Although Tom has been at Crinken for only a relatively short time, few would dispute the depth of his impact. His energetic ministry, engaging preaching, humour and genuine interest in people have left an indelible mark on the parish – and made his departure all the harder.

The farewell evening brought together representatives from across parish life, including the Trustees, staff, youth groups and parents. A lively video vox pop captured messages and memories from those who wanted to wish the family well, while a specially written and recited poem provided both laughter and, unexpectedly, a few tears – including from its author and reader.

The evening reached its most poignant moment when the congregation ‘sent out’ Tom, Danielle, Tara–Rose and Dylan with prayers and blessings for the next chapter of their lives. Tom is shortly to be installed as Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, a role that is both a great opportunity for him and a considerable loss for Crinken.

And then, in true Crinken fashion, the sadness gave way to celebration, with a vast and somewhat heroic supply of traybakes and a spectacular cake marking the occasion.

Tom may have spent only a few years at Crinken, but he leaves behind friendships, memories and a parish that has been changed for the better.

Making the announcement, the Archbishop said: “The Reverend Canon Professor Anne Lodge has served the cathedral assiduously both as its inaugural Priest Scholar and as a member of the Chapter. This she has done in a voluntary capacity in addition to her full–time duties in Dublin City University and as Director of The Church of Ireland Centre. I am delighted that Anne has accepted my invitation to be Canon Treasurer in succession to the Very Reverend Tom O’Brien, Dean of Christ Church”.

He added: “The Reverend Robert Jones has served the diocese consistently and courageously over many years in a variety of parochial (as Rector of Rathmines with Harold’s Cross) and strategic capacities. During this time he has brought many people to faith in Jesus Christ and assisted them in sustaining this faith in the intricacies of daily life. I have great pleasure in appointing Rob to a Canonry in Christ Church Cathedral. I know that he will serve on the Chapter with compassion and wisdom.”

Commenting on her appointment Anne stated: “I am both honoured and humbled to accept the role of Canon Treasurer of Christ Church Cathedral. I have been based in the cathedral since 2021 where I have served in a voluntary capacity as Priest Scholar. I was privileged to become one of the Cathedral’s Chapter Canons in 2024. I intend to use the new appointment to enable me to deepen my service to Almighty God, to the cathedral, its community and our United Dioceses. I particularly look forward to working in support of our incoming Dean Tom O’Brien. I am also delighted to welcome Rob Jones as our latest Canon on to the Chapter.”

Rob said: “I’m delighted to have been invited by the Archbishop to become a Canon of Christ Church Cathedral. It’s an honour and it will be a privilege to serve here, alongside my ongoing work in Pioneer Ministry and in Holy Trinity Rathmines. The cathedral has many opportunities and is ripe with potential to bless the city of Dublin and the diocese even further, as it shares God’s love, drawing on its long history while opening up new ways to reach out. I’m very grateful and looking forward to serving as a Canon, working with the Chapter and especially ministering alongside and supporting the incoming Dean.”

The appointments will come into effect on September 1st and they will be installed on a date to be determined by the new Dean following his installation in October.

Hearing God’s voice in Creation when the world feels unsteady will be the focus of Ecumenical Bible Week 2026 which runs from September 13 to 18.

The theme explores God’s design for humanity and God’s covenant promises. Across several events in Dublin and Wicklow, participants will examine and reflect on how God speaks through creation and the covenant, especially in times when life feels uncertain or overwhelming.

There will be six events during the week, all of which are completely free to attend. For some events, the organisers would kindly ask that you register on the EBW website by clicking here or by scanning the QR code. This is so that they can prepare seating for the venues accordingly.

EBW 2026 opens with Vespers in All Hallows Chapel on the DCU All Hallows Campus on Sunday September 13 at 7pm.

There will be open meetings on Monday September 14 in St Matthew’s Church in Irishtown; Tuesday in St Saviour’s Church in Arklow; and Wednesday in Abbey Presbyterian Church. Each will begin at 7.30pm and will include discussion and reflection.

Thinking Allowed takes place in the Church of the Sacred Heart (in the parish centre) in Donnybrook on Thursday September 17 at 7.30pm. Speakers from different Christian denominations have been invited to give personal reflections on how we hear God’s voice in creation and covenant, especially in times of crisis. There will be an opportunity for participants to ask questions and take part in discussion.

Ecumenical Bible Week closes with Evening Prayer in St George and St Thomas’s Church, Cathal Brugha Street on Friday September 18 at 5pm.

Further details and event times are available on the EBW website.

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”– Deuteronomy 31:8

Our sympathy goes to all members of the Augustinian Community and to all members of his family.

Kieran was a staunch friend of the Church of Ireland and a fearless Ecumenist as witnessed to in his taking responsibility for Ecumenical Bible Week at the invitation of Archbishop Diarmuid Martin and me. It has grown to a success beyond expectation and recognition thanks to Kieran’s energy and skills.

