27.03.2017
St Patrick’s Choristers Raise the Roof for Diocesan Housing Appeal
St Patrick’s Cathedral’s Choristers and special guests, the Suzanne Savage Trio, raised the roof on Friday evening (March 24) with a fantastic concert in aid of Dublin & Glendalough’s Diocesan Refugee Housing Appeal.
The cathedral was packed for the concert which saw the choristers taking a break from their usual sacred music to let their hair down with some classic jazz numbers as well as some songs featured on their ‘In Dublin’s Fair City’ CD. They were accompanied by Victoria Green on guitar, David Leigh on piano, Martina Smyth on organ and directed by Stuart Nicholson. Suzanne Savage, with Dave Redmond on bass and Phil Ware on piano, brought a smokey jazz club vibe to proceedings.
Dublin & Glendalough plans to raise €100,000 a year for the next three years to assist an accommodation programme being devised by the Irish Refugee Council and the Association of Missionaries and Religious in Ireland.
The IRC specialises in working with refugees and people in the asylum process. In association with AMRI it is in the process of acquiring several properties in Dublin and around the country which will provide first time accommodation for people waiting to come out of Direct Provision Centres.
When people are granted leave to remain in Ireland it can be extremely difficult for them to find accommodation which enables them to leave Direct Provision Centres. The programme also provides practical assistance to help people emerging from Direct Provision, where they may have spent several years, adjust to become functioning and contributing members of society.
AMRI also wants to help provide accommodation for refugees, many of whom are from Syria, who arrive in Ireland under the Government’s emergency response programme. The project will also help prevent additional burden being placed on homelessness services.
Bringing the evening to a close, Archbishop Michael Jackson thanked the cathedral and the choristers for organising such a wonderful concert. He explained to background to the diocesan appeal which emerged with Diocesan Councils were urged to do something practical to help with the refugee and homelessness situation.
“This project has to do with welcome and practical integration and the dignity of the individuals which is brought by independent housing,” the Archbishop explained. “Without the willingness of all who have given their talent this evening and lifted the roof, this could not happen. I thank the Cathedral Chapter, the Choristers and all who have given us not only enjoyment and entertainment but excellence of the highest quality. All of us associated with the project greatly appreciate your presence here.”
In addition to the proceeds of a retiring collection following the concert, Dean William Morton presented Archbishop Jackson with a generous donation towards the project on behalf of the Board of St Patrick’s Cathedral.
To contribute to the appeal monies can be forwarded by cheque to: the United Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough, Church House, Church Avenue, Rathmines, Dublin 6 (marked Housing Appeal). Donations can also be lodged directly to: DIOCESAN FUNDS OF DUBLIN AND GLENDALOUGH, Bank of Ireland, College Green, Dublin 2, BIC: BOFIIE2D, IBAN: IE50 BOFI 9000 1769 3548 78, Reference: Housing appeal. Donations may attract a tax rebate.