Diocesan News17 Jun 22

News from around the Church of Ireland

Welcome to our regular round–up of news from around the Church of Ireland’s dioceses and parishes. This week’s stories come from:

North Antrim

Maghera

Mallusk

North Belfast

Belfast Cathedral

Knock (East Belfast)

Rostrevor

Christ Church Dublin

Killala

Cork

Retired Clergy Association (NI) dines out

After an absence of three years due to pandemic restrictions, the Retired Clergy Association (Northern Ireland) resumed its annual lunch.  A total of 47 people including retired clergy, a number of spouses, and clergy widows, came together in Tullyglass House, Ballymena.

New Rector institured in Maghera

The faces of the parishioners of Maghera and Killelagh were wreathed in smiles last Thursday evening as they welcomed the institution of their new Rector, the Revd Jonathan Brown in St Lurach’s Church in Maghera.

New Priest–in–Charge in Mallusk

The Revd Jacob Mercer was introduced as Priest–in–Charge of St Brigid’s Parish Church, Mallusk, Diocese of Connor, at a special service recently.

Bishop speaks of ‘sense of joy’ as Connor Synod meets in person

In his presidential address to his first in–person diocesan synod since June 2019, the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Revd George Davison, said that he had called the meeting with ‘a genuine sense of joy.’

Introduction of Curate in North Belfast parish

The Revd Andrew Irwin was introduced as Curate of the Parish of St Paul and St Barnabas, Belfast, in Connor Diocese, on 8th June by Bishop George Davison.  At the same service, Bishop George also licensed the Rev Brian Lacey as Priest–in–Charge of the parish.

Dedication of new roof in Knock parish

Lord Eames was the special guest at St Columba’s, Knock, on Sunday 12th June as the parish dedicated a new church roof. 

Leadership camp for young people

Engage Connor Youth and the Down and Dromore Youth Council have come together to run a leadership camp for young people at the Kilbroney Centre, Rostrevor, from 24th–26th June.

Birds with Wishes – a creativity camp

Last year, the ‘Homing Pigeons: Birds with Wishes’ project captured our imaginations! Good wishes arrived to Christ Church Cathedral on the wings of fanciful works of art, created by school children in Aleppo, Syria.  The ‘Birds with Wishes’ project continues and this year from 4th–8th July, will be are inviting children in Dublin to be part of the fun! Young artists will explore the beauty and architecture of the cathedral, engage with nature in nearby urban green spaces, and take part in creative activities involving visual arts, storytelling, creative writing and music.

New Rector for Rossorry (from Killala)

It was announced in churches last Sunday that the Venerable Stephen McWhirter has been appointed as Rector of Rossorry Parish in Clogher Diocese.   The Archdeacon has worked tirelessly for the Killala & Kilmoremoy Group of Parishes and for the Diocese of Tuam, Killala and Achonry, steering it through the recent episcopal vacancy.

Cork, Cloyne and Ross Diocesan Synod meets again in person

Bishop Paul Colton has addressed the first in–person meeting of the diocesan synod since 2019.  In recent weeks, the Bishop has also continued with its Confirmation season, licensed a new lay reader, and met with the Lord Mayor of Cork.  Please check out the diocesan news blog to find out more.