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Sixth Anniversary of the Celtic Holy Eucharist
In 1998, as part of my sabbatical summer, I participated in a workshop on Celtic Spirituality at St. Deniol's Library in Wales, conducted by theologians A.M Aulchin and Ian Bradley, which included daily field trips to holy sites in northern Wales. A couple of weeks later, I journeyed to the holy isle of Iona in Scotland, a center of contemporary Celtic spirituality known as a "thin place" where the barrier between the divine and human seems reduced. Lyle and Liz Hall, along with Sarah Leinbach and others in our parish, made a pilgrimage to Iona that fall. Their enthusiasm spurred us to share our experience of Celtic spirituality with the rest of the All Saints community. In the fall of 1998, we began the Celtic Holy Eucharist on Wednesdays. To be sure, this was not our parish's first encounter with Celtic spirituality since John O'Donohue and other luminaries were featured speakers in the RUAH program years before. However, 1998 is a milestone because it marked the beginning of a regular worship service that drew on Celtic themes and celebrated the lives of Celtic saints.
On Saturday, September 25 at the 5:00 pm service, we will give thanks for the six years of Celtic worship that have enriched our parish; a reception will follow. That afternoon, from 3:00-4:30, we invite all to bring a poem, prayer, story, image, reflection or meditation that speaks to you of the essence of Celtic spirituality. The participants will provide the content of this "mini-retreat" as we inaugurate our seventh year of Celtic spirituality at All Saints. Please join us on September 25 and at the Celtic Holy Eucharist Wednesdays at 6:15 pm and Saturdays at 5:00 pm throughout the year. -David A. Killian
CELTIC SPIRITUALITY MINI-RETREATS All Saints Parish is a center of Celtic Christian spirituality. Courses, workshops, and study groups meet regularly to deepen spiritual understanding and practice and to maintain a connection with Celtic holy places. The Holy Eucharist, integrating Celtic, Anglican, Catholic, and Protestant elements, is celebrated twice each week, Saturdays at 5:00 pm and Wednesdays at 6:15 pm. The Saturday mini-retreats are opportunities to broaden our experience of Celtic spirituality. All are invited. There is no fee. September 25 - Sixth Anniversary of the Celtic Holy Eucharist at All Saints Parish, will begin with a Mini-Retreat, 3:00-4:30 pm. All are invited to bring a poem, prayer, image, object, meditation or reflection that speaks to you of the essence and power of Celtic Spirituality. This sharing will be led by David Killian, Rector of All Saints Parish, and Jo Shields, Celtic photographer and author. The participants will provide the content of the retreat, which with the Celtic Holy Eucharist at 5 pm and reception at 6 pm, will inaugurate the seventh year of Celtic spirituality at All Saints Parish. November 20 - Scottish storyteller Peter Vallance returns to America and will lead a mini-retreat, 3:00-4:30 pm. |
In 2000, we began the Saturday Celtic worship service. Elise Feyerherm, Coordinator and Cantor, organized the service and led the singing each week. Music was provided by Jackie Ostergren, flutist; John Clabeaux, volunteer guitarist; and occasional guest harpists Mairead Doherty and Regina Delaney. Clergy of All Saints served as celebrants and preachers, with lay parishioners and others preaching on occasion. A year ago, we said farewell to Elise Feyerherm and John Clabeaux, who accepted positions in theology departments out of state. We are very grateful that the Rev. Leslie Sterling has served ably as Celtic Coordinator and Cantor, with assistance from Mary Urban, Bruce Keary, Deborah Valianti, Christine Jugueta, and Jackie Ostergren. We continue to have a beautiful, reverent Celtic service every Saturday.