Dear friends, 1 You could come along to Christianity Explored; 2 You could attend a Lenten service; 3 You could participate in the Jar of Grace.

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2 Dear friends, I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Lord to observe a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance: by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God s holy word. Book of Common Prayer page 338. Lent is traditionally viewed as a time of penitence and self-denial. Quite often, the things we give up during Lent can have more to do with us than our relationship with God. We may give something up during Lent such as soft drinks or chocolate, convincing ourselves that we are being more holy, when our real objective is to lose some weight! So why not take something up this Lent, something which will deepen our relationship with God and be a blessing to others. Picking up on these themes, this Lent I m encouraging all of us to PRAY, ACT & GIVE. Here are some ways in which you can do just that 1 You could come along to Christianity Explored; 2 You could attend a Lenten service; 3 You could participate in the Jar of Grace. Details of all of the above can be found within this edition of Cathedral Life. By praying, acting and giving, we can be faithful to those traditional Lenten themes of penitence and self-denial with less of a focus on self and more of a focus on Jesus. May we all observe a holy Lent and in so doing become more like Jesus. Your friend

3 One of the things we are encouraging our church family to participate in during the season of Lent this year is prayer and giving through the Jar of Grace. What is the Jar of Grace? It is simply a glass jar which you place on your meal table throughout Lent. Some of us may already have our jar through distribution at church over the past few weeks. If you don t have a jar, then simply take the attached self adhesive label, entitled Jar of Grace and stick it on a jar yourself. How does it work? Well it is really quite simple. At each meal time throughout Lent, we would ask that before you enjoy your meal, take a moment to place a coin/coins in the jar and offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the food and for the projects we will be supporting through your giving. The prayer can be spoken or silent; all of our prayers are acceptable in God s sight through Jesus. On Easter Sunday, we would encourage folks to bring their Jars of Grace to church and we will receive them and ask God s blessing on them. What are the projects we will be supporting? We will be supporting 2 projects. The first project is Via Wings. Via Wings provide care and support for those in particular need within our community of Dromore. Quite often, we can convince ourselves that people in need in our community have brought their particular need on themselves through bad lifestyle choices. Well, sometimes that is the case. But very often it is not. Families can be faced with need through illness or job loss, through bereavement or family breakdown. Let s not get judgmental about whether someone deserves our help or not; rather, let s just be generous in our giving to meet the very real needs of very real people whom Jesus loves dearly. The second project is our link with the Diocese of Maridi in Southern Sudan. Three of the specific areas where our support will be used will be in the provision of transport for Bishop Justin, the delivery of medical care through the Bethsaida Clinic and in ongoing education of children through the Haddow School. Our support is addressing immediate and ongoing spiritual, educational and medical needs; without our support, life would be very different for our brothers and sisters in Maridi. So.that s the challenge. Are you willing to Pray, Act and Give this Lent?

4 Christian care for families The table quiz in Seapatrick was most enjoyable and those members who attended were pleased to contribute to the magnificent sum of 550 raised for MU in Maridi. An evaluation of the performance (not finishing at the top or, more importantly, the bottom) would be that we should attend more quizzes and practice taking selfies! 3rd March: Women's World Day of Prayer St Colman's Church is the venue for this years service which has been written by the Christian women of the Philippines. While males and females of all ages are invited to attend, it would be great to find the younger women of the Cathedral represented among the congregation. The service will focus on issues of social justice that are relevant to every country around the world. Starts at 8pm and is followed by refreshments in St Colman's Church Hall. 22nd March: Lenten Service followed by AGM The March meeting will see members attend the Wednesday evening Lenten Service at 7.30pm. As always the whole congregation is invited for supper in the Clayton Hall. This will be followed by the branch s tri-annual AGM when a new committee will be selected to serve for the next three years. 26th March: Mothering Sunday The exact origins of Mothering Sunday are unclear. However, it is known that around the fourth Sunday in Lent there was one Sunday when all returned to their "Mother Church" - the main Church or Cathedral in the area. This custom evolved over the years to become the day when those working away from home, perhaps in service or on apprenticeship, visit not only their own church but also their own mother and family. They would bring hand picked flowers or cake, a precurser of the tradition we have today of giving gifts to Mothers on Mothering Sunday. By the early twentieth century the custom of Mothering Sunday had waned in many places but the institution of Mother s Day in USA brought about renewed interest.

