St. Macartin's Cathedral
Enniskillen
Enniskillen
Bishops’ Appeal
The Church of Ireland Bishops’ Appeal for World Aid and Development has launched a call for donations to help the people of Turkey and Syria following the earthquake on Monday (6th February) which has resulted in over 47,000 deaths. Bishops’ Appeal immediately released €10,000 from its reserves to Christian Aid for its work in the area, and is encouraging parishes to contribute to this appeal in support of Christian Aid over the coming Sundays. Envelopes are available in the pews, the Cathedral porch and the Office.
Confirmation Class
Next class is on Monday 13th March at 6.30pm in the Hilliard Room.
Lenten Project
Lenten Boxes and Gift Aid Envelopes are available in the Cathedral porch to support Mothers’ Union Overseas Fund.
Parenting Wellness Group
St Macartin's Cathedral Parenting Wellness Group for March will meet at CAFRE (College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise) at 2.00pm on Saturday 11th March for an Equine Farm Walk. Activities will include pond dipping, petting horses and a nature walk. Parents and children of all ages welcome. Please contact Linda Kingston, on 07342045474 in advance, to book your place.
Mothers' Union: Christian Care for Families.
Mothers’ Union is an international Christian charity that seeks to support families of all faiths and none through practical outreach, prayer and advocating family friendly policies within both government and public life. By supporting marriage and family life, especially through times of adversity, we tackle the most urgent needs, challenging relationships and communities. Our members are not all mothers, or even all women, but are single, married, parents, grandparents or young adults who are just beginning to express their social conscience. For all 4.1 million members in 83 countries, what Mothers’ Union provides is a network through which they can serve Christ in their own community through prayer, financial support and actively working at grassroots level. At St Macartin’s Cathedral, we aim to have a warm welcome for all and endeavour to assist in the work of the Church both in Enniskillen and overseas. We support the work of Messy Church and see this as a vital outreach to young families in our community! Please come and join us.
St Macartin’s Mothers’ Union Officers
Branch Leader: Jenifer Johnston
Secretary: Sally Masterson
Treasurer: Maud Shaw
Overseas Representative: Valerie Watson
Committee Members: Stephanie Hall, Christine Halpin, Stephanie Hamilton, Hazel Hunter, Avril Kee, Estelle Latimer, Margaret Owens, Susan Spratt and Jeanette Wilson
The next meeting, ‘Visitor’s Night’ is on Monday 13th March at 7.30pm in the Main Hall, Cathedral Hall. Margaret Owens is the speaker and the subject of her talk, ‘One more step along the way’. Everyone welcome.
Lenten Lunches
Fermanagh Churches Forum invite you to a Lenten lunch in the Hilliard Room, St Macartin’s Cathedral Hall on Wednesday 15th March at 12.30pm. A light lunch will be provided and Rev. Stephen McWhirter will lead the reflections.
St Macartin’s Bowling Tournament
Mixed Pairs Tournament on Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st March with Finals on Wednesday 22nd March at 7.30pm each evening, in the Cathedral Hall. Entries to Maud Shaw - Telephone 02866322133 or 07720081175.
Holy Baptism
If any families have children or adults not baptised, please speak to the Dean. If desired a private baptism can be arranged for adults and older children.
Quadricentennial Service
St Macartin’s Day, 24th March at 7.30pm. Preacher, The Archbishop of Armagh, The Most Rev John McDowell. Invitations are available in the Cathedral porch to invite family and friends.
Flower Festival
Friday 26th to Monday 29th May, 9.00am to 8.00pm each day, closing on Monday 29th at 5.00pm. Teas available all day. Lunches or evening meals for large groups and bus trips must be pre booked.
Flower Festival Donations
Personal donations can be made to cover the cost of flowers. Donations can be made in memory of loved ones and Business donations can also be made. Please note we will not be asking for donations, but anyone can volunteer to make donations and they will be recorded anonymously on a list in the Flower Festival Booklet.
St Macartin’s Cathedral History Books
These are available from the Churchwardens in the Vestry immediately after services or from the Cathedral Office, and still at the launch price of £20 per book.
Freewill Offering Envelopes
The end of the church’s financial year is 31st December 2022, after which date the annual accounts are prepared and audited. For this reason, we are asking all parishioners to return all their pink 2022 envelopes by that date. Any amounts received after December 31, 2022 will be added to the 2023 accounts.
