Church Life during the Covid-19 crisis

One of the casualties of the Covid-19 crisis has been the cancellation of church services and activities operative since St. Patrick’s Day until further notice.

Clergy in the Diocese continue their work of prayer, study and care. Each week

they will say Morning or Evening Prayer in our parish churches by themselves

but for all of us. Parish Churches will be open at certain times for private prayer though we need to keep our social distance. The voice of prayer will not be silent.

Daily prayers and readings are provided on the Church of Ireland website for personal or family use.

Each Sunday until we return to communal worship, a diocesan service will be available  on media platforms for us to share in.  A number of our parishes are also streaming Sunday services. Resources for children and young people will also be made available

Details of where to find these services and resources are on this website here

Clergy have been asked by Bishop Ferran to continue pastoral care but largely from a distance. There are many ways in which they and we all can keep in touch.

Folk in hospital, nursing homes and living alone should not be forgotten.

In the event of funeral services only close family members will be in attendance.

That is going to be very difficult for so many people. Memorial services at a later date when the crisis is past will offer some consolation. There is so much uncertainty and things will change on an almost daily basis. Lines from an African hymn point us to our only hope.

 

Our only hope is in you Jesus, our only hope is you.

From early in the morning to late at night, our only hope is you.

 

+Ferran