11 March 2010
Salvation Army opens quiet oasis at Dublin Port
The Salvation Army has officially opened a new pastoral centre at Dublin Port. Known as ‘The Chaplain's Centre' the premises at Tolka Quay Road will provide a Chaplain's office and an area for prayer, reflection and mediation for both staff and passengers at Dublin Port.
Captain John Parrott, an ordained Salvation Army minister, was appointed as Chaplain to both Dublin Port and Dublin International Airport in 2007. His role is to provide pastoral care and support to both passengers, crew, employees and their families.
In the past year alone, Captain John has responded to almost 2,000 requests for assistance at Dublin Port, including prayer requests, a listening ear service for issues such as redundancy concerns, or family issues, and a range of practical assistance including referrals to local specialised agencies, links with local consuls, and using his former nursing skills with those experiencing mental health issues at the port.
Captain John also operates a ship-to-shore fellowship for several of the crews who are away from home for long periods of time and welcome the opportunity to see the sights of Dublin on their day off.
‘The growth in my work at Dublin Port is very exciting and will be further enhanced with The Salvation Army Chaplain's Centre,' says Captain John. 'This will be a totally inclusive space for everyone, focusing on spirituality rather than religion. People of all faiths and beliefs are welcome and we hope individuals will call in on their way to work or at lunch time, and just take time to reflect, and get their thoughts together, or simply share their concerns or worries.'
The centre will initially be open on Tuesdays between 10am and 7pm and on Wednesdays from 7am until 5pm. As the centre becomes established, Captain John hopes to offer Bible study and prayer fellowship, and may even make the premises available to facilitate worship for Philipino crews, in their native language.
If people have issues they would like to discuss with Captain John, or are keen to learn more about the Christian faith, they can contact him via e-mail at DublinPastor@salvationarmy.ie&nb sp;where prayer requests can also be sent.
--ENDS--
Notes to Editors
Press enquiries: Linda Campbell, Regional Press officer, The Salvation Army Ireland Division, Tel: 028 9067 5008 or 07885 664721,
E-mail: Linda.campbell@salvationarmy.org.uk
- The Salvation Army Registered Charity Nos 214779, 215174, CHY 6399 in Ireland and SC009359, SC037691 in Scotland.
- For further information log onto www.salvationarmy.org.uk/ireland
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