Confirmation
A Confirmation Service will be held during Eastertide 2023 for young people of Year 9 and above. Those who expect to be confirmed should regularly attend services with their families, as Confirmation is about taking your place within the life and mission of the Church. Application forms for Confirmation are available in the Parish Office for those who wish to be confirmed.
St. Macartin's Knitting Group
We have a group of enthusiastic knitters "the Knitwits"which meets from Autumn till Spring on Saturdays from 3pm-5pm in the minor hall. Apart from knitting, there is a lot of chat, laughter, cake and tea or coffee. Everyone, including absolute beginners, is welcome (including men, though it's unlikely there will be any!).
Would you like to knit socks? The St Macartin’s Knitwits are taking part in a cross-community project called ‘Knitting the Land’ and plan to create a ‘Sock Tree’ installation in the church to share the joy and blessing of making socks. To achieve this, there is a Sock Club commencing at 2pm in the Cathedral Hall. This is open to anyone who would like to knit socks - learner and experienced knitters are equally welcome. Yarn, needles, sock pattern and guidance will be provided. For further information contact Claire Holmes: claire.holmes4@gmail.com (The more general Knitwits Club follows at 3pm).
FUTURE DATES
24th March Quadricentennial Anniversary Service (7.30pm)
2nd – 9th April Holy Week Services
26th-29th May “Signs and Sayings in John’s Gospel”: Flower Festival
Tuesday drop in
Every Tuesday afternoon from 2.00 to 6.00pm, the Hilliard Room in the Cathedral Hall will be open, where people can chat, study, read the newspaper, knit, and drink tea and coffee, saving money by reducing energy usage in our homes. You are welcome to make use of the tea
and coffee making facilities in the adjacent kitchen. On the last Tuesday of each month, the Tuesday Club will meet in the Hilliard Room at 2.00pm, and you would be welcome to join them.
Choral Scholarships
If you have the talent and interest, you can help to form an integral part of St Macartin's Cathedral Choir, Enniskillen, and benefit from our new choral scholarships. The Cathedral Choir sings at the weekly Sunday morning service at 11.00am, and occasionally at additional services throughout the year. Once or twice a year the choir visits churches and cathedrals further afield, to sing. Each year, commencing in September, St Macartin's offers up to ten Choral Scholarships; ideally at least two of each voice part (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass). It is useful, but not essential, for potential Choral Scholars to have relevant experience of singing in a choir, for example a church, school or community choir. For all Scholars, good sight-reading skills are desirable. All Scholars are obliged to take lessons from an approved professional vocal tutor of their own choice, or from the Cathedral's designated vocal tutor, Mr David Robertson. Application forms can be requested from the Cathedral Office by telephoning 02866322917 or emailing enniskillen@clogher.anglican.org. The cost of this programme is £6,300 as the students get £630 each towards the cost of the singing lessons. If you would like to support this very worthy scheme donations would be very welcome.
Parish Visiting
Since parish visiting in the “normal” sense will not be possible for some time yet, we would appeal to parishioners to let us know if you are unwell - or if you know someone who is unwell. We can arrange some form of contact to be made, depending on what is possible at that time. Please let us know if you would like to be added to our prayer list, as the clergy will remember you in their personal devotions and during the intercessory prayers at our services. If you know of someone who would value this service, or if a parishioner has had a close bereavement please also inform Beth in the office. It is not recommended that you tell one of the clergy at the Cathedral door on a Sunday morning for there is every possibility they could forget in the midst of shaking hands with 300 people! A little written note handed to them is a safer option.
Hospital Visiting
Hospital Visiting in the “normal” sense will not be possible for some time yet; but please let us know if you are admitted to hospital. We can arrange some form of contact to be made, depending on what is possible at that time. Please let us know if you would like to be added to our prayer list, as the clergy will remember you in their personal devotions and during the intercessory prayers at our services. Do not rely on the hospital system to inform the clergy, as this may not happen.
Help or queries
Should you require anything please contact the Dean (028 6632 2465), the Curate Assistant (028 6625 1256), or the Parish Secretary (028 6632 2917).
Sunday Lights and Sunday Lights Café
Sunday Lights and Sunday Lights Café allow our children to spend time together learning about the Bible, listening to stories about Jesus, singing songs, and participating in crafts and games. Sunday Lights is open to anyone in P1-4, and Sunday Lights Café welcomes children in P5-Year 8. Each Sunday, the children leave for their own activities after the Sunday School Prayer and the singing of a family hymn during the 11.00am service. Once a month, we also have a family service and encourage the whole family to come together for worship.
