Rector of Saint Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Galway, Kilcummin Church, Oughterard & Provost of Tuam
Bishop Patrick has said in his Guidance Remarks relating to Covid 19, ‘ It is clear that we are in unprecedented times.’ The Bishop has further advised ‘ clergy in the Diocese of Tuam, Killala and Achonry are asked to consider carefully the holding of any services and meetings in their local context between now and 29th March. ‘
Taking both the Bishop’s words and the words, last Thursday, of An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, into the fullest consideration, I have made the decision to cancel Sunday Services on 15th March and 22nd March. I will give careful consideration when the time comes for services on Sunday 29th March. The midweek service is also suspended until further notice.
In these extraordinary days I feel that we must act, and be seen to act, responsibly towards ourselves, our families, each other as parishioners, the wider community and those among whom we live, and indeed our island home. As always, Kilcummin Church, Oughterard and St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Galway will be open for those who wish to use them for personal devotion and prayer. I have suggestions for you on Sunday morning for your own personal devotions. I am also suggesting, if you are in a position to do so, that we light a candle at 9am or 11am on the Sunday mornings, in the safety of our homes and use the suggested prayers, and bible readings below.
The Litany is a most appropriate Service for times such as these. It can found on page 175 of the ‘New’ Prayer Book; page 22 of most ‘Old’ Prayer Books, and on line by following this link: https://www.ireland.anglican.org/prayer-worship/book-of-common-prayer/2004-texts or http://www.tuam.anglican.org/the-litany-for-those-who-prefer-not-to-attend-sunday-worship-in-the-weeks-ahead/
Readings can be found on https://www.ireland.anglican.org/prayer-worship
St Patrick’s Cathedral Channel will also be streaming - https://www.churchservices.tv/stpatrickscathedral
RTÉ Sunday Service 15 March at 11.10am. - Bilingual service with Cumann Gaelach na hEaglaise Rev Tony Murphy, Celebrant; Canon Gary Hastings, Preacher; Choir from Ashton School, under the Musical Director, Mary G O Brien and Antoinette Baker, Accompanist.
Keep in touch with one another, take the time to chat by phone, or text. Let us especially be mindful of those in our parish family and community who are alone or may feel isolated. While our services are cancelled for now, we continue as Gods people to be the church. If you wish to chat with me, please do not hesitate to contact me by telephone – 091 521914.
I thank you for your patience and understanding at this time, and I assure you all of my thoughts and prayers. Not everyone may receive this correspondence, so I would be grateful if you can text/alert those in our parish family who have no access to email/internet.
For the most up to date, trusted information and advice on the coronavirus situation please see: www.hse.ie, www.hpsc.ie, or www.gov.ie
May God be with you all,
Every blessing to you and yours,
