Gateway Project – Gateway to Life Skills Expedition – a good news story

Posted by

GATEWAY PROJECT involves partners from Belvedere Youth Club (NEIC – north east inner city) & An Garda Síochána YDP (Youth Diversion Projects) – The ‘Gateway to Life Skills’ expedition linked Irish young people with the UN buffer zone peacekeeping community and a visit to the village of Pyla, Cyprus where there is a U.N. outpost.

The project, spearheaded by Det Chief Supt Brian Woods, An Garda Síochána (Irish Police ‘Guardians of Peace’) was based on a mix of life skills training, sport (football), intercultural learning and digital media. It involved 10 participants and 3 youth workers from the north east inner city of Dublin (Belvedere Youth Club) , and 20 Greek and Turkish Cypriot young people. The program which was delivered in a hybrid way, involved online preparation sessions and face-to-face meetings culminating in a full exchange activity program in Pyla. Brian is a champion of community engagement having over 32 years’ experience at the frontline of Ireland’s police force.

Detective Chief Superintendent Brian Woods

Det Chief Supt Woods. An Garda Síochána at Walter Scott House

The aim and specific objectives of the project are:

  • To give a first international experience to young people
  • Support personal development of young people through life skills training
  • Support building teams and future networks
  • Foster intercultural learning and dialogue
  • Support teamwork and communication skills through sport.
  • Make use of digital tools to tell their stories.

Main activities

The project involved icebreaker, and ‘get-to-know-you’ exercises, and a full introduction to the program with three nightly football training and competition sessions. There were excursions to Lefkara in the Troodos mountains, the Camel Park, Famagusta in northern Cyprus, the Salamis Roman ruins, and Varosha the ghost city for intercultural learning. Classroom learning took place on various live skills and outdoor sports competitions were organised also culminating in a filmmaking challenge promoting the town of Pyla.

 

Students from Cyprus and Ireland meet at the UCLan Cyprus Campus in 2024

Students from Cyprus and Ireland meet at the UCLan Cyprus Campus in 2024

Documentary

‘A Town Called Pyla’ is a documentary being made for RTÉ capturing the work to promote shared identity, shared space and shared islands, providing young people an environment to express their voices. Keep an eye out for announcements about the airing of this work.

RTÉ Documentary Team in Production in Pyla, Cyprus 2024

The production team from RTÉ travelled to the town of Pyla, Cyprus alongside Det Chief Supt Brian Woods to film on location with the young people from Belvedere Youth Club, North East Inner City Dublin who were on the Gateway Lifeskills Project 

 

 

Christmas at Saint Patrick’s

Posted by

Celebrate the birth of Jesus at Saint Patrick’s this Advent and Christmas.

Hear again the message of the angels and, in heart and mind, go to Bethlehem and discover the peace of the Christ Child through the pages of scripture and the carols of the choir.

Whoever you are, and whatever you believe, you are welcome to come to Saint Patrick’s and experience Advent and Christmas through words, silence, and music at one of our services.

All of our Advent and Christmas services, along with our regular pattern of services, are free of charge and with the exception of the Christmas Eve service you do not need to book tickets to attend these.

Sunday 1 December ∙ 18.00
ADVENT CAROLS by CANDLELIGHT
One of the year’s most dramatic services sung by the choir. A candelit procession moves from the darkness to light as words and music help us focus on the Advent themes of Light in the darkness and a new relationship with God in Christ.

Sunday 15 December ∙ 15.15
CAROLS FOR ALL
The service of Carols for All is an opportunity to join in the Church of Ireland’s rich musical tradition of congregational singing, led by the Choir and accompanied by the Cathedral’s majestic organ. Early arrival is advised – suitable for all ages, children especially welcome.

Sunday 22 December ∙ 15.15
A FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS
The Service of Nine Lessons and Carols provide us with rich and elaborate music performed by the Cathedral Choir who use their skills to catch us up in a resounding chorus of praise to God.