Sunday Lights and Sunday Lights Café recommenced on 2nd October. We are grateful for the families that join with us in worship in St Macartin’s Cathedral. The presence of children is a gift to our church, and is a sign that we are growing. We know that it is not easy to get your whole family to church, and it can be even more difficult to keep everyone sitting still; but children should know that the church is a place where they can feel at home. Everyone knows that children sometimes make noise. You don’t need to step out of the service for this, but nobody will judge you if you do. Just be sure to return! All are welcome to attend the Cathedral.
Sunday Lights Leaders
There is still room for people who are interested in taking on this role on a rota basis
Messy Church
Messy Church is for pre-schoolers and primary-aged children and their families or carers. We normally meet on the third Thursday of the month, from 4.00-6.00pm, in the Cathedral Halls.
Messy Church is one of our key ministries to children and families. It does "just what it says on the tin". lt's Church, so we meet together and worship God through Bible stories and songs. And it's messy! There‘s always glue and glitter, food and fun. Messy Church is open to all children (whether church members or not) of primary school age (but younger children are also welcome) and their parents and guardians.
The rule is: no child without an adult, and no adult without a child.
Even if you’ve never been before, even if you or your children aren't parishioners of the Cathedral, you are very welcome to join us. Messy Church takes place on the third Thursday of each month. However, this will require more helpers!
Could you help with:
Music and singing
Crafts and activities
Basic food preparation and serving
Set-up/tidy-up
If so, please contact the office, letting us know if you have special requirements such as accessibility.
Family Services (usually the last Sunday of the month at 11am)
The key to understanding these services is thinking about them as “family time” (the family of the Church), not as time for the children with the adults present. It is an all-age time - all are welcome to attend these services!
Xplore
Our youth group, Xplore, is open to all Confirmation candidates and others in Years 9-12.
St Macartin’s Cathedral History Books
These are available from the Churchwardens in the Vestry immediately after the service or from the Cathedral Office, and still at the launch price of £20 per book. These would make ideal gifts for family members and friends, especially those who were baptised, confirmed or married in the Cathedral, and for those who have had relatives buried from the cathedral.
Lesson Readers
Would you like to read a lesson at the 11.00am Sunday morning services on a rota basis? If so, please contact the office to add your name to our list.
Knit and Natter
Enniskillen Library hosts a Knit and Natter session every Wednesday from 2.00-3.30pm. If you like to knit or crochet, and love to chat, come and join the fun!
The Car Park
An extended car park, accommodating an additional 30 cars, is an extremely valuable addition in the island town of Enniskillen where parking space is at a premium. Access to the car park is limited to those who are authorised to use it - otherwise it would become a free public car park. Entry and exit from the car park is controlled by barriers. The access barrier is activated by car users who possess an activation fob. The issue of these fobs is being carefully controlled and is only be available to parishioners and others authorised by the select vestry. There is a £25 charge (£250 for non-members) for each fob (renewable yearly) which not only reflects its cost but also includes an allowance to cover anticipated maintenance. The car park barriers are open for all regular church services, including weddings and funerals. It is also open in the evenings to accommodate the many organisations which use the facilities for evening events.
Daily Hope
Daily Hope is a free phone line of hymns, prayers and reflections for those who don’t have access to the internet at home. Just call 0800 804 8044 from a UK mobile or landline and select your preferred option.
Diocesan Magazine
If you are a subscriber, your copy will be available in church on Sundays or Thursdays, orcan be collected from the Cathedral Office during the week. If you used to purchase your copy in Eason’s Bookshop, spare copies (£1.50) will also be available in the Cathedral back porch or from the Cathedral Office.
Mid Week Holy Communion Thursdays at 11.00am
A Service of Holy Communion is held each Thursday at 11.00am. Those who usually attend the early Sunday morning and Sunday evening services should consider (if not working) attending the Thursday service, as it is much quieter than the 11.00am Sunday morning service. The 7.00pm services can no longer be held to comply with the recommended guidelines.
Prayer Books
Do you have a Prayer book in your home? If not you should have! We are a Prayer Book church and the Prayer Book should not just be on those shelves at the back of the church for use on Sunday, but there should be a copy of a Prayer Book in every home. Everything in it is biblically based and it is a vital tool to every-day living, for daily prayer, and for nourishment and for enriching our daily walk with God. As you leaf through the Prayer Book you will find services and prayers for daily use, and for every situation and worry in life. It is a marvellous resource so use it! Copies are available from the Cathedral Office for £20.00 and would make an ideal Christmas gift!
