Celtic Pilgrimage in Ireland
During the week of October 3-10 members of All Saints Parish, as well as others from inside and outside our diocese will take a pilgrimage through parts of Ireland to see places of historic and spiritual significance. The pilgrimage is led by The Rev. Kim Hardy, Celtic Liturgy Coordinator of All Saints, assisted by her husband The Rev. Dr. Frederick Moser. This is the second Ireland Pilgrimage sponsored by our parish. The first was in the fall of 2014. This time we will explore the Connemara area including (weather dependent) Inis Mór, of the Aran Islands, popularly referred to as Aran of the Saints. The area we will traverse is known for early formation of the Celtic Christian Church through the founding of monasteries and education. Just a few saints connected with this area are St. Cíarán of Clonmacnoise, St Feichín of Omey Island, St. Patrick (in regard to holy mountain known as Croagh Patrick), MacDara MacDuach a 6th century hermit, St. Columba and St. Enda who established one of the earliest monasteries in Ireland on Inis Mór in the 5th century.
The pilgrimages build on a long-standing interest in Celtic spirituality begun at All Saints Parish in 1998 following the return of then Rector, David Killian from a sabbatical in Scotland and Wales. Ms. Hardy, who began her ministry with the parish in the fall of 2006 coordinating the liturgical texts and music for the service says, “I am grateful to the people of All Saints Parish for their continuing willingness and passion in exploring this deep vein of Christianity that is a significant part of our Anglican heritage and also enlivens our contemporary approach to worship of God, reverence of the created world, and hospitable service to the stranger in our midst.
All are invited to join us on Saturday evenings for the Celtic-themed Eucharist at 5:00 p.m.