The clue is in the name of the town, Monasterevin, or as Gaeilge, Mainistir Eimhín, of Monastery of Evan. There is clearly a link to monasticism in this place. But what is this link? Early Irish monasticism From the time … Continue reading Monastic connections
This morning’s service from the Church of St John the Evangelist, Monasterevin, in Portarlington Union of Parishes had music that was played (by me) using plainsong hymns from Hymns of Prayer and Praise (published for The Panel of Monastic Musicians … Continue reading Sunday after Ascension: choice of hymns
Due to recent changes in marriage registration in England, the Church of England’s clergy will no longer issue the legal marriage certificate following a wedding at which they officiate. That will be done by the civil authorities. However, many clergy … Continue reading Wedding keepsake certificates – CofE
A couple of weeks ago, a small group of parishioners gathered in the Church of St John the Evangelist in Monasterevin to record a Carol Service for this year. We had to keep it small because of the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. And although we could listen to carols, we weren’t able to sing them. You can watch the service here via Youtube. The Order of Service is below. Download the Order of Service here. Continue reading Carol Service from Portarlington Union
ANiE, which is distinct from other national churches and approved by the Gafcon Primates Council, is fully recognised as being within the Anglican Communion and more than 50 million Anglicans worldwide. https://www.gafcon.org/news/new-anglican-jurisdiction-is-launched This statement appears to be economical with the … Continue reading Watch out for the schismatics within!
The first year the Carol Service of my old school, Balllymena Academy, was in St Patrick’s Parish Church was the year after I left. I remember three of us re-joining the “back row” of the choir to sing the familiar carols and other music that the choir was singing. It was lovely to be back among the senior choir and to do so. This year, that Carol Service is not possible due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, the musical members of Ballymena Academy have put together an online Carol Service via Youtube. I am so pleased to see that … Continue reading School Carol Service with a difference
For many nations, November is a time to remember those who have died in military service, in peace time and in war. From the Armistice of 11 November 1918 which ended the First World War, we have Remembrance Day as … Continue reading Remembrance: from War to Peace
For some months now, I have been attending online community meetings with the House of Initia Nova – a Benedictine Community. Through my link with this community, I continue to endeavour to put some of the spirit of the Rule … Continue reading A new beginning…
Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be … Continue reading Prayer for the US Elections
Anyone who read William Mayne’s “Chorister Series” will know today as the Feast of the Holy Motorists — that is St Simon and St Jude, AA. Of course the AA does not refer to the Automobile Association but is simply an abbreviation for Apostles. However, it is a feast day that sticks in my brain particularly because of that joke in Cathedral Wednesday. Jude was martyred by axe (or club) and is the patron saint of lost causes, Simon was martyred at the same time, cut in two by a saw. He is patron of leather workers and sawyers. They … Continue reading The Feast of the “holy motorists”
We were reminded yesterday that September is the month of Our Lady of Sorrows by Fr Sam. In response, here is, newly typeset, The Litany of Our Lady of Sorrows. Continue reading Our Lady of Sorrows
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘I tell you, most solemnly, unless a wheat grain falls on the ground and dies, it remains only a single grain; but if it dies, it yields a rich harvest. Anyone who loves his life loses it; anyone who hates his life in this world will keep it for the eternal life. If a man serves me, he must follow me, wherever I am, my servant will be there too. If anyone serves me, my Father will honour him.’ —John 12:24-26 Today’s Gospel is for the Feast of St Laurence, Deacon, Martyr at Rome. St … Continue reading St Laurence, deacon, martyr at Rome
Prayer matters most At the beginning of today’s Gospel, St Matthew tells us that Jesus went up into the hills by himself to pray. He had just finished a very long day teaching the crowds, healing the sick, and peforming the miracle of the multiplication of the laves. At the beginning of that day he had heard the news about the death of his cousin, St John the Baptist. At the time, he had wanted to go off alone to reflect, to pray, and to mourn the loss of that great prophet, his cousin. But the crowds didn’t let him. … Continue reading A healthy prayer life is what matters most
Every single day, it is important as Christians to stop and have a conversation with God. Real conversations are not one way. Real conversations, between friends, are very much two-way communication. Taking the time to listen to what he says as well as to bombard God with our petitions and thanksgivings is vital to a healthy spiritual life. In today’s Gospel, Jesus is told by a man on the road, I will follow you wherever you go. Luke 9:57-62 The Lord responds that Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has … Continue reading Looking back you cannot see where you are going
[The Eucharist] is not adiaphora. It is not something extra. It is our identity. We are the people who eat together with God. Lest we somehow miss the carnality of this feast, Jesus said, “This is my body.” It is … Continue reading The Eucharist is not adiaphora. It is not something extra…
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time First Reading: Wisdom 12:13, 16-19. Second Reading: Romans 8:26-27. Gospel: St Matthew 13:24-43. Collect Show favour, O Lord, to your servants and mercifully increase the gifts of your grace, that, made fervent in hope, faith … Continue reading The wheat and the darnel: keeping the faith strong
This time of lockdown has given many people opportunities for some extra study. I am pleased to say that I am one of them. I have just completed a five hour course in Liturgical Theology from The Liturgical Institute of … Continue reading Lockdown gives time to study: Liturgical Theology course from The Liturgical Institute
All religions are not the same It is common in today’s world to run into people who believe that all religions are basically the same. In fact, it is even becoming common to run into Anglicans or Catholics who have … Continue reading Religious freedom is important
The Holy Spirit works quietly We all like spectacular fireworks. They are exciting, impressive, exhilarating. The Church’s first Pentecost had some spectacular fireworks. The Apostles and other Christians were gathered “all together in one place”. Where that was precisely, we do not know. It was probably somewhere inside or near the Temple in Jerusalem as right after the fireworks, crowds started to gather. It may have been the same large room where our Lord and the Apostles had eaten the last Supper. Nothing is certain. So, they were all in one place, then a thunderous noise like a strong wind, … Continue reading Let’s obey the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit
Gospel of the Day Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about … Continue reading The Ascension of the Lord – 21 May 2020
Michael McFarland Campbell 