Old Pound Coins
The old one pound coin has gone out of circulation. Many of you will still have some in your pockets or purses! The bank will still accept, them but rather than make a trip there, you could if you wish, donate them to the Cathedral Fabric Fund. A glass jar is available in the Cathedral Porch to make your donation which will be very much appreciated.
Cathedral Garden of Remembrance
With the increased number of people choosing cremation, the church has created a Garden of Remembrance at the back of the building. You can see a memorial stone there on which will be engraved names of committals and also a summer seat for relatives to have a private and quiet area in which to remember. This may be of particular interest to certain parishioners who may be willing to help finance this project. It may also be of interest to former Cathedral parishioners who have moved away from the area (maybe overseas and large cities where cremations are more common) and may want the Cathedral grounds to be the resting place for their ashes. Please make this widely known and donations would be gratefully received towards this project - ‘The Cathedral Garden of Remembrance Fund'.
Adoption
Family Care Adoption Services is presently seeking to recruit adoptive families for babies and young children. For a free information pack, please contact it on 028 71368592 or 028 90691133, Monday to Friday 9am-1pm, or e-mail anne.ohagan@familycaresociety.co.uk
Donations in lieu of flowers
The Church can benefit greatly from donations made in lieu of flowers at the time of a death or the anniversary of a death. Please keep this in mind, and we acknowledge with grateful thanks all who have contributed in this way in the past.
"Our Daily Bread" Bible Reading Notes
Each Sunday all three readings from the Revised Common Lectionary are printed on a Parish Bulletin. The Psalm and Collect are also listed. Make sure you get this sheet each week (If for some reason you are not out - get someone to take one for you). Please keep it and use one of the readings or psalm each day throughout the week with your private prayers.
Copies of Our Daily Bread (Bible Reading Notes) are available free of charge at the back of the church. Please take one and you will find an order form included so that you can order them and have them sent directly by post to your own home. These will make the reading of the Bible easy, enjoyable, interesting and relevant to every day life.
‘ Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path’ Psalm 119
Presentation Hymnals
Presentation editions of the Church Hymnal are an ideal gift for confirmations or for special seasons in the Church calendar, including Christmas. Bound in soft burgundy leather cover and with gilded pages, it contains over 700 hymns - but the light pages ensure that the book itself is not overly bulky. The edition is now on sale for the reduced price of £10 until next Easter. It is an offer not to be missed!
Tuesday Club
The Tuesday Club meets on the last Tuesday of each month at 2.00pm in the Cathedral Hall. We look forward to seeing you there!
Choir Practice
This takes place on Wednesday evenings from 4th September in the Cathedral commencing at 7.30pm (but check before attending!). New choir members are most welcome, currently tenor or bass singers would be particularly encouraged to consider joining. Please contact Glenn or Jayne.
Bell Ringers
Fewer than a dozen parish churches in Northern lreland have towers with peals of eight or more bells where campanologists can exercise their skill. Enniskillen is one of these, and the peal of ten bells is rung in changes each Sunday and on special occasions. Practice takes place Thursdays 7.00-8.00pm and new ringers will be warmly welcomed to send out the call to worship on Sunday!
Bowling Club
Bowls will recommence in September 2022. Evening Bowls will begin on Wednesday 14th September at 7.30pm, and Morning Bowls will recommence on Wednesday 21st September at 10.30am. Everyone is welcome for fun and fellowship. For more information, contact Maud Shaw - 02866322133 or Mobile 07720081175.
Entries and general enquiries to Maud Shaw - 02866322133 or Mobile 07720081175.
Scouts and Guides
1st Inniskilling Scout Group
This recommenced after the Summer break on Monday 26th September. Beavers and Cubs will meet on Mondays from 6.45 - 7.45pm and new members will be most welcome. We hope to start the Scout section again but in order to sustain this we would require some new leaders. Anyone interested in becoming a leader in any of the sections should contact George Irvine 07864889672 or any of our existing leaders
Mondays: Cubs: 6.30pm - 7.45pm; Beavers: 6.30pm - 7.45pm.
Guides (10-14), Rangers (14-18), Rainbows (4-7), Brownies (7-10)
Anyone wishing to join any of these organisations must register on-line at (click on this link): https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-for-parents/register-your-daughter (Please contact the office if working on-line is alien to you! Beth will be pleased to help.)
