Rev Michael Kenning shares his thoughts on his Ordination

Michael Kenning was ordained by Rt Rev Dr Ferran Glenfield at St John’s Church, Longford, alongside Gail McNeill and Edward Lindsay on 15th of June. We invited him to share his thoughts with the people of the diocese after this special occasion.

Being ordained as a deacon on Sunday 15th at St John’s Longford was not only an immense privilege, but a very special and deeply moving high point in my life. The occasion was filled with great personal significance as I saw promises that God had spoken over me many years earlier being fulfilled.

During the ordination service, I was aware of an enormous sense of thankfulness for all that God has accomplished in my life this point. I am grateful for so many things. For the strong sense of calling to ordained ministry that he has given me. For the love, grace and forgiveness that he has extended to me over so many years, since I came to Christ as a teenager. And I am grateful for the sense of peace that he has given me, knowing that he who calls, also equips, and therefore he will supply all I need for the important task of parish ministry in the years ahead.

There was also a wonderful sense of being part of the family of God during the ordination service. It is a great joy to be joining this diocese, which clearly has such a strong sense of love, mutual support, encouragement and unity, centred around the truths of the Gospel. During the weekend it was great to get to know Gail Mc Neill and Edward Lindsay and to receive so many encouraging words from colleagues in my new diocese.

It was also wonderful to see so many friends attend my ordination from my previous intern parish of Ross Union in West Cork, my former home parish in Carrigrohane, Cork, my new parish in Cootehill and also from the Church of Ireland Theological College in Dublin. I even had a friend unexpectedly travel all the way from Hampshire in England. The love that I received from everyone on the day of my ordination was truly humbling.

I begin my new ministry in Cootehill Group of Parishes with a great sense of God’s calling to this specific place. Some friends recently stated in a card they sent me, ‘Remember God has you exactly where he wants you’ and I believe this with all of my heart and know it to be true. I am looking forward to getting to know and love the people in the Cootehill Group and to serving as their Curate, while also seeking to faithfully model the life-transforming message of the gospel to the surrounding community. The Bible verse that has been speaking to me in this season is from Psalm 37:5, ‘Commit your way to the Lord: trust in him and he will act’. I know that as we commit our lives to God in the Cootehill Group and trust in him for all our needs, the Lord will act and do new things amongst us.

 

Three Ordained to the Diaconate on Trinity Sunday at St John’s, Longford

A momentous and historic event took place at St John’s, Longford on Sunday 15th June, when three candidates were ordained to the Diaconate on Trinity Sunday. The Rt Rev Bishop Ferran Glenfield presided over the ordination of Gail McNeill, Edward Lindsay and Michael Kenning.

The service drew a large gathering of family, friends and clergy, who were warmly welcomed by the Rev Simon Scott, Rector of St John’s. The significant attendance highlighted the joy and importance of the occasion, adding significantly to the clergy of the diocese.

The sermon was delivered by the Archdeacon, Ven Patrick Bamber, who chose to address the topic of artificial intelligence and its implications. In a both thoughtful and humorous message, Archdeacon Bamber reflected on AI’s limitations and emphasized the irreplaceable importance of the human touch in God’s work, reminding us that God chose to spread His word though the humanity of Jesus, rather than sending an army of angels. This message seemed particularly fitting as three individuals were responding to God’s call to serve through their own human gifts and dedication.

Following the service, Rev Simon Scott declared it “a wonderful day” and remarked that he could not remember a time when so many people had taken Communion at St John’s.

The warmth of the day was further enhanced by the generous hospitality of Longford parishioners, who created a beautiful spread of refreshments served before the service.

The three newly ordained deacons will all be going to their parishes greatly encouraged by the support of those in attendance and the wider diocesan community.

