Candlemass at the Cathedral

Yesterday, Ceili House aired on RTE 1. I can't say it was the greatest performance ever made by the international student group, but it wasn't bad either. If you haven't yet heard the radio program, you can go to RTE's Ceili House website and stream it (you'll need the latest version of Real Player to be able to do so; the link for the website is in the post below).

I spent this morning at St. Fin Barre's, the cathedral across the street from my apartment. As I mentioned last semester, it is Protestant--Church of Ireland--but retains a lot of Catholic elements, as it is considered to be 'High Church'. Today, in addition to being the feast of Candlemass, was also the last Sunday that the Assistant Dean, Helen, would help to preside over--she has been located to a different church in the Diocese. I have only met Helen once, but she is an incredible person who always made service a little more interesting, and I am sorry to see her go.

The full choir was present this morning, meaning that service was slightly different from what I am used to seeing there. Instead of reading the responses that are given in the BCP, the choir will sing them, confusing many of the new parishioners. Today was also, apparently, the day for alliteration. The sermon focused on they journey of the Holy Family to the temple for Mary's purification (but also the journey that Helen and her family will embark on), leading the Dean to consistently comment on 'Persistence, Purification, and Prophecy' as well as the importance of prayer. Whew, that was a lot of p's.

The rest of today will most likely be spent preparing for the week ahead--yet another jaunt to Tesco (so that I can later make my weekly meal), some cleaning, and possibly a trip to the gym. I'm not sure yet what I'll be making this week, but as of right now, I'm considering a greek salad with ham, feta, cucumbers, radishes, onion, olives, and a lemon poppyseed vinaigrette. Perhaps I'll make some soup to go with it, and have a soup and salad kind of week.