5 This was a cause championed by Mothers' Union, amongst others. By 1938 it was claimed that Mothering Sunday was celebrated in every parish in Britain and in every country of the empire. Today Mothering Sunday continues to be celebrated on the fourth Sunday in Lent. The day is also known as 'Refreshment Sunday' a day when the fasting rules for Lent are relaxed. 27th March: Diocesan Festival Service The Down and Dromore Diocese will hold the Annual Festival Service in the Cathedral at 8pm. This is a specially important service this year as we celebrate 130 years of Mothers' Union in Ireland. Bishop Harold will preach as well as commissioning the new MU Chaplain and Diocesan Trustees. As host the Dean will conduct the service and members, along with overseeing the processing of banners from every branch, will undertake the big task of providing refreshments for all present. Definitely a case of 'all hands on deck', members should expect a call requesting help and support! 8th April: Ladies Breakfast Mrs Winifred McLoughlin, Diocesan Vice-President is the invited speaker at this, our third ladies breakfast to be held in Café Thyme at 10am. A continental breakfast will be served at a cost of 5 each. This is a relaxed and informal opportunity for fellowship and all ladies are warmly invited to attend. Booking, with payment in advance to Ruby Porter, is required. Mothers' Union members enjoying themselves at the quiz held recently in Seapatrick where an amazing 550 was raised for Maridi. PS Our team didn't win, just had an enjoyable night out!

6 Message from Tim Burns - Diocesan Youth Officer I am delighted to introduce SERVE, a resource for young people in 4th to 6th year, designed to encourage and develop their unique leadership qualities while also helping them build firm foundations of faith. Central to the course is the idea of servant leadership, which can often be different to the perception of what leadership is. SERVE will encourage young people to discover and use the gifts God has given them to serve others and unlock their potential as leaders. Each session of training has four elements included that are designed to build a sense of community and support, engagement with God and a deeper knowledge of who we are as people and leaders. They are: 1. Communal Meal: Served at the start of each session. 2. Spiritual Discipline: Time is given after the meal to practice an element of the disciplines. 3. Book Review: Participants will be expected to read a chapter of the selected book prior to each session, at which a young person will lead a discussion on the chapter. 4. Teaching and Discussion: This element allows the participants to explore spiritual, practical and personal aspects of Christian leadership through discussion and activities. There are eight separate sessions, the first 4 will run fortnightly in Hillsborough Parish Hall, starting on 23rd February and will last for three hours, from pm. The next 4 sessions will take place over the course of a weekend away at the Kilbroney Centre in Rostrevor from Friday - Sunday 28-30th April with a final graduation celebration for parents and participants taking place on Friday 5th May. The cost for the course is 70. This includes a participants handbook, our meals together and the residential, as well as the graduation ceremony and certificate. This can be paid in either a single payment for the course or two payments of 35.

7 Suicide prevention and Mental Health issues. Clergy, Church Youth workers, lay readers and other Church staff representatives are invited to attend. Tuesday 28th February - Nicva, 61 Duncairn Gardens, Belfast Monday 13th March - Dromantine Conference Centre, Newry. Please contact Margaret Bailie on or magieanniecmc@gmail.com re group numbers attending from Dromore Cathedral. It may only be the end of February but plans are well under way for Summer Madness This year is going to be a special one as we celebrate our 30th Anniversary! We're excited to welcome our Main Stage Contributors, Matt Chandler (Village Church, TX), Rachel Gardner (Youthscape/Romance Academy), and Simon Lennox (Word In The City), to the festival. Over the next few weeks, we'll be announcing additions to the festival bill, including contributors and worship leaders - keep up to date via Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. Dromore Cathedral are planning on bringing a group to Summer Madness this year, now is the time to get your tickets booked! Until March 1st, full festival passes are available for the Super Early Bird price of 75. Plus, because it's a special year for Summer Madness they are feeling a bit generous! If we are taking a big crew with us the 30th camper in your group will go for free! For more information please contact Margaret at: maggieanniecms@gmail.com or telephone or mobile

