The importance of women in the Church of Ireland in the 20th century is not in doubt, at least from the comforting perspective of hindsight, but the church has been slow to articulate this.
An important new book by Aberdeen-based historian Oonagh Walsh, has splendidly remedied this, at least for women in Dublin.
Anglican Women in Dublin: philanthropy, politics and education in the early 20th century, published by UCD Press, is a study of women in the Church of Ireland in Dublin at a time of upheaval in Irish society, when traditional roles were challenged and fresh expectations emerged.
The book does not seek to deal with the totality of the experience of Church of Ireland women but concentrates on important aspects. The significance of Dublin as a centre of activity is assessed and economic, social, religious and political positions established. Consideration is given to education and training, highlighting the roles of, for example, Alexandra college and Trinity. Charitable and missionary work are also examined.
Many familiar names occur: Kathleen Lynn; Thekla Beere; the Marchioness of Dufferin and Ava; Maud Gonne and Alice Stopford Green. Many familiar institutions are also mentioned: the Mothers' Union; Prison Gate Mission; Clergy Widows and Orphans Society; and the Dublin University Mission.
Such names only hint at the riches in this book, both for Church of Ireland readers and those wishing to learn of the contribution Anglican women made, not only to their church and to Dublin, but to Irish society at large.
A publication of a different genre will be launched in Church of Ireland House, Dublin, on Tuesday afternoon. Maritime Mission: history, developments, a new perspective, published by Boekencentrum in the Netherlands, is written by the rector of New Ross, the Ven Paul Mooney, who is the honorary secretary to the Mission of Seafarers in Ireland.
This is a study of maritime mission since 1945, one of the least explored areas in the field of mission and ministry and one - given the effects of globalisation - which is likely to be at the cutting edge of issues of justice, ecumenism and relationships with other faiths. For details of the book log on to: www.boekencentrum.nl
Today, a series of lunchtime recitals begins in Christ Church cathedral, Dublin, at 1.15pm. The initial recital, which will be given by Tristan Russcher, assistant organist in Christ Church, will last for about 30 minutes.
Tomorrow, the annual citizenship service will take place in Christ Church cathedral, Dublin, at 3.30pm, where the preacher will be the Bishop of Killaloe, the Most Rev Willie Walsh. The service will have an ecumenical dimension and next year will be in St Mary's Pro-Cathedral.
In St Patrick's cathedral, at evensong, the annual Huguenot commemoration service will be held, at which the preacher will be the dean.
In St Iberius's church, Wexford, at 11am, there will be a songs of praise service with the Loch Garman brass band. In St Mathew's church, Shankill Road, Belfast, the centenary of the Mothers' Union will be celebrated, where the preacher will be the Very Rev JFA Bond.
On Tuesday a new series of lunchtime history lectures begins in Christ Church cathedral, Dublin, at 1.15 pm. The theme is "Aspects of Dublin parish life". The first lecture, "The parishes of St Catherine and St James in the 17th century", will be given by Prof Raymond Gillespie of the National University of Ireland, Maynooth.
On Thursday at St Patrick's deanery, Minister for Education and Science Mary Hanafin will launch a new brochure entitled Christmas at St Patrick's, outlining the cathedral's Christmas events.