Diocesan Synod 2025
The Annual Meeting of the Diocesan Synod of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh took place on Saturday 11th October in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim. The service of Holy Communion at St George’s Church was conducted by Archdeacon Hazel Hicks, with readings from Mark’s Gospel delivered by Rev. Gail McNeill and Rev. Michael Kenning.
Bishop Ferran’s Sermon focused on Mark’s Gospel, which he described as “The Good News on steroids.” Mark’s Gospel has two main parts: first, we learn who Jesus is; second, we learn what He came to do.
The reading, from Mark 8:22 to the beginning of Chapter 9, shows where these two parts meet. Jesus restores sight to a blind man at Bethsaida in two stages—first in haze, then in total clarity. Peter then declares Jesus as Messiah, and Jesus predicts His death and the Way of the Cross.
Bishop Ferran emphasized that Jesus never promised an easy path. We must choose to follow Him and resist the temptations of an easier life offered by the world. Just as Jesus helped the blind man see clearly, we can gain spiritual clarity by trusting in the Gospel. While physical blindness is a serious affliction, spiritual blindness is just as bad.
Synod Proceedings
Following the service, Synod members gathered at the Bush Hotel for business sessions, beginning with a moment of reflection. A unifying theme emerged as almost every speaker referenced “The Quiet Revival,” a report by the Bible Society in England & Wales published earlier this year. The report found that Generation Z is leading a return to the Church. Church attendance decline has halted and is now growing, particularly among younger people.
Presidential Address: Bishop Ferran
Bishop Ferran began by acknowledging troubles facing the world, including conflicts in the Biblical lands and elsewhere. Closer to home, he highlighted strain on public services and young people’s difficulty in finding affordable housing. These challenges form the turbulent waters on which “our little boat of the Diocese stays afloat by God’s grace.”
Bishop Ferran thanked all those working in parishes to maintain diocesan worship. He acknowledged the overwhelming burden of red tape and regulation they face in their work.
The Church of Ireland is proposing a nationwide patronage body to oversee all National Schools. This body will buffer schools from the Department of Education and provide professional support with administration. Pastoral care will remain the Bishop’s responsibility as Patron.
For secondary schools: The Department of Education has released €20 million for additional accommodation and a sports hall at the Royal School Cavan. Wilson’s Hospital School has a new principal, Mr Noel Cunningham, and it is hoped the school’s difficulties will soon be “in the rear view mirror.”
Chaplains report evidence of the Quiet Revival in secondary schools too. Small but growing groups of pupils are witnesses for Christ and are making a difference in school life.
Bishop Ferran discussed what might lie behind the revival of faith among Gen Z. He observed that as societies grow wealthier, religious belief and practice typically fade. But our young adults, he noted, are not growing wealthier. Many feel economically insecure and anxious about their futures. There is little or no comfort to be found in secularism. Gen Z is poorer, lonelier, and more anxious than previous generations at the same age.
In this context, they are looking for something more—something that answers the deeper longings of the human spirit. As a Church, Bishop Ferran insisted, we must grasp the opportunity God has given us to grow and revitalize, or we will miss it. The window of opportunity is open, but it will not remain open indefinitely.
» Click here to read the full Address.
Selected Presentations and Reports
Bishop Martin Hayes updated Synod on Care of Creation work. He has visited groups returning land to nature and highlighted ecumenical work on biodiversity. Environmental groups face obstacles from fossil fuel lobbies, slowing progress, but there is hope for better outcomes from COP30 in Brazil next month.
Canon Missioner Tim Wright emphasized that mission must be about meeting and nurturing young people’s faith. The Quiet Revival shows growth is possible, but it requires intentionality. All parishes should prioritize mission work both within and beyond their communities.
Canon Ricky Rowntree presented a new Liturgical Resource for children and young people. Each parish received a copy. He noted that part of the Quiet Revival appears to stem from young people seeking structure. He also offered copies of a book on the Canticles.
Rachael Murphy of the Church of Ireland Board for Ministry with Children and Families encouraged parishes to consider their “welcome offer” to newcomers and resources for families. The “shush” mentality has no place in our churches. If new people are to try church, we must show them what it means to be part of a faith community.
Heather Pope announced that the Benefact Trust is seeking to support more projects in Ireland. Parishes with projects needing funding should contact her. The Trust will assist with the application process: “Help Heather to help you!”
Rachel Cox introduced her work as agricultural chaplain. The Diocese has a higher proportion of people working in agri-food than the national average. Cox offers an online drop-in service and hopes to build stronger connections between farming communities and the Church.
Diocesan Reports were presented and discussed. Full copies are available to download on the Diocese’s website. Among those presenting, Gillian Kellett and Ann Howard urging parishes to support their GFS and Mothers’ Union branches or consider starting one. Both organizations offer fun and faith to their members.
» Click here to view a full copy of the reports.
Synod business closed with prayer.