8 Christianity Explored is a course for those who want to deepen their faith as well as an introduction to the Christian faith. Over 7 evenings studying Mark's Gospel, the course helps us discover more about the life of the person at the heart of the Christian faith - Jesus Christ. During the course, we will examine some big questions. Who is Jesus? Why did he come to earth? What does it mean to be a follower of His? Each evening will begin at 7.45pm with tea, coffee and desserts and the evening will end at 9.30pm. Nothing is expected of anyone who attends. You will not be expected to pray, read or speak, but simply participate at whatever level you feel comfortable. The course is delivered by Rico Tice from Christianity Explored by DVD each evening and within groups we will then discuss what we have heard. The course will start at 7.45pm on Tuesday 28th February in The Olive Branch, Market Square, Dromore and everyone is most welcome. For more information, please contact Geoff on , or simply turn up on the night! Bishop Harold Miller invites you to join him at Down Cathedral for the annual St Patrick s Day Festival Service followed by lunch in the marquee in the Cathedral grounds. This year s theme is Rising to the Challenge with two keynote speakers, Mickey Harte, of the Gaelic Athletic Association, and Shane Logan, CEO of Ulster Rugby. You are also welcome to attend the Holy Communion Service at Saul and to join the pilgrimage from Saul to Down Cathedral. Programme 9.15am Holy Communion at Saul Preacher: Rev. Adrian Dorrian am Pilgrimage from Saul to Downpatrick am Festival Service in Down Cathedral With: Mickey Harte (Tyrone G.A.A) Shane Logan (Ulster Rugby). Wreath laying ceremony at St Patrick s Grave. 1.15pm Irish stew lunch in the marquee. Transport to Saul From 8.00am private buses will leave from the Mall for the communion service and pilgrimage. The last bus for the communion service leaves at 8.45am.

9 Across 1 These letters come between Romans and Galatians (11) 9 You will not me to the grave (Psalm 16:10) (7) 10 King of Moab to whom the Israelites were subject for 18 years (Judges 3:14) (5) 11 Town possessing mineral spring (3) 13 Mede (anag.) (4) 16 High-fidelity (abbrev.) (4) 17 He succeeded his father Rehoboam as king of Judah (1 Kings 14:31) (6) 18 A son of Simeon (Genesis 46:10) (4) 20 Controversial religious book of the 1970s, The of God Incarnate (4) 21 He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you and hear (Acts 2:33) (3,3) 22 You me together in my mother s womb (Psalm 139:13) (4) 23 Edit (anag.) (4) 25 Who has believed our message and to whom has the of the Lord been revealed? (Isaiah 53:1) (3) 28 Abraham s brother (Genesis 22:23) (5) 29 When Mordecai learned of that had been, he tore his clothes (Esther 4:1) (3,4) 30 Sympathetic (Proverbs 11:16) (4-7) Down 2 That was why his parents said, He is ; ask him (John 9:23) (2,3) 3 Integrated Services Digital Network (1,1,1,1) 4 4 Saul has slain his thousands, and David his of thousands (1 Samuel 18:7) (4) 5 Concept (John 8:14) (4) 6 Do we, then, the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law (Romans 3:31) (7) 7 Industrious (2 Timothy 2:6) (11) 8 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you (Ephesians 1:18) (11) 12 Out of the same mouth come and cursing (James 3:10) (6) 14 This was how many of the Jewish leaders described Jesus (John 10:20) (3) 15 Vitality (Job 20:11) (6) 19 He urged David to kill Saul at Hakilah (1 Samuel 26:8) (7) 20 So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul with the church and taught great numbers of people (Acts 11:26) (3) 24 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:4) (2,3) 25 Parched (Matthew 12:43) (4) 26 In the image of God he created him; and female he created them (Genesis 1:27) (4) 27 Disparagement (Psalm 15:3) (4)

