As Christmas returns and the light of the Incarnate Word breaks once more into our winter darkness, I find myself reflecting on a year shaped by grace, perseverance, and the quiet work of God in unexpected places. Life in Monasterevin … Continue reading A Year of Faith, Creativity, and Community
This morning I had the pleasure of playing the organ and helping to lead the worship in St Dorothea’s Parish Church, Gilnahirk. It was rather unexpected to receive a text message late yesterday afternoon from Fr Nigel Kirkpatrick, the Rector, … Continue reading A real pleasure subbing for Andrew
With Belfast City Council voting in favour of equal rights with regard to marriage in the city of Belfast, it was refreshing to read a statement from the Chaplain of Pembroke College, Oxford: Civil Partnerships and Pembroke College Chapel The Governing Body and chaplain are dedicated to the mission of the chapel as fully including the whole college community, past and present, staff, students, and fellows. Same sex couples are most welcome to approach the chaplain with regard to preparation, celebration, and prayers when entering a Civil Partnership and for continuing support and counsel within their relationship as any other … Continue reading Marriage equality – at step in the right direction in Oxford
This morning, Andrew and I woke up at home, got up, had some breakfast and then went to Church. As I said on twitter… Getting ready to go to @stgeorgebelfast with @belfastwriter – the only “normative” thing to do on Sunday morning. @churchofireland — M Carchrie Campbell (@gyronny) May 13, 2012 We arrived at St George’s just before two friends from Changing Attitude Ireland and they joined us in the pew. Throughout Mass it was clear that the LGBT community is welcome in the church. I knew I was welcome in St George’s, now I am finding out that Andrew … Continue reading silence: in church and the sea…
As many Scouts in the United Kingdom prepare for St George’s Day commemorations, The Sunday Times, has reported that The Scout Association (TSA) has plans to change the Scout Promise. It is sad that this story has been published today as many of us as members will be renewing our Promise as the Founder, Lord Baden-Powell OM asked. The story in The Sunday Times is littered with inaccuracies, including the first sentence. FOR more than a century, budding Cub Scouts have cheerfully pledged to do their duty “to God and to the Queen”. Now the wording of the famous oath is to be … Continue reading Don’t let inaccurate reporting on Scout Promise spoil St George’s Day celebratings
Most holy Mary, to thy faithful care and particular protection and to the bosom of thy mercy, to-day and every day, and particularly at the hour of my death, I commend my soul and my body. All my hope and … Continue reading A prayer of St Aloysius to Our Lady
Will you let the blinded see if I but call your name?
Will you set the prisoners free and never be the same?
Will you kiss the leper clean and do such as this unseen,
and admit to what I mean in you and you in me?John L. Bell & Graham Maule
This verse was sung at our Covenant of Commitment in All Souls’ Church in Belfast by a large congregation back in May last year. I wonder what many people thought it meant. Continue reading “The core issue: will you kiss the leper clean?”
Holy Michael Archangel, defend us in the day of battle; be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil.–May God rebuke him, we humbly pray: and do thou, Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God thrust down to hell Satan and all wicked spirits, who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen. Who is like God? Last year, I posted about Who is like God on this date. Today we meditate: The Archangels from The Golden Legend We must honour the angels because they are our servants. They minister to us, as … Continue reading St Michael: thrust down to hell Satan…
O Jesus, life of my soul, make me rise each day to a new life of charity and fervor. The thought that Jesus is our Life shines forth even more in the Gospel (Lk 7.11-16 Soon afterward he went to a … Continue reading Jesus our Life – part two
O Jesus, life of my soul, make me rise each day to a new life of charity and fervor. In the Mass of today [Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost] there is a dominant thought, so often repeated in the liturgy and so clear to our hearts: Jesus is our life. Whatever goo there is in us is the fruit of his grace, by which we we remain steadfast in good (Collect) and live in the Spirit (Ep); by His Grace we rise from sin (Gosp), and eating His flesh, we nourish His life within us (Communion). Without Jesus we would abide … Continue reading Jesus our Life – part one
Gyronny Herald 