Tuesdays: Rainbows: 6.30pm - 7.30pm; Brownies: 6.30pm - 7.45pm; Guides: 6.30pm - 7.45pm
The Church of Ireland Bishops’ Appeal for World Aid and Development has launched a call for donations to help the people of Turkey and Syria following the earthquake on Monday (6th February) which has resulted in over 47,000 deaths. Bishops’ Appeal immediately released €10,000 from its reserves to Christian Aid for its work in the area, and is encouraging parishes to contribute to this appeal in support of Christian Aid over the coming Sundays. Envelopes are available in the pews, the Cathedral porch and the Office.
Confirmation Class
Next class is on Monday 13th March at 6.30pm in the Hilliard Room.
Lenten Project
Lenten Boxes and Gift Aid Envelopes are available in the Cathedral porch to support Mothers’ Union Overseas Fund.
Parenting Wellness Group
St Macartin's Cathedral Parenting Wellness Group for March will meet at CAFRE (College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise) at 2.00pm on Saturday 11th March for an Equine Farm Walk. Activities will include pond dipping, petting horses and a nature walk. Parents and children of all ages welcome. Please contact Linda Kingston, on 07342045474 in advance, to book your place.
Mothers' Union: Christian Care for Families.
Mothers’ Union is an international Christian charity that seeks to support families of all faiths and none through practical outreach, prayer and advocating family friendly policies within both government and public life. By supporting marriage and family life, especially through times of adversity, we tackle the most urgent needs, challenging relationships and communities. Our members are not all mothers, or even all women, but are single, married, parents, grandparents or young adults who are just beginning to express their social conscience. For all 4.1 million members in 83 countries, what Mothers’ Union provides is a network through which they can serve Christ in their own community through prayer, financial support and actively working at grassroots level. At St Macartin’s Cathedral, we aim to have a warm welcome for all and endeavour to assist in the work of the Church both in Enniskillen and overseas. We support the work of Messy Church and see this as a vital outreach to young families in our community! Please come and join us.
St Macartin’s Mothers’ Union Officers
Branch Leader: Jenifer Johnston
Secretary: Sally Masterson
Treasurer: Maud Shaw
Overseas Representative: Valerie Watson
Committee Members: Stephanie Hall, Christine Halpin, Stephanie Hamilton, Hazel Hunter, Avril Kee, Estelle Latimer, Margaret Owens, Susan Spratt and Jeanette Wilson
The next meeting, ‘Visitor’s Night’ is on Monday 13th March at 7.30pm in the Main Hall, Cathedral Hall. Margaret Owens is the speaker and the subject of her talk, ‘One more step along the way’. Everyone welcome.
Lenten Lunches
Fermanagh Churches Forum invite you to a Lenten lunch in the Hilliard Room, St Macartin’s Cathedral Hall on Wednesday 15th March at 12.30pm. A light lunch will be provided and Rev. Stephen McWhirter will lead the reflections.
St Macartin’s Bowling Tournament
Mixed Pairs Tournament on Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st March with Finals on Wednesday 22nd March at 7.30pm each evening, in the Cathedral Hall. Entries to Maud Shaw - Telephone 02866322133 or 07720081175.
Holy Baptism
If any families have children or adults not baptised, please speak to the Dean. If desired a private baptism can be arranged for adults and older children.
Quadricentennial Service
St Macartin’s Day, 24th March at 7.30pm. Preacher, The Archbishop of Armagh, The Most Rev John McDowell. Invitations are available in the Cathedral porch to invite family and friends.
Flower Festival
Friday 26th to Monday 29th May, 9.00am to 8.00pm each day, closing on Monday 29th at 5.00pm. Teas available all day. Lunches or evening meals for large groups and bus trips must be pre booked.
Flower Festival Donations
Personal donations can be made to cover the cost of flowers. Donations can be made in memory of loved ones and Business donations can also be made. Please note we will not be asking for donations, but anyone can volunteer to make donations and they will be recorded anonymously on a list in the Flower Festival Booklet.
St Macartin’s Cathedral History Books
These are available from the Churchwardens in the Vestry immediately after services or from the Cathedral Office, and still at the launch price of £20 per book.
Freewill Offering Envelopes
The end of the church’s financial year is 31st December 2022, after which date the annual accounts are prepared and audited. For this reason, we are asking all parishioners to return all their pink 2022 envelopes by that date. Any amounts received after December 31, 2022 will be added to the 2023 accounts.
Confirmation
A Confirmation Service will be held during Eastertide 2023 for young people of Year 9 and above. Those who expect to be confirmed should regularly attend services with their families, as Confirmation is about taking your place within the life and mission of the Church. Application forms for Confirmation are available in the Parish Office for those who wish to be confirmed.
