Diocesan News20 Apr 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.  This week’s stories come from:

West Belfast

Whitechurch

Ahoghill

Irishtown & Donnybrook

Destination event brings Connor youth together

The atmosphere was electric on Sunday evening, April 10, as around 50 young people came together in St Michael’s Parish Church and Hall to enjoy fun and worship.  With pandemic restrictions eased, it was apparent that this opportunity to share fellowship and meet other young people from around the diocese had been greatly missed.

Appointment of new Rector of Whitechurch announced

The Revd David Bowles has been appointed the new Rector of Whitechurch Parish in the Diocese of Dublin. David is currently serving in the Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross.

Ahoghill parishioner celebrates 100th birthday

Congratulations to Mr Nicky Anderson, a parishioner of St Colmanell’s Parish Church, Ahoghill, Diocese of Connor, who celebrated his 100th birthday on March 28.  Joining Nicky’s family to mark this special day were the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison, and Nicky’s rector, the Rev Dennis Christie. The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council also popped in.

Irishtown and Donnybrook embark on new phase as new Rector instituted

Friday, April 8, marked the beginning of a new ministry for Canon Leonard Ruddock and the Parish of Irishtown and Donnybrook. Leonard was instituted as Rector of Irishtown and Donnybrook in St Matthew’s Church, Irishtown, by Archbishop Michael Jackson. In a blended service, his new parishioners and those from his former parish of Blessington Union joined the service online with some representatives attending in person.