23.12.2024
Advent Hope in D&G – Diocesan School Service 2024 in Christ Church Cathedral
Join us throughout Advent 2024 as we explore signs of hope of the Spirit at work in Dublin and Glendalough. During this time of watching and waiting, we are celebrating the life of parishes in the United Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough – urban and rural, large and small. We are sharing stories of people in parishes who are working with dedication to reach out to people who are new to their communities, to those who have moved to the many new housing developments springing up or those who come to the country seeking sanctuary from war. There are stories of people exploring how to share the Good News of the Gospel with people who haven’t heard it, or who have forgotten about it. There is news of people carefully preserving their parish churches and buildings so they can continue to provide facilities to parishioners and the whole community and there are rural ministries which provide a focal point for their communities. You are encouraged to reflect on these good news stories but also invited to share stories from your parishes so that we can continue to communicate the joy of parish life and fellowship with others.
By
Rachel Fraser, Principal Taney Parish National School
The Revd Jane Burns, Curate Assistant Taney Parish
‘… Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs.” And he laid his hands on them and went on his way.’ Matthew 19:14–15
On Thursday 17th October 2024 our Diocesan Schools’ Service was held in Christ Church Cathedral. It was a wonderful opportunity for school children, their teachers and clergy to participate in an uplifting Harvest themed service with Archbishop Michael Jackson and Dean Dermot Dunne. The service was organised by Rev Sean Hanily, Rev Jane Burns, Mrs Christine Richardson and Emma Fawcett. Rev Natasha Quinn–Thomas provided us with a thought–provoking interactive address. A sense of God’s grace, joyfulness and excitement were present throughout the service as the children led readings and prayers. There was a deep awareness of the presence of the Kingdom of Heaven as the children raised the roof of a packed Cathedral with their beautiful singing.
The following piece was written by the staff and pupils from Taney Parish Primary School who attended on the day:
“Eight pupils from 6th class in Taney Parish Primary School travelled into Christ Church Cathedral on the Luas to take part in the Diocesan Schools’ Service.
“As soon as we entered the Cathedral, we spotted friends and colleagues from other schools, and as we made our way to our seats, we stopped to chat with them. It was lovely to make the connections between friends from hockey clubs, guides and other activities and link them to their schools.
“We were excited to see the Archbishop who welcomed all to the Cathedral and of course we know Rev. Jane Burns very well from assemblies in our school. The pupils enjoyed listening to the sermon which talked about different seasons of our lives and how we will grow and change.
“The Archdeacon of Glendalough, Ross Styles, spoke about native Irish trees and how they are an amazing eco–system that we must protect. He suggested we send him seeds from native Irish trees which he would plant and grow and return to us as saplings. We think this very symbolic action would link our schools with trees that will grow just as we do and just as our schools do.
“After the service we had a chance to explore the crypt and learn of the rich and varied history of Christ Church Cathedral which was fascinating, especially seeing the mummified rat and cat – definitely an artifact that captured our imagination. We really enjoyed the opportunity to take part in this special occasion in the life of our school and our diocese.”
As the children left the Cathedral after the service, many took the opportunity to chat with the Archbishop and the Clergy in the sunshine. Photos were taken and laughter and joy filled the air around the labyrinth. There was a sense that as we all departed, we had experienced God’s presence together as schools and parishes from our united dioceses’.
You can read Archbishop Michael Jackson’s reflection on the Church of Ireland census figures and his appeal to people to rekindle their connection to their parish here: https://dublin.anglican.org/news/2024/11/22/why-go-to-church-a
If you have a story to tell from your parish please email the diocesan communications officer – dcodublin@gmail.com