creation, to the voices of those who suffer the impacts of climate change, to the voices of those who hold generational wisdom about how to live gratefully within the limits of the land. These are voices of the Earth. The global Christian family is called to awaken to the urgent need to heal our relationships with creation and with each other and to encourage our parish communities to do the same, “for we know that things can change!” (Laudato Si’, 13). Listening to the

Click Here for reflection resource on Archbishop Eamon’s video.

Click Here for resources for this years Season of Creation compiled by the Irish Episcopal Conference’s Laudato Si working group.

Archbishop Eamon Martin’s Homily to mark the beginning of the Season of Creation 2022

Listening to the Voice of Creation

“We cannot simply leave it to governments to solve these immense problems [of climate change]. Humility calls on each one of us to share both the burden and the search for solutions. In our personal lives at home, and in our schools, parishes and communities, the challenge rests with each and all of us. Pope Francis speaks of ‘ecological conversion’”

Archbishop Martin

Homily

There is a beautiful hymn in the old Testament Book of Daniel (ch3) which describes the whole of creation praising God:

“Seas and rivers bless the Lord; dolphins and all water creatures bless the Lord; birds of the air bless the Lord; all animals – wild and tame – bless the Lord; all people, bless the Lord; Sun and moon, stars of heaven, bless the Lord; light and darkness, bless the Lord.”

Twenty years ago, Pope Saint John Paul said it was like a “cosmic choir” singing praise to God in the “Cathedral of creation (GA 10.7.22)!”

For this year, in his message for the Season of Creation, Pope Francis mentions again the “sweet song of creation” sung by the “grandiose cosmic choir”. The Season of Creation begins on the 1 September and runs through to the 4 October, the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi – the saint who had a wonderful sense of all creation in harmony, blessing and praising God.

Sadly these days the cosmic choir seems to be out of tune! The consensus amongst scientists points to our planet’s sickness and the destructive impact that climate change is having. All of creation does not appear to be singing in harmony – there is dissonance, with many wrong notes.

That dissonance, that lack of harmony and noise, can be heard especially in the cry of the poor in those parts of the world most impacted by the effects of climate change – droughts, extreme weather events, desertification, deforestation, flooding, fires. We are also well aware of the threat to biodiversity and the loss of so many species of creature and plant.

One only has to look at the way the world’s resources are sometimes squandered or exploited out of greed and for narrow economic interests. We hear of threats to the great forests of the world and the displacement of indigenous peoples. This summer we have seen the devastation of forest fires, lost crops, homes and livelihoods destroyed, scorched earth, massive floods, and temperatures never before recorded. On top of this, war continues to disrupt the food chain, pollutes the atmosphere still further, and exacerbates the world’s huge dependence on fossil fuels like oil and gas.

Last October Pope Francis and other religious and faith leaders met with many scientists and experts, concluding that we are currently “at a moment of opportunity and truth”. “Future generations will never forgive us if we squander this precious opportunity’, they said. “We have inherited a beautiful garden; we must not leave a desert to our children”.

From a faith point of view, God is calling us today, more than ever, to be caring stewards of creation, to protect and nourish our planet and its resources, and not to selfishly waste them or ruthlessly and excessively exploit and destroy them. The challenge to be humble before the wonder of God’s creation, to accept that we need a more balanced, and less wasteful lifestyle; we need “to live more simply, so that others might simply live”

The readings at Mass this weekend speak to us about being humble, a word which has its roots in the Latin word “humus” meaning “grounded”, or “from the earth”.

Saint Thomas Aquinas once wrote that, “Humility means seeing ourselves as God sees us: knowing every good we have comes from Him as pure gift” (Summa Q161). Pope Francis has picked up this theme in his encyclical Laudato Si, on caring for our common home (LS 224). He says, “Once we lose our humility, and become enthralled with the possibility of limitless mastery over everything, we inevitably end up harming society and the environment”.

Global efforts will continue in the coming months to tackle the urgent issues of climate change. At COP27 in Egypt in November, and at COP15 in Canada in December, world leaders will build on previous discussions at international government level. But we cannot simply leave it to governments to solve these immense problems. Humility calls on each one of us to share both the burden and the search for solutions. In our personal lives at home, and in our schools, parishes and communities, the challenge rests with each and all of us.

Pope Francis speaks of “ecological conversion” and this begins by asking ourselves: how might I change my lifestyle? How can I use more respectfully the good things of this earth that God has given us? Can I make some personal sacrifices in answer to the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor that is knocking out of tune the harmony of the great cosmic choir? Can I accept that less is sometimes more?

The theme of this year’s season of creation is, “‘Listening to the Voice of Creation’. It recalls the story in the book of Exodus where God appeared to Moses in the burning bush. Standing in wonder and awe at God’s presence, Moses humbly took off his sandals – he was standing on holy ground. God spoke to Moses, saying, ‘I have heard the cry of my people. I know their sufferings … Come, now! I will send you … I will be with you” (Ex 3: 1-12).