St. Macartin's Knitting Group
We have a group of enthusiastic knitters "the Knitwits"which meets from Autumn till Spring on Saturdays from 3pm-5pm in the minor hall. Apart from knitting, there is a lot of chat, laughter, cake and tea or coffee. Everyone, including absolute beginners, is welcome (including men, though it's unlikely there will be any!).
Would you like to knit socks? The St Macartin’s Knitwits are taking part in a cross-community project called ‘Knitting the Land’ and plan to create a ‘Sock Tree’ installation in the church to share the joy and blessing of making socks. To achieve this, there is a Sock Club commencing at 2pm in the Cathedral Hall. This is open to anyone who would like to knit socks - learner and experienced knitters are equally welcome. Yarn, needles, sock pattern and guidance will be provided. For further information contact Claire Holmes: claire.holmes4@gmail.com (The more general Knitwits Club follows at 3pm).
FUTURE DATES
24th March Quadricentennial Anniversary Service (7.30pm)
2nd – 9th April Holy Week Services
26th-29th May “Signs and Sayings in John’s Gospel”: Flower Festival
Tuesday drop in
Every Tuesday afternoon from 2.00 to 6.00pm, the Hilliard Room in the Cathedral Hall will be open, where people can chat, study, read the newspaper, knit, and drink tea and coffee, saving money by reducing energy usage in our homes. You are welcome to make use of the tea
and coffee making facilities in the adjacent kitchen. On the last Tuesday of each month, the Tuesday Club will meet in the Hilliard Room at 2.00pm, and you would be welcome to join them.
Choral Scholarships
If you have the talent and interest, you can help to form an integral part of St Macartin's Cathedral Choir, Enniskillen, and benefit from our new choral scholarships. The Cathedral Choir sings at the weekly Sunday morning service at 11.00am, and occasionally at additional services throughout the year. Once or twice a year the choir visits churches and cathedrals further afield, to sing. Each year, commencing in September, St Macartin's offers up to ten Choral Scholarships; ideally at least two of each voice part (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass). It is useful, but not essential, for potential Choral Scholars to have relevant experience of singing in a choir, for example a church, school or community choir. For all Scholars, good sight-reading skills are desirable. All Scholars are obliged to take lessons from an approved professional vocal tutor of their own choice, or from the Cathedral's designated vocal tutor, Mr David Robertson. Application forms can be requested from the Cathedral Office by telephoning 02866322917 or emailing enniskillen@clogher.anglican.org. The cost of this programme is £6,300 as the students get £630 each towards the cost of the singing lessons. If you would like to support this very worthy scheme donations would be very welcome.
Parish Visiting
Since parish visiting in the “normal” sense will not be possible for some time yet, we would appeal to parishioners to let us know if you are unwell - or if you know someone who is unwell. We can arrange some form of contact to be made, depending on what is possible at that time. Please let us know if you would like to be added to our prayer list, as the clergy will remember you in their personal devotions and during the intercessory prayers at our services. If you know of someone who would value this service, or if a parishioner has had a close bereavement please also inform Beth in the office. It is not recommended that you tell one of the clergy at the Cathedral door on a Sunday morning for there is every possibility they could forget in the midst of shaking hands with 300 people! A little written note handed to them is a safer option.
Hospital Visiting
Hospital Visiting in the “normal” sense will not be possible for some time yet; but please let us know if you are admitted to hospital. We can arrange some form of contact to be made, depending on what is possible at that time. Please let us know if you would like to be added to our prayer list, as the clergy will remember you in their personal devotions and during the intercessory prayers at our services. Do not rely on the hospital system to inform the clergy, as this may not happen.
Help or queries
Should you require anything please contact the Dean (028 6632 2465), the Curate Assistant (028 6625 1256), or the Parish Secretary (028 6632 2917).
Sunday Lights and Sunday Lights Café
Sunday Lights and Sunday Lights Café allow our children to spend time together learning about the Bible, listening to stories about Jesus, singing songs, and participating in crafts and games. Sunday Lights is open to anyone in P1-4, and Sunday Lights Café welcomes children in P5-Year 8. Each Sunday, the children leave for their own activities after the Sunday School Prayer and the singing of a family hymn during the 11.00am service. Once a month, we also have a family service and encourage the whole family to come together for worship.
