'In Joyful Hope' Eucharist well attended
'In Joyful Hope' resulted from the desire of a Methodist minister and a Roman Catholic priest to provide opportunities for people of different Christian traditions to worship together, and to be edified, inspired, and encouraged in faith through the sacrament of Holy Communion/Eucharist.
The most recent service, according to the Church of Ireland rite, took place on Monday 7th March, in St Mark's Parish Church Newtownards at which the rector, Canon Ken Smyth, presided. A very representative congregation of over 200 was present.
At each service, clergy and people from other traditions have participated. The differences in theological interpretation and liturgical practice have been acknowledged. There has been respect for the wishes expressed by one Church in particular that full communion is not appropriate at present. However, this has not precluded people from worshipping together and requesting a blessing from the presiding cleric.
A statement from the organisers expressed the firm belief that 'the joy of being present at the Eucharistic worship of another Christian tradition is greater than the pain experienced by observing this Eucharistic discipline.’
The next celebration will be a Presbyterian service in St.John’s Presbyterian Church Newtownbreda, Belfast on Thursday 12th.May at 8.00pm.