Ecumenical stand at the National Ploughing Championships

10 Sep 2013

 TOGETHER IN CHRIST

Welcome and Prayer at the Ploughing Championships 

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin and the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory will jointly host a stand at this year’s National Ploughing Championships at Ratheniska, Stradbally, Co. Laois from 24 – 26 September 2013. Those attending the ploughing championships are invited to visit stand T326 where a warm welcome will await.

 Bishops Michael Burrows and Denis Nulty have said they’re “looking forward to meeting people at the Championships and enjoying the special atmosphere of the few days”.

Personnel on the stand will meet and greet all visitors and provide a spiritual /pastoral presence during the three days of the Championships while also highlighting the work of both Dioceses. Visitors to the Championships are invited to gather on the stand each day at 12:00 noon  and 3:00 pm for some minutes of shared prayer.

During this time the prayer requests for particular needs or intentions which visitors can place in the sacred space at the stand throughout the event, will be prayed for.

Both bishops will be present at various times throughout the three days and  both dioceses will have a clerical presence at the stand at all times during the event. Both dioceses will also be represented at the official opening.

Other activities will  include the making of Saint Brigid’s Crosses.

There will be other activities for children and the distribution of “Together In Christ” wristbands.

The Church of Ireland Mothers’ Union will have a separate Stand to welcome mothers and their small children and where a baby-changing service will be provided.

Check out a video interview with Bishop Denis Nulty, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin at the following link http://www.icatholic.ie/videos/ploughing-promo-rc/

Check out a special video to show how to make a Saint Brigid’s Cross http://www.icatholic.ie/videos/how-to-make-st-brigid-cross/

Ends

Mícheál Murphy, Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin [email protected]

Herbie Sharman, Diocese of Cashel, Ferns & Ossory [email protected] 086 265 3191