Diocesan News19 Jan 22

News from around the Church of Ireland

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.

Parish and diocesan appointments

A new year and many moves! In recent weeks, dioceses have announced the appointment of several leaders in clergy and lay ministry to new roles in the life of our Church:

The Revd Paul Arbuthnot – Canon of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin (newly installed)

Canon Leonard Ruddock – Rector of Irishtown & Donnybrook

The Revd Karen Salmon – Bishop’s Curate to Magherally & Annaclone

Mrs Mavis Thompson – Diocesan President, Down & Dromore Mothers’ Union

The Revd Duncan Pollock – Diocesan Chaplain, Down & Dromore Mothers’ Union

The Revd Gary McMurray – Warden of Readers, Diocese of Armagh

The Revd Diane Matchett – Rural Dean of Tullyhogue

Belfast Black Santa raises £150,000 for charities

The 2021 Black Santa appeal at Belfast Cathedral has raised £150,000 to support the vital work of charities across Northern Ireland.  This will be distributed to around 200 organisations at the annual Good Samaritans Service, which returns in person in St Anne’s on 6th February – the 2021 service was held virtually due to Covid–19 restrictions.

Cork, Cloyne and Ross Mothers’ Union Diocesan president raises €3,000

Hilary Dring, Mothers’ Union Diocesan President in Cork, Cloyne and Ross, has walked over 100km throughout the autumn and winter months of 2021 in aid of local projects. Hilary writes: “Over the autumn months Mothers’ Union members took to the highways and byways of Cork, both city and county, to raise funds for the Mums in May fund – what a great time we had, walking and talking, getting soaked, enjoying the sunshine, drinking tea together, sharing stories and praying together. The views were at times magnificent, at times we were in the fog; it was always enjoyable!”

Maureen honoured for services to drama and performing arts

Congratulations to Mrs Maureen Dunn, a parishioner of the Church of the Ascension, Cloughfern, who received an MBE in Her Majesty the Queen’s New Year Honours. Maureen, 79, was honoured for her services to drama and the performing arts. Honorary secretary of the Newtownabbey based Theatre 3, Maureen is also vice chairperson and honorary secretary of the Association of Ulster Drama Festivals and has been secretary of Newtownabbey Drama Festival for more than 30 years.