He served as an Ecumenical Canon of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, and was frequently to be found in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, where during Lent he gave his electrifying Lectures on St Paul.

We miss Kieran already and will miss him more as the weeks and months go by. We commend him gently and faithfully to God Almighty.

+Michael

The Funeral Mass will take place at 11.00am on Friday, 21st August in John’s Lane Church, Thomas Street, Dublin 8.

In many of the world’s poorest countries, the climate crisis is making it more difficult for farming families to grow food to support themselves.    

In South Sudan, which is among the very poorest countries in the world, most families rely on farming to survive but the climate crisis has made the seasons unpredictable. Delayed rains, dangerously high temperatures and devastating floods leave many struggling to feed their children. On top of that, decades of conflict have resulted in repeated cycles of displacement, with families forced to flee their homes and abandon their farmland time and time again.

In the north–west of the world’s youngest country, Anok Angok Kon lives with her husband and their seven children, on the frontline of a climate crisis they had no part in creating. Theirs is a low–lying region and every year, during the rainy season, heavy rainfall accumulates and flood waters sweep through their village, damaging homes, destroying harvests and killing livestock.

Anok recalls the day when flood waters swept through her village, killing all her precious livestock – animals she relies on to make her living. Like many farmers, she feared what the future would hold for her children.

Anok says that when harvests are destroyed by flood waters, there isn’t enough food to go around and “all are vulnerable”.

Anok’s eldest has finished school and hopes to go to university when the family can afford it. But the food must grow first, and harvests are becoming increasingly uncertain.

Flooding also contaminates water sources, spreading disease, as Anok explained: “During the flooding season, many women and children here suffer from malaria, diarrhoea and typhoid. The continuous flooding of the last few years has led to the destruction of harvests, leaving many farmers unable to provide for their families.”

But Anok and her neighbours were not alone. Christian Aid’s local partner supported the community to protect their land and their drinking water by digging a dyke (a ditch and bank) to hold back the floodwater and prevent it reaching the village. Community members came together to dig the ditch and create the earth embankment, and a local committee maintains it. Anok said: “We hope the dyke will prevent the floods which damage our homes and kill our animals.”

Christian Aid’s local partner also trained Anok and her neighbours how to grow food in a changing climate. With seeds, tools and training, Anok has planted flood–resilient and drought–tolerant vegetables that are also fast–growing, reaching maturity in as little as 45 days, to make the most of the brief spells when growing conditions are favourable. These crops will feed their families, and any surplus can be sold for cash. Anok added: “We used to go and collect leaves from the wild trees to eat but we aren’t collecting them any more because we are growing vegetables. We were given seeds like kale, jute mallow and okra. We sell some to get cash for the children’s school fees and for medical treatment.”

Thanks to the support of Christian Aid’s local partners, Anok’s land is now better protected from flooding, and she is also rearing chickens and selling her groundnut paste to bring in a much–needed income.

Anok also hopes to start a Village Savings and Loans Association (similar to a credit union) so that farmers can save together, share knowledge and support one another through difficult seasons. It’s one more way Anok wants to pass on what she’s learned.

Despite the challenges that Anok faces, she is determined to succeed. “I work hard for two reasons. One, to put something on the table for my family to eat and two, to earn enough money to pay the fees to keep my children in school. If I get a good harvest, this is what I will do.”

Farming families like Anok’s continue to feel the harsh effects of the climate crisis – with growing seasons disrupted, rains arriving late and floods becoming more devastating. It means that growing enough food is a huge challenge for many families already living in extreme poverty.

Your support can help fund the training and practical solutions that farmers like Anok need to reduce hunger and malnutrition, protect their land and their harvests and keep going when weather patterns become more unpredictable. 

This is an opportunity to join a growing and pioneering team in Kilternan Parish. The purpose of the role is to develop and support the church’s work with young people and young adults.

CVs should be sent electronically to Rev Rob Clements at rector@kilternanparish.ie.  Alternatively, copies can be mailed to Rob Clements, Kilternan Parish Office, Kilternan Church of Ireland, Kilternan Dublin D18 ET99

Please do share if you can think of anyone who might be interested!

Closing Date: Monday 31st August, 12 noon

Hours Part Time (20 hpw) to include evenings and weekends. There is the possibility of an additional 10 hpw through the Dublin and Glendalough Youth Department (DGYC)

Contact Rev Rob Clements at rector@kilternanparish.ie if you have any questions.

You can see the job description here. 

Hosted by the Dioceses of Meath and Kildare, hospitality is at the heart of our presence at the Ploughing. Many people leave home early in the morning to attend, and, as we all know, it can be a very long day walking around the hundreds of exhibition stands, so a space to sit down and enjoy a cup of tea is always welcome.