Sunday Lights and Sunday Lights Café recommenced on 2nd October. We are grateful for the families that join with us in worship in St Macartin’s Cathedral. The presence of children is a gift to our church, and is a sign that we are growing. We know that it is not easy to get your whole family to church, and it can be even more difficult to keep everyone sitting still; but children should know that the church is a place where they can feel at home. Everyone knows that children sometimes make noise. You don’t need to step out of the service for this, but nobody will judge you if you do. Just be sure to return! All are welcome to attend the Cathedral.
Sunday Lights Leaders
There is still room for people who are interested in taking on this role on a rota basis
Messy Church
Messy Church is for pre-schoolers and primary-aged children and their families or carers. We normally meet on the third Thursday of the month, from 4.00-6.00pm, in the Cathedral Halls.
Messy Church is one of our key ministries to children and families. It does "just what it says on the tin". lt's Church, so we meet together and worship God through Bible stories and songs. And it's messy! There‘s always glue and glitter, food and fun. Messy Church is open to all children (whether church members or not) of primary school age (but younger children are also welcome) and their parents and guardians.
The rule is: no child without an adult, and no adult without a child.
Even if you’ve never been before, even if you or your children aren't parishioners of the Cathedral, you are very welcome to join us. Messy Church takes place on the third Thursday of each month. However, this will require more helpers!
Could you help with:
Music and singing
Crafts and activities
Basic food preparation and serving
Set-up/tidy-up
If so, please contact the office, letting us know if you have special requirements such as accessibility.
Family Services (usually the last Sunday of the month at 11am)
The key to understanding these services is thinking about them as “family time” (the family of the Church), not as time for the children with the adults present. It is an all-age time - all are welcome to attend these services!
Xplore
Our youth group, Xplore, is open to all Confirmation candidates and others in Years 9-12.
St Macartin’s Cathedral History Books
These are available from the Churchwardens in the Vestry immediately after the service or from the Cathedral Office, and still at the launch price of £20 per book. These would make ideal gifts for family members and friends, especially those who were baptised, confirmed or married in the Cathedral, and for those who have had relatives buried from the cathedral.
Lesson Readers
Would you like to read a lesson at the 11.00am Sunday morning services on a rota basis? If so, please contact the office to add your name to our list.
Knit and Natter
Enniskillen Library hosts a Knit and Natter session every Wednesday from 2.00-3.30pm. If you like to knit or crochet, and love to chat, come and join the fun!
The Car Park
An extended car park, accommodating an additional 30 cars, is an extremely valuable addition in the island town of Enniskillen where parking space is at a premium. Access to the car park is limited to those who are authorised to use it - otherwise it would become a free public car park. Entry and exit from the car park is controlled by barriers. The access barrier is activated by car users who possess an activation fob. The issue of these fobs is being carefully controlled and is only be available to parishioners and others authorised by the select vestry. There is a £25 charge (£250 for non-members) for each fob (renewable yearly) which not only reflects its cost but also includes an allowance to cover anticipated maintenance. The car park barriers are open for all regular church services, including weddings and funerals. It is also open in the evenings to accommodate the many organisations which use the facilities for evening events.
Daily Hope
Daily Hope is a free phone line of hymns, prayers and reflections for those who don’t have access to the internet at home. Just call 0800 804 8044 from a UK mobile or landline and select your preferred option.
Diocesan Magazine
If you are a subscriber, your copy will be available in church on Sundays or Thursdays, orcan be collected from the Cathedral Office during the week. If you used to purchase your copy in Eason’s Bookshop, spare copies (£1.50) will also be available in the Cathedral back porch or from the Cathedral Office.
Mid Week Holy Communion Thursdays at 11.00am
A Service of Holy Communion is held each Thursday at 11.00am. Those who usually attend the early Sunday morning and Sunday evening services should consider (if not working) attending the Thursday service, as it is much quieter than the 11.00am Sunday morning service. The 7.00pm services can no longer be held to comply with the recommended guidelines.
Prayer Books
Do you have a Prayer book in your home? If not you should have! We are a Prayer Book church and the Prayer Book should not just be on those shelves at the back of the church for use on Sunday, but there should be a copy of a Prayer Book in every home. Everything in it is biblically based and it is a vital tool to every-day living, for daily prayer, and for nourishment and for enriching our daily walk with God. As you leaf through the Prayer Book you will find services and prayers for daily use, and for every situation and worry in life. It is a marvellous resource so use it! Copies are available from the Cathedral Office for £20.00 and would make an ideal Christmas gift!
