Faith in Action: Reflecting on Christian Aid Sunday
On Sunday, 10 May, our parishes gathered for a celebration of Holy Communion to mark the beginning of Christian Aid Week. The morning’s liturgy, which was broadcast live on TV by RTE, beautifully balanced our rich choral tradition with a call to global responsibility. We were privileged to hear an address from Michael Briggs of Christian Aid. His words, alongside the Prayers of the People, grounded our worship in the urgent needs of our global neighbours. Echoing a video of Christian Aid’s work, we interceded for communities in Kenya lacking adequate housing and running water, while giving thanks for the hope-nurturing work of urban farmers featured in the video. We also prayed for an end to conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan. Immense gratitude must, as ever, go to Rev. Gyles, along with the choir under the direction of David O’Shea. The hymns were chosen with deep care, from our opening commitment in O Jesus, I have promised to the Gradual Hymn, Breathe on me, Breath of God. During Communion, the choir sang a sublime rendition of the anthem If ye love me by the Irish composer R. P. Stewart. Timothy Dudley-Smith’s magnificent Tell out, my soul provided a rousing backdrop to the dismissal. Sunday’s broadcast provided a national showcase for our small church, and for the vibrant community of faith which it supports. The broadcast is available on RTE’s player. – David Leahy