Diocesan News07 Jan 22

News from around the Church of Ireland

Happy New Year! And welcome to our weekly round–up of news from around the Church of Ireland’s dioceses and parishes.  Please click on the links in each report to read the full story – and also keep an eye out for longer, more occasional, features on major appointments and other significant initiatives.

Message of Encouragement and Confidence

Writing a New Year message in the January 2022 edition of the Cork, Cloyne and Ross Diocesan Magazine, Bishop Paul Colton sent a message of encouragement and confidence to the people of the United Dioceses. He acknowledged that all our current fears are understandable and a necessary part, often of our need to avoid danger, but said that, in the wake of our Christmas celebrations, ‘Fear is the wrong response to the coming of the Prince of Peace …The proper response to the coming of the Prince of Peace is joy.’

Stepping out to reach the USA (virtually)!

The parishioners of Whitehead and Islandmagee are once again stepping out to clock up the miles and raise funds to support the work of the parish locally.  They will aim to collectively walk 3,381 miles – all the way to the USA! The challenge is not only to get fitter, boosting positive mental health, but to support the caring work of St Patrick’s & St John’s churches in the local community.

Donaghcloney Parish welcomes a new rector

The Revd Mark Lennox has received a warm welcome from his new congregations in Donaghcloney and Waringstown. Bishop David McClay instituted Mark as Rector at a service in Holy Trinity Waringstown on 6th January and Bishop Ken Clarke gave the address.

New Diocesan Curate in Clogher

The Bishop of Clogher, the Right Revd Dr Ian Ellis, has appointed the Revd Alison Irvine as Diocesan Curate.  Ms Irvine has been serving as Curate Assistant in Dunboyne and Rathmolyon Unions in the Diocese of Meath and Kildare.

New post for Archdeacon Terry Mitchell

Bishop Paul Colton is pleased to announce the appointment of the Venerable Terence Mitchell to a new position in Cork, Cloyne and Ross, that of part–time Diocesan Further Education and Training Officer based in Kilmoe Union of Parishes where he will also be priest–in–charge.

A re–cap on news from over the Christmas season:

Outdoor carol service at St Luke’s, Douglas

Christmas at St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Cork

The power of partnership – at The Gathering, East Belfast

Butterflies of Hope display at St Stephen’s and St Michael’s, Belfast

Messages and reflections from – Archbishop Michael Jackson, Bishop Paul Colton, Bishop Andrew Forster, Bishop Ferran Glenfield and Bishop Moses Zungo (in South Sudan).