A pilgrimage for pioneers to early Christian sites in Ireland, led by Russ Parker and Michael Mitton.
Leaders
Revd Dr Russ Parker, Project Director for Healing Wounded Churches and author of Healing Wounded History and Rediscovering the Ministry of Blessing. Russ will be the Pilgrimage leader.
Canon Michael Mitton, Fresh Expressions Officer for the Derby Diocese and author of Restoring the Woven Cord. Michael will be the Spiritual Director for the trip, offering individual sessions for any who want time for personal reflection.
The intention of this pilgrimage will be for pioneers to encounter the early stories of Christian faith in the Republic of Ireland. Time and space will be given to listening to God, praying for the grace of his Spirit upon our ministry and reflecting on the connections between the early mission and pioneering work in this post-Christendom world.
Practicalities
The cost of the Pilgrimage is £700, to cover the cost of all travel in Ireland and to Inis Mor, B&B accommodation and admission to various holy sites. Pilgrims will need to arrange their own travel to Shannon Airport and will need to cover the cost of lunches and evening meals. A deposit of £250 (payable to 'Russ Parker' and sent to the address below) will be required by the end of August 2014.
Contacts
Russ Parker
rparker@acornchristian.org
Pinewood House, Black Pond Lane, Lower Bourne, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 3NW
Michael Mittion
michaelmitton@btinternet.com
Recommendations
I found visiting the sites of early Irish Christians and hearing their stories sparked my imagination around mission and stirred me up afresh for pioneering today. It was absolutely wonderful.
Jonny Baker, Director of Pioneer Training, CMS
I found a sense of home while seeking adventure, and echoes in the earth of God's call into our future as a family and as a community.
Beth Honey, Pioneer, Derby Diocese
Itinerary
Day 1: 12th April 2015
Meet at Arrivals at Shannon Airport. Drive to Shannonbridge for lunch at Kileen's Bar. Afternoon visit to the great monastic centre of Clonmacnoise to visit Ciaran's holy city and pray for renewed vision at the shrine of Ciaran.
Day 2: 13th April 2015
Visit Brendan's Cathedral at Clonfert and the site of his monastery and burial. Drive to Connemara and fly on a 9 seater plane to the island of Inis Mor, one of the three Aran Islands and location of thriving missional communities led by Breacon, Enda and others.
Day 3: 14th April 2015
Walk to the north of the island to visit the site of the seven churches where we shall see the remains of the 6th century community led by Breacon, meet with local guide, learn about the mission of that era, and pray at the bed of the Holy Spirit. Walk back via the little chapel of Sournay, one of the female leaders on the island.
Day 4: 15th April 2015
Visit the site of St Enda, whose chapel now lies in the sand dunes. Pray in the nearby labyrinth. Return flight to Connemara Airport and then drive south to the Dingle Peninsula and stay in the little town of Dingle.
Day 5: 16th April 2015
A day spent in the story of Brendan the Navigator: Follow the Brendan Trail and visit Dun Beagh Iron Age clochan and Fahan with its beehive houses. Lunch at Raiasc and then on to the Gallerus Oratory and the ancient church of Kilmalkedar for prayers at St Brendan's Well.
Day 6: 17th April 2015
Boat to St. Sennach's Island (if sea calm enough for a landing! If not, the boat will take us around the island). Somewhere in this region we shall have a communion service together. Lunch in Castlegregory. Drive to Bunratty (near Shannon) to stay the night. Space for reflection and sharing of our reflections of the Pilgrimage.
Day 7: 18th April 2015
Flights home from Shannon Airport.
Plus whatever and whomever God causes us to visit and meet on our travels, and the usual warm Irish hospitality.
Shall I take my tiny coracle across the wide, sparkling ocean? O King of the Glorious Heaven, shall I go of my choice upon the sea? O Christ, will you help me on the wild waves?
Brendan of Clonfert