Let us humbly pray as we begin the season of creation:

“Creator of All,

Your Word went forth to create a symphony of life that sings your praise.

In this Season of Creation, we pray that you would call to us, as from the burning bush, with the sustaining fire of your Spirit.

Breathe upon us.

Open our ears and move our hearts.

Turn us from our inward gaze. Teach us to contemplate your creation, and listen for the voice of each creature declaring your glory.

Enlighten us with the grace to follow the Way of Christ as we learn to walk lightly upon this holy ground.

Fill us with the hope to quench the fires of injustice with the light of your healing love that sustains our common home.

In the name of the One who came to proclaim good news to all creation, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.”

Clergy Appointments for the Archdiocese of Armagh, effective 3 September 2022

CLERGY APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ARCHDIOCESE OF ARMAGH

EFFECTIVE 3 SEPTEMBER 2022

Archbishop Eamon Martin announces the following clergy appointments for the Archdiocese of Armagh, effective 3 September 2022.

Archbishop Eamon thanks the priests and deacons of the Archdiocese for their continued ministry and service, and wishes well those who are taking up these new appointments. He also thanks the people of the Archdiocese of Armagh for their ongoing prayers and support of their clergy. He encourages them to welcome their new pastors in the coming weeks.

Rt Rev Mgr Colum Curry, PP, VG, Beragh, to be PE, AP, Kildress/ Lissan

V Rev Patrick McEnroe, PP, Darver & Dromiskin, to be PE, AP, Darver & Dromiskin

V Rev Oliver Brennan, PP, Kilmore, to retire

V Rev Sean McGuigan, PP, Ardboe, to retire

V Rev Gerard Tremer, PP, VF, Lower Creggan (Cullyhanna), to be PP, Ardboe

V Rev Gerard Campbell, PP, VF, EV, Knockbridge and Kilkerley and Adm, Louth, also to be Adm, Darver & Dromiskin

V Rev Michael C. Toner, PP, Portadown (Drumcree), to be PP, Lower Creggan (Cullyhanna)

V Rev Seán McCartan, Ardee & Collon, to be PP, Beragh

V Rev Michael Sheehan, Adm, Holy Redeemer, to be PP, Portadown (Drumcree) and Adm, Kilmore

V Rev Mark O’Hagan, PP, VF, St Patrick’s, Dundalk, also to be Adm, Holy Redeemer, Dundalk

Rev Paul Murphy, CC, St Peter’s, Drogheda, to be CC, Kilmore, and to serve in the Armagh Inter-Diocesan Marriage Tribunal

Rev Maciej Zacharek, CC, St Patrick’s, Dundalk, Director of Studies, Redemptoris Mater Missionary Seminary, Dundalk, also to be CC, Holy Redeemer, Dundalk

Rev Michael Darko, on loan from the Diocese of Wiawso, Ghana, CC, St Patrick’s, Dundalk, until 30 June 2022, returning to his diocese

Rev Shajan Panjachickal Michael, on loan from the Eparchy of Kothamangalam, India, CC, Holy Redeemer, Dundalk, to complete his term in the pastoral care of the Syro-Malabar community

Rev Peter Hassan, on loan from the Diocese of Jalingo, Nigeria, to be CC, St Patrick’s, Dundalk and Holy Redeemer, Dundalk

Rev Piotr Wojtala, on loan from the Diocese of Opole, Poland, to be CC, St Peter’s, Drogheda

Rev Sijo John, on loan from the Diocese of Tellicherry, Kerala, India, to be CC, Louth and to assist in the pastoral care of the Syro-Malabar community

Rev Regi Meladath, on loan from the Archdiocese of Kottayam, Kerala, India, to be CC, Dungannon

Rev Stefano Colleluori, newly-ordained, to be CC, Ardee & Collon

Rev Colm Hagan, newly-ordained, to be CC, Donaghmore and Pomeroy

Rev Stephen Wilson, newly-ordained, to be CC, St Patrick’s, Dundalk, and Holy Redeemer, Dundalk

Deacon Carlos Esteban Rojo, newly-ordained, on loan to Diocese of Dromore

Deacon Patrick Butterly, newly-ordained Permanent Deacon, to serve in the Parish of Termonfechin

Deacon George Kingsnorth, newly-ordained Permanent Deacon, to serve in the Parishes of Dromintee and Faughart

Deacon Eunan McCreesh, newly-ordained Permanent Deacon, to serve in the Cathedral Parish, Armagh

26 July 2022

Other Agencies

The death has taken place on Wednesday, 12 October 2022, of Canon Patsy McDonnell, PE.

May he rest in peace.

Archbishop Eamon Martin’s Statement on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

+Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of All Ireland.

The death has taken place on Wednesday 7th September 2022, of Fr Sean Quinn formerly of Moorhall Lodge Ardee.

May he rest in peace.

Death of Very Reverend Bobby McKenna

Listen to the Voice of Creation

Listening to the Voice of Creation