We are delighted that the Church of Ireland Youth Department will again have a large presence at the stand, along with their ever–popular giveaways — last year the demand for the CIYD pink cowboy hats was incredible.

The stand will also give Meath and Kildare an opportunity to showcase their diocesan project in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, “Building Hope Brick by Brick”, and we are pleased that Tearfund will be joining us to share about their work in developing countries. We hope that Pioneer Ministry will come and tell us about the various ministries being planted around the country.

There will also be an opportunity to pray, and we are grateful once again to The Churches’ Ministry of Healing for creating prayer spaces within the stand. A range of prayer resources will be available.

If you are making a trip to the Ploughing this year, do drop into the Church of Ireland tent – we would love to see you!

This is a paid position requiring c.5 hours a week for preparation and delivery. Resources are provided. Experience preferable. Compliance with Child Safeguarding essential. The leader is assisted by a very enthusiastic group of volunteers. 

For enquiries and/or for a more detailed role description please contact the rector on 0860390866 or by email to adriennegalligan@gmail.com.

Taking place on Mary Sumner Day which commemorates the founder of Mothers’ Union, the thoughtful and encouraging address was given by former Worldwide President, Lady Christine Eames. The marvellous choir which combined the voices of members from far and wide was directed by Judith Gannon and accompanied by organist Tom Little.

In her introduction to the service, All Ireland President Kay Clarke said the theme of the service – ‘Join Us, Join In’ – was more than an invitation to celebrate a milestone. It was an invitation to share in God’s mission to belong, to pray, to serve and to witness to Christ’s love in our homes, churches and communities. It also echoed the vision of Mary Sumner whose faithful response to God’s call has inspired generations of members to put their faith into action with compassion, courage and hope.

During the service, the Revd Alistair Doyle (Dublin and Glendalough) was commissioned as All Ireland Chaplain of Mothers’ Union. A board recording the names of all Mothers’ Union Past Presidents was dedicated. This board will now be displayed in Christ Church Cathedral. A Preaching Scarf for the use of the All Ireland Chaplain was presented by the Revd Arthur Barrett (Cashel, Ferns and Ossory) in memory of his mother Mrs Ann Barrett who was General President Ireland from 1989 to 1995.

In her address Lady Eames highlighted the words of the Gospel reading [John 15: 9–17] ‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you’ which she said underpinned what Mothers’ Union aimed to do throughout its 150 year history.

Looking around the cathedral she saw many people who had served Mothers’ Union and thought of Mary Sumner who brought people together in her drawing room in a small action which became a worldwide movement. It was 11 years before that movement came to Ireland when Annabelle Hayes, wife of the Rector of Raheny, started the Mothers’ Union here.

The service allowed members to consider the past, pause in the present and think of the future, Lady Eames said. The past was the easy part, she suggested. “We have worked together, we have prayed together through good times, through bad times… The chain of the Mothers’ Union takes it through two world wars and the devastation that wrought. It takes us through a complete change in the life of women, a complete change in what was possible and what was absolutely closed. So there are many, many memories in our minds today,” she commented.

Reflecting on the work of the Worldwide President, Lady Eames said she felt it was to bring member to member around the world. “We often think of the Mothers’ Union as ‘around the corner and around the world’,” she explained and said this work brought her to places she never dreamed she would visit.

She recalled a visit to Uganda where she went to a camp for those displaced by war in Sudan. In a place where people had fled their homes with nothing and lived in rows upon rows of huts, she remembered the gesture of one woman who brought wild flowers in two battered mugs to place on the table where they were worshiping. While the woman may have had nothing, she had not lost her dignity. Afterwards she spoke to the woman and asked what she could do for her and the woman asked her, and members of Mothers’ Union, to pray for them so that they would not be forgotten.

“It seems to me that that goes right to the heart of what we are about today celebrating this occasion for the Mothers’ Union – to pray for one another and to pray with love that this person will not be forgotten. We talk about Mothers’ Union around the corner and around the world. In a different part of the world she challenged me around my corner,” she said.

Lady Eames said it would be wrong to leave the service without thinking about the future. Likening looking to the future to trying to find something an untidy drawer in her kitchen, full of candle ends and instructions for gadgets that had long since expired, she said:

“As we look to the future what are we looking for in Mothers’ Union? What will you and I hand on to those who come after us? Things have moved very, very rapidly. Certainly 150 years ago it was a completely different scene. Women’s lives were completely different. Everyone’s life was completely different… We look to the leadership of the future and know that we will be asking much of them because [like trying to find something in an untidy kitchen drawer] will our leaders in the future be able to see what they are looking for to bring Mothers’ Union into the future? We need to pray that God will give us all the strength and the vision,” she concluded.

If you were not able to attend the Festival Eucharist, it is available to watch back on Christ Church Cathedral’s Facebook page –www.facebook.com/share/v/17aqA5QKWS/