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St Patrick’s, Ballymena, hosts Mothers’ Union Big Hymn Sing

Monday November 18th 2024

Clergy at the Mothers’ Union Big Hymn Sing in St Patrick’s, Ballymena, on November 16. From left: The Rt Rev Ian Ellis, Bishop of Clogher; Bishop Sarah Groves, Gracehill; The Ven Dr Stephen McBride, Archdeacon of Connor and All-Ireland Chaplain, Mothers’ Union; the Rt Rev George Davison, Bishop of Connor; June Butler MBE, All-Ireland President, Mothers’ Union; the Rev Canon Mark McConnell, rector, St Patrick’s, Ballymena; and the Most Rev John McDowell, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland. Photo: Loraine Watt.

The last in the Mothers’ Union’s series of All Ireland Big Sings was held on Saturday November 16 in St Patrick’s Parish Church, Ballymena. [See our Gallery below]

The series began in St Canice’s Cathedral Kilkenny in March, with services held in every Church of Ireland diocese during 2024 to raise money for the Mothers’ Union’s Mums in May Fund which supports projects and initiatives across Ireland in accordance with the aims and objects of Mothers’ Union.

The service in Ballymena was June Butler MBE’s last formal All Ireland event as MU President. President-Elect, Kay Clarke, Diocese of Derry and Raphoe, was also present at the Ballymena event.

The preacher was the Most Rev John McDowell, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All-Ireland. Also in attendance were Bishops George Davison (Connor); Ian Ellis (Clogher); and Sarah Groves (Moravian).

The Clare Chorale from Ballyclare led the singing and also performed a number of pieces.

The Rev Canon Mark McConnell, rector of the Parish of Ballymena (Kilconriola) and Ballyclug, and the Ven Dr Stephen McBride, Archdeacon of Connor and All-Ireland Mothers’ Union President also officiated.

The lesson was read by Mrs Butler, All Ireland President, who also gave a personal reflection on her favourite hymn Guide me, O thou great Jehovah.

 Iris Suitor, All Ireland Zonal Trustee, spoke about the work of Mum’s in May, and prayers were led by the All-Ireland Unit Co-ordinators Clare Stewart, Kay Clarke, Kaye Nesbitt and Margaret Jacob.

Several hundred Mothers’ Union members and friends attended from dioceses across Ireland, and St Patrick’s was packed for the service.

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