Jun 23 2023

Rev’d Claire Henderson ordained a priest

There was a mood of celebration and tremendous thankfulness in Derg Parish Churchon Thursday evening as Rev Claire Henderson was ordained priest by the Bishop ofDerry and Raphoe, Rt Rev Andrew Forster. The new curate has battled against seriousillness in the three years since she was ordained deacon, including two spells inintensive care. Bishop Andrew…

Jun 15 2023

Epic Iona voyage commemorated

Sixty years after their voyage by currach to Iona – following in the spiritual and historical slipstream of Saint Columba – the four surviving crew members gathered with relatives and friends in St Patrick’s Church in Bunbeg last Sunday, the saint’s feast day, for a special service commemorating and celebrating their epic journey. The idea…

Jun 10 2023

Hundreds enjoy ‘family fun day’

Around 300 people – from the very youngest to the (ahem) most knowledgeable – took part in today’s Diocesan Family Fun Day at the Ulster American Folk Park near Omagh. It was a most encouraging turn-out for the organisers – Diocesan Children’s Officer Kirsty McCartney of SEEDS Children’s Ministry, Diocesan Youth Officer Claire Hinchliff from…

Jun 08 2023

Ecumenical service held on site of new Ardnashee School

Clergy from three of the main Christian churches in Londonderry made their way through a dusty building site, ton Wednesday morning (7th June 2023), to lead a short ecumenical service of prayer for the success of Ardnashee School and College’s new construction project. Work is well under way on the single storey building on the…

May 26 2023

Words of encouragement and prayer for King Charles III in Armagh

The Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev Andrew Forster, was one of the Church leaders who met His Majesty King Charles III, this morning, when he visited St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral on the Hill of Armagh. The King was greeted by members of the Church Leaders Group (Ireland) and other church representatives….

May 25 2023

Huge congregation for Canon McBeth’s installation

Rev Canon David McBeth has been installed as a member of The Chapter of St Columb’s Cathedral, at a service led by the Dean of Derry, Very Rev Raymond Stewart and attended by the Bishop of Derry, Rt Rev Andrew Forster. Members of the McBeth family, including his wife, April, were there to see Canon…

May 24 2023

Creation’s splendour captured on Binevenagh

The Rector of the Balteagh Group of Parishes (Aghanloo, Balteagh, Carrick and Tamlaghhtard), Rev Rhys Jones, led a group of parishioners to the top of Binevenagh Mountain, on Tuesday evening (23rd May) on the second of their Rogation Walks. This year, the Rector had decided to revive an old tradition dating back to medieval times…

May 12 2023

Archbishop McDowell encourages reconciliation and citizenship in Synod Address

The Church of Ireland’s General Synod opened in Wexford this morning with Archbishop John McDowell delivering his Presidential Address shortly after the start of business. Archbishop McDowell recalled the themes of reconciliation and gratitude on which he chose to focus in his first General Synod as Primate of All Ireland in 2020. “There is much…

May 12 2023

Coronation ‘Celebration Service’ at St Columb’s Cathedral

Church leaders from the four main Christian denominations in the North West joined the Dean of Derry, Very Rev Raymond Stewart, in St Columb’s Cathedral, this evening, for a Service of Celebration for the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The distinguished guests present included His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for the County…

May 05 2023

Coronation Vigil Service at St Columb’s Cathedral

A Vigil of Prayer was held in St Columb’s Cathedral, Londonderry on Friday evening – on the Eve of the Coronation of King Charles III. The Service was led by the Dean of Derry, Very Rev’d Raymond Stewart, who was assisted by the Pastoral Assistant at the Cathedral, Rev’d Canon John Merrick. The Service was…