Outdoor events in this country are always precarious even in the heart of the Summer season. Virtually every meeting I have been at in the last few weeks regarding events this Summer finishes with ‘I hope you are going to say a few prayers that the weather will be fine’. Last weekend I realised that my prayers are small fry compared to the combined supplications of the Association of Mount Carmel. Last Saturday the sun shone for our Marian Day whereas the Sunday Sponsored Walk was a washout. But the weather didn’t dampen the spirits of the hardy few who came along. Our organiser came in a clowns fancy dress outfit (Claire the Clown) and ended up entertaining at a children’s birthday party in the pub! Anyway the secret is to ask anyone but the Dean to pray for good weather.
Firstly some news hot from the clergy Summer transfer market. The Cathedral squad of priests will be boosted from this September with the appointment of Fr Andrew Robinson to serve at the Cathedral and share in the chaplaincy work to the Royal Hospital. This means that for a period of time we will be at full strength – normally when this happens some extra responsibility comes with it!! Since ordination Andrew has been studying in Rome for a degree in Sacred Scripture and finishes this course this Summer. He is no stranger to the Cathedral as he was a member of the choir some years ago. I’m sure you will all look forward to meeting him in September and nearer to the time we will get him to write and tell you all a bit about himself.
The Archbishop will preside at the Solemn Mass this Sunday – an opportunity for him to have a rest week in-between his Area Walks for the Year of Culture. He will finish these on 29th June - the Feast of St Peter and Paul – with a walk from the Parish church of Our Lady and St Nicholas to the Cathedral in time for the Solemn Mass. I intend joining him that day and I hope some of you more active members of our congregation will too.
Next Saturday sections of Hope Street will be closed to traffic for the Gospel ‘Festival of Hope’. The whole day will be one of events, music, street stalls and activities. There will be a short procession in the afternoon from both Cathedrals which will meet at a central stage near Faulkner Street and Bishop James Jones will speak and both Deans will lead a short service of music and prayer which will last about 20 minutes. In the evening there will be events held at both Cathedrals. The concert at the Anglican Cathedral is aimed at young people and there will be a gospel concert at our Cathedral for adults starting at 7pm featuring a number of international gospel singers and our own choristers. It should be an enjoyable day but will be very dependent on the weather!
Outdoor events in this country are always precarious even in the heart of the Summer season. Virtually every meeting I have been at in the last few weeks regarding events this Summer finishes with ‘I hope you are going to say a few prayers that the weather will be fine’. Last weekend I realised that my prayers are small fry compared to the combined supplications of the Association of Mount Carmel. Last Saturday the sun shone for our Marian Day whereas the Sunday Sponsored Walk was a washout. But the weather didn’t dampen the spirits of the hardy few who came along. Our organiser came in a clowns fancy dress outfit (Claire the Clown) and ended up entertaining at a children’s birthday party in the pub! Anyway the secret is to ask anyone but the Dean to pray for good weather.
Next Saturday sections of Hope Street will be closed to traffic for the Gospel ‘Festival of Hope’. The whole day will be one of events, music, street stalls and activities. There will be a short procession in the afternoon from both Cathedrals which will meet at a central stage near Faulkner Street and Bishop James Jones will speak and both Deans will lead a short service of music and prayer which will last about 20 minutes. In the evening there will be events held at both Cathedrals. The concert at the Anglican Cathedral is aimed at young people and there will be a gospel concert at our Cathedral for adults starting at 7pm featuring a number of international gospel singers and our own choristers. It should be an enjoyable day but will be very dependent on the weather!