10 New Builds Renovations Extensions Mob:

11 Thank you for your willingness to serve in these ways. If you are unable to fulfil your role on a particular Sunday, please arrange a swap and let the relevant co-ordinator know. Flowers Mrs B McClearn Crèche Refreshments Mrs D Burns Vacant Mrs H Reid In Memory of E & J Burns C Cuthbert M Mack H Forsythe S Shepherd H Forsythe H Patterson C Barr K Chambers H Forsythe D Abraham C Wallace J McMurray S Shepherd R Porter The Men Mother s Day Sound S Newell H Wallace B Mackey S Newell Reader 8.30 Preacher L Bland Preacher A Scott Reader H Forsythe J McCorkell J Reain C Mackey Reader 6.00 H Scott P Cherry B Forsythe G Lough Via Wings provide emergency food parcels for families in acute need in the Dromore area, a ministry which we support as a church through collections of food on a weekly basis; a basket is situated in the Bell Tower porch for donations of food. We have received an urgent request for support through the provision of the following items...tea bags, instant coffee and washing powder. If you are able to respond to the this particular request, then please leave your donation in the basket in the Bell Tower porch. Crèche: Helen Forsythe Refreshments: Colin Barr Readers: Office Flowers for March arranged by Mrs Beverley McClearn Monthly Flower Lists contact Caroline Wallace

12 March Diary Dates Friday 3rd 8.00 Women s World Day of Prayer St Colman s Church Wednesday 8th 8.15 Parish Bible Class Clayton Hall Wednesday 22nd 8.00 MU Tri-annual AGM Clayton Hall Monday 20th 7.30 Select Vestry Meeting Clayton Hall Friday 24th Cathedral Life Team Clayton Hall Monday 27th 8.00 Diocesan Festival Service Cathedral Friday 31st 7.30 Girls Brigade Display Cathedral Hall During the season of Lent, we will be having a midweek meeting in the Cathedral lasting around 30 minutes. Each evening will include singing, prayer and teaching. Services will commence on Wednesday 1st March 2017 at 8pm and continue throughout Lent each Wednesday evening at 7.30pm. Everyone is most welcome to attend. Change of Time The Parish Bible Class will meet next on Wednesday 8th March in the Clayton Hall, shortly after 8pm, immediately after the Lenten service. Friday 31st March at 7.30pm In the Cathedral Hall Captain Leanne Teggart and her officer team have been preparing the members of the Brigade to show a variety of their activities from week to week. This event gives the rest of us a taster as to why the GB is going from strength to strength. This year parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters will all pack into the Cathedral Hall for a happy display of the work. This is always a great night. Be there early!

13 8.00 Ash Wednesday Service 8.30 Holy Communion Cathedral Praise Holy Communion 6.00 Evening Epilogue Service 7.00 Café Church in Cathedral Hall 7.30 Midweek Lenten Service 8.30 Holy Communion Cathedral Praise Morning Prayer 6.00 Evening Epilogue Service 7.30 Midweek Lenten Service 8.30 Holy Communion Cathedral Praise with Holy Communion Morning Prayer 6.00 Holy Communion 7.30 Midweek Lenten Service 8.30 Holy Communion Cathedral Praise Morning Prayer 6.00 Evening Epilogue Service 7.30 Midweek Lenten Service

14 6th February 16th February Samuel Carlisle (Lyle) Gribben, Barban Hill, Dromore Robert (Bobbie) McMurray, Hampton Rise, Dromore Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. They are blessed indeed, says the Spirit, for they rest from their labours. 12th February James Haslem, Scolban Road, Dromore By your prayers and example, by your teaching and love, will you encourage your child in the life and faith of the Christian Community? General Fund 2016/ /16 Week 40 1 st , Week 41 8 th 1, , Week th 1, , Week nd 1, , Week th 2, , Total to date 58, , Development Fund Month 10 January Total to date 8, ,214.55

15 As a parish, we were delighted to hear of the appointment of Revd Gary McMurray to the incumbency of St Matthew s, Richhill. Gary, who is married to Lynsey, has been serving in Clogher Diocese for the past 6 years in the Parish of Aghavea. His date of Institution is as yet unknown, but we will advise as soon as we are aware of one. Please do pray for Gary and Lynsey as they prepare to let go in Aghavea and contemplate this next season in God s service. Dromore Cathedral is the Parish Church serving the Dromore and Kinallen areas and a Cathedral of the Diocese of Down and Dromore in the Church of Ireland. Registered with The Charity Commission for NI - NIC101679