What We Believe
St. Anne’s Church is one of 24 parishes in the United Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross in the Church of Ireland. The Church of Ireland is a member Church of the Anglican Communion, a family of independent Churches in full communion with each other and with the See of Canterbury.
In keeping with Anglican theology, our beliefs and practices derive from Scripture, reason and tradition. We affirm the ancient three–fold ministry of bishops, priests and deacons. We see worship as central to our life of faith together as the Body of Christ and the Eucharist (or Holy Communion) at the heart of our worshipping life together. We are a pastoral community involved in the world by sharing the message of God’s love and forgiveness with everyone we encounter.
The Church of Ireland, and St. Anne’s in particular, seeks to be a place in which people of diverse views on theology and liturgy can live and worship together. Anglicans have long recognised that it is possible for people of sincere faith to sincerely disagree on some issues.In our parish, as in many Anglican parishes, you will find people with different opinions about all aspects of life. You will find people of different races, economic backgrounds, sexual orientations and political stripes. Our approach as a church is not to settle every dispute or to answer every question, but to focus on that which unifies us and ultimately saves us: the life of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.
“We are disciples of Jesus Christ, worshippers of God the Holy Trinity and subscribers to the Creeds of the early Church.”
Life in the Church
Our common life in the Body of Christ is marked through the Sacraments (the Church of Ireland recognises 2 sacraments—Baptism and Holy Communion) and sacramental rites (means of grace but not necessary to all persons) which remind us of God’s love for us and presence in our lives. Below you will find more information about how the Church of Ireland understands the Sacraments and Rites. If you have any questions or would like to talk to someone please contact us.
“Sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given to us by Christ, as a means by which we receive that grace. Grace is God’s favor toward us, unearned and undeserved; by grace God forgives our sins, enlightens our minds, stirs our hearts, and strengthens our wills.” (Book of Common Prayer)
Holy Baptism
“Baptism marks the beginning of a journey with God which continues for the rest of our lives, the first step in response to God’s love. It is a joyful moment when we rejoice in what God has done for us in Christ, making serious promises and declaring the faith.” (BCP, 357)
Baptism is administered by water in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.The water of baptism is a visible sign of the grace which God conveys in the sacrament. God’s gift in baptism is new birth in Christ, a new direction in life as God’s child, and a calling to be a lifelong, faithful disciple of Christ.
Baptism can take place at any age though, in the Church of Ireland, most people are baptised as infants. Parents and sponsors (or godparents), along with the congregation, make promises on behalf of the child. Parents and sponsors/godparents must be baptised Christians and at least two must be members of the Church of Ireland or a denomination in communion with the Church of Ireland.
Adults are also baptised, if they have not been baptised as infants, as they too place their faith in the promises of God.The Church of Ireland recognises baptism by water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit by other Christian traditions. Therefore, the Church will not rebaptise a person who has previously been baptised.
The baptism service ideally takes place within a time of public worship. In some situations, or in the case of an emergency baptism, it will be appropriate to have the baptism at another time.
If you would like to schedule a baptism to for more information please contact the Priest-in-Charge
Eucharist (Holy Communion or the Lord’s Supper):
Eucharist means “thanksgiving.” This sacrament is called the Eucharist because it is the Church’s sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. It is also called the Lord’s Supper or the Holy Communion because it is the meal of fellowship which unites us to Christ and to the whole Church.
In receiving Jesus’ body and blood, we are strengthened in our union with Christ and his Church, we receive the forgiveness of our sins and we are nourished for eternal life
All baptised Christians of any denomination are welcome to receive Holy Communion at St. Anne’s. If you are not baptised or, for any reason do not wish to receive, you are still invited forward to the altar rail and the priest will be happy to give you a blessing. Simply cross your arms over your chest. We have gluten-free wafers available—please let a ChurchWarden know before the start of the service.
Please see our FAQ for more information about Holy Communion.
Confirmation:
Confirmation is the rite at which those who have been baptised seek the blessing of the Holy Spirit for their growth as Christians. It is an opportunity for people to publicly confirm the promises of their baptism and make a declaration of faith and commit their life to Christ. Then the bishop lays hands on them, praying that God’s Spirit will confirm, strengthen and guide them to live out their faith in their everyday lives.By making a public affirmation of faith the candidates take responsibility for themselves as members of Christ’s Church.
Confirmation is open to anyone 6th Class or above. There will be an extended time of preparation with classes typically beginning in the Autumn. For students this includes a day of instruction in the Spring with the Bishop. The Bishop makes an annual visit in the Easter Season for the service of Confirmation.
If you have questions or would like more information, please contact our Priest-in-Charge
Marriage (Holy Matrimony):
When a couple chooses to be married in a church, they are recognising the importance of making a solemn and public covenant before God, witnessed by their family and friends.
If you would like your wedding to take place in St. Anne’s Church, please contact our Priest-in-Charge (hyperlink to Meghan’s email) as soon as possible. You will need to confirm that the church and the clergy are available on the date you want.
To be married in a Church of Ireland ceremony,one of you must be baptised (in any Christian Church) and one of you must be a member of the Church of Ireland (or of a Church in full communion with the Church of Ireland), unless in exceptional circumstances the Bishop determines otherwise. Please note: Church of Ireland clergy cannot perform marriage ceremonies outside of a church or chapel which is consecrated for public worship unless the circumstances are wholly exceptional and the Bishop has given his permission.
The law of Ireland requires that at least three (3) full months in advance of your wedding you must register notice of your marriage with the Office of the Registrar.
For detailed information on weddings click here.
Burial of the Dead (Funerals):
More than at any other time, perhaps, you will need pastoral and practical support at the time of the death of a loved one. Please contact the Priest-in-Charge who will walk with you through the planning.
Our liturgy is filled with the hope we have through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The scripture verses and prayers are meant to provide comfort and strength for families during the difficult time following a loved-one’s death.
Please note: if a family member or friend is near death, please notify the Priest-in-Charge as soon as possible, so she can visit with the family and the person approaching death.
Rite of Reconciliation (Confession):
All Christians make their confession publicly as part of Sunday worship and at other times when the community gathers for services. When it comes to private confession the Anglican understanding has always been “all may, some should, none must”.
This ministry is normally available on request, either in the church or in a less formal setting. The priest will listen carefully, offer guidance, and the assurance of God’s forgiveness, all under the strictest confidence. A practical or devotional penance may be given as a demonstration of thanksgiving or to make good in practical ways the wrong done to other people. If you wish to receive the rite, please contact the Priest-in-Charge to schedule a time.
Ministry to the Sick (Unction or Prayer for the Sick):
Ministry to those who are sick and to others requiring particular pastoral care are prayers and (if desired) anointing with blessed oil. For those experiencing illness, struggle, or hardship,it is a way to recognise God’s abiding presence, even in times of difficulty, and to ask God for continued strength and perseverance in all our struggles.
If you, or a loved one, becomes ill or wishes to receive prayer or anointing, or to have Holy Communion brought to someone in the hospital or at home, please contact the Priest-in-Charge, so she can schedule a visit.
Preparation for Death (Extreme Unction or Last Rites):
Preparation for death includes commendations, prayers, scripture readings, and (if desired) anointing with blessed oil to prepare those who are near death or about to die. If possible, family and friends of the dying person should be present.
If you, or a loved one, is close to dying (or concerned about dying), please contact the Priest-in-Charge.