Old Pound Coins
The old one pound coin has gone out of circulation. Many of you will still have some in your pockets or purses! The bank will still accept, them but rather than make a trip there, you could if you wish, donate them to the Cathedral Fabric Fund. A glass jar is available in the Cathedral Porch to make your donation which will be very much appreciated.
Cathedral Garden of Remembrance
With the increased number of people choosing cremation, the church has created a Garden of Remembrance at the back of the building. You can see a memorial stone there on which will be engraved names of committals and also a summer seat for relatives to have a private and quiet area in which to remember. This may be of particular interest to certain parishioners who may be willing to help finance this project. It may also be of interest to former Cathedral parishioners who have moved away from the area (maybe overseas and large cities where cremations are more common) and may want the Cathedral grounds to be the resting place for their ashes. Please make this widely known and donations would be gratefully received towards this project - ‘The Cathedral Garden of Remembrance Fund'.
Adoption
Family Care Adoption Services is presently seeking to recruit adoptive families for babies and young children. For a free information pack, please contact it on 028 71368592 or 028 90691133, Monday to Friday 9am-1pm, or e-mail anne.ohagan@familycaresociety.co.uk
Donations in lieu of flowers
The Church can benefit greatly from donations made in lieu of flowers at the time of a death or the anniversary of a death. Please keep this in mind, and we acknowledge with grateful thanks all who have contributed in this way in the past.
"Our Daily Bread" Bible Reading Notes
Each Sunday all three readings from the Revised Common Lectionary are printed on a Parish Bulletin. The Psalm and Collect are also listed. Make sure you get this sheet each week (If for some reason you are not out - get someone to take one for you). Please keep it and use one of the readings or psalm each day throughout the week with your private prayers.
Copies of Our Daily Bread (Bible Reading Notes) are available free of charge at the back of the church. Please take one and you will find an order form included so that you can order them and have them sent directly by post to your own home. These will make the reading of the Bible easy, enjoyable, interesting and relevant to every day life.
‘ Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path’ Psalm 119
Presentation Hymnals
Presentation editions of the Church Hymnal are an ideal gift for confirmations or for special seasons in the Church calendar, including Christmas. Bound in soft burgundy leather cover and with gilded pages, it contains over 700 hymns - but the light pages ensure that the book itself is not overly bulky. The edition is now on sale for the reduced price of £10 until next Easter. It is an offer not to be missed!
Tuesday Club
The Tuesday Club meets on the last Tuesday of each month at 2.00pm in the Cathedral Hall. We look forward to seeing you there!
Choir Practice
This takes place on Wednesday evenings from 4th September in the Cathedral commencing at 7.30pm (but check before attending!). New choir members are most welcome, currently tenor or bass singers would be particularly encouraged to consider joining. Please contact Glenn or Jayne.
Bell Ringers
Fewer than a dozen parish churches in Northern lreland have towers with peals of eight or more bells where campanologists can exercise their skill. Enniskillen is one of these, and the peal of ten bells is rung in changes each Sunday and on special occasions. Practice takes place Thursdays 7.00-8.00pm and new ringers will be warmly welcomed to send out the call to worship on Sunday!
Bowling Club
Bowls will recommence in September 2022. Evening Bowls will begin on Wednesday 14th September at 7.30pm, and Morning Bowls will recommence on Wednesday 21st September at 10.30am. Everyone is welcome for fun and fellowship. For more information, contact Maud Shaw - 02866322133 or Mobile 07720081175.
Entries and general enquiries to Maud Shaw - 02866322133 or Mobile 07720081175.
Scouts and Guides
1st Inniskilling Scout Group
This recommenced after the Summer break on Monday 26th September. Beavers and Cubs will meet on Mondays from 6.45 - 7.45pm and new members will be most welcome. We hope to start the Scout section again but in order to sustain this we would require some new leaders. Anyone interested in becoming a leader in any of the sections should contact George Irvine 07864889672 or any of our existing leaders
Mondays: Cubs: 6.30pm - 7.45pm; Beavers: 6.30pm - 7.45pm.
Guides (10-14), Rangers (14-18), Rainbows (4-7), Brownies (7-10)
Anyone wishing to join any of these organisations must register on-line at (click on this link): https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-for-parents/register-your-daughter (Please contact the office if working on-line is alien to you! Beth will be pleased to help.)
Tuesdays: Rainbows: 6.30pm - 7.30pm; Brownies: 6.30pm - 7.45pm; Guides: 6.30pm - 7.45pm
Last updated 11th March 2023
Announcements