Tuesday 24 December ∙ 16.00
A FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS
The Service of Nine Lessons and Carols provide us with rich and elaborate music performed by the Cathedral Choir who use their skills to catch us up in a resounding chorus of praise to God. (NB entry by ticket only, service is also broadcast live on RTÉ Radio 1)

Christmas Day ∙ 11.15
CHORAL EUCHARIST WITH CAROLS
Join us this Christmas Day for a Service of Choral Eucharist with readings from Holy Scripture, congregational carols & anthems led by the Cathedral Choir. 

Sunday 5 January ∙ 15.15
EPIPHANY CAROL SERVICE BY CANDLELIGHT
Join the Wise Men as they make their journey to visit Jesus in this moving and beautiful service which follows the story of Jesus from his birth through to his childhood and on to his adult life. Some of the most beautiful music of the year is sung by the Cathedral choir in this popular and special service.

Sunday 5 January ∙ 16.30
LA NATIVITÉ DU SEIGNEUR
Messiaen’s organ meditation on the mystery of the birth of Christ, interspersed with readings and prayers. Performed by Cathedral Organist, David Leigh.

NB all these services are also streamed live via our website, click here to join us online.

O come let us adore him
CHRIST THE LORD!

2024 Saint Patrick’s Cathedral Community and Charitable Grant Applications (SPC CCF24)

Posted by

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin is at the heart of the city with a long history of worship, social justice, and compassion at the core of its daily operations.  We welcome people from near and far to worship with us, visit, volunteer, participate, and support others through our work.  As a result, we accumulate a fund through the generosity of our pilgrims’ donations which goes towards this Community and Charitable Fund.

The purpose of this fund is to support charities, voluntary, and community groups in realising their projects. Each year, monies from offertories, collections, and other donations are distributed to charitable groups working to address areas of need in our communities. The overarching theme this year is Unity in the Community.

The following are among the categories of need we seek to address:

  • Christian Faith in Action
  • Health & Well-being
  • Alleviation of Suffering
  • Education
  • Inclusivity
  • Community Support
  • Conservation & Restoration

There are three sections to complete

1: Applicant Organisations Profile;

2: Details of your Proposal;

3: Declaration and Submission

 

Apply here before 5pm on November 15th 2024

Considering a choristership?

Posted by

“We could not have made a better choice with our son. He has become confident and happy with good friends and a lot of fun along the way. Give it a go. You won’t regret it.”
Jane Dalton, chorister parent

“A complete foundation for music and life, it’s a team sport for the musically inclined, there is nothing else like it in the country.”
Susannah de Wrixon, chorister parent

“Being a chorister has paved the way for many amazing opportunities throughout my life.”
Éabha Harper McKeever, Cathedral Chorister 2006-12

“…being a chorister can be demanding, but it is also great fun and I will really miss it when I leave.”
Rian Middleton, Head Chorister 2015

“The choir can take up a lot of time, but I wouldn’t want to miss the friendships I have made and the great trips we went on! ”
Sam Osborne, Chorister 2019 onwards

“…I am so glad that our son and three daughters had this wonderful opportunity”
Laetitia West – Chorister Parent

“A great School indeed, musically classy, with the best discipline and foundation a child needs for life”
Obinna Ulogwara – Chorister Parent

“My experience at Saint Patrick’s gave my life as a musician and human being a positive sense of direction and purpose it could not otherwise have had. I’d do it all again in a flash”
Peter McMahon, chorister (1979-82)
Theatre director, Hamburg, Germany

“Sending our son to St. Patrick’s Cathedral Choir School was the best decision we made for him. Having struggled in his previous school, Saint Patrick’s gave him purpose, a sense of pride and lasting friendships. We watched his confidence grow throughout his four years with the choir and will be forever grateful for the patience and good humour of the staff and in particular, the wonderfully talented Choir Master, Stuart Nicholson.
Kendal Mooney – Chorister Parent