A Perfect Pentecost: The Dedication of reopened Derrylin Hall & Sunday School Service

What a day of celebration we had yesterday! The dedication of our beautifully refurbished Derrylin Hall could not have fallen on a more perfect Sunday – Pentecost, the birthday of the Church itself. It felt wonderfully fitting that as we celebrated the rebirth of our beloved hall, we were also marking the day when the Holy Spirit breathed new life into the early Christian community.

Canon Ruth West, who has been such a blessing to our parish during this period of vacancy, led our special service with her usual warmth, humour and grace. We were delighted to be joined by Bishop Ferran Glenfield, whose presence made the occasion even more special. But the real stars of the day were our Sunday School children, who brought such joy and energy to the proceedings.

The youngsters were wonderful, contributing songs, readings, poetry, and prayers that captured the spirit of renewal we’re experiencing. Seeing so many children actively learning God’s word and participating so enthusiastically in our worship is a beautiful sign of the parish’s renewal – not just in bricks and mortar, but in spirit and community. Sunday School leader Sara Jordan and Bishop Ferran presented each child with books of devotion as their well-deserved end-of-year prizes, and their beaming faces were a picture to behold.

During his sermon, Bishop Ferran beautifully wove together the themes of Pentecost and our hall’s renewal. He spoke movingly about how our parish community, with special recognition for Helen Finlay’s tireless efforts, had invested so much time and care in restoring the fabric of our church building – just as God invested in the world by sending Jesus and the Holy Spirit to build His church.

The Bishop’s words about the “language of love” particularly resonated. Just as the disciples were able to speak to people from all nations in their own languages through the power of the Spirit, Bishop Ferran reminded us that God’s universal language is love itself. He challenged us to consider how we speak to one another – not just our words, but our tones and attitudes – ensuring they always convey divine love. “Come Holy Spirit” became our prayer for the day and for the future.

After the service, our newly refurbished hall truly came into its own. The space was packed with parishioners and visitors, all enjoying delicious sandwiches and tempting desserts alongside the essential cup of tea! The fellowship was wonderful to witness – conversations flowed as freely as the tea, laughter echoed off the fresh walls, and there was a real sense of community and thanksgiving.

It was one of those days that remind you why church buildings matter so much. They are not just structures of stone and timber, but spaces where community flourishes, where faith is nurtured, and where love finds its expression in the simplest acts of sharing food and fellowship. Our hall is ready for whatever God has in store for us next – and judging by yesterday’s celebration, that future looks very bright indeed!

 


Canon Ruth West and Bishop Ferran Glenfield with Betty Emo and Ivan Moran cutting the cake





New Archdeacon of Kilmore Appointed

Revd. Ian Berry of the Lurgan (Virginia) Group of Parishes has been appointed by Bishop Ferran Glenfield as the new Archdeacon of Kilmore in succession to the Ven. Ian Horner who will be instituted as Rector of the Mullingar Union of Parishes in the coming weeks.

Two new Braemor Studies explore areas of faith formation

Two new volumes in the Braemor Studies series were launched in the Church of Ireland Theological Institute last week. The latest launches feature the final year theses of the Revd Cameron Mack who is Curate Assistant in Belfast Cathedral and the Revd Andrew Neill who is Curate Assistant in Limavady.

Collision of Worlds: Counter-Formation Through Interactivity with Scripture in Deuteronomy and the Daily Office is written by Cameron Mack. Exploration and Meaning: Considering Faith Formation in Children Aged Six to Eleven is the work of Andrew Neill.

The Braemor Studies series comprises the final year theses of MTh students which have been selected for publication by the external examiner. Dr Raymond Refaussé, on behalf of Church of Ireland Publishing, noted that the series arose from the recognition that there was a lack of publications in the area of theology. This led to a collaboration with CITI and the final year students.

Launching Cameron Mack’s book, Professor David Shepherd of the Loyola Institute at Trinity College Dublin, said that the book begins by suggesting that the most relevant parts of Deuteronomy for the Church today are those which are least appealing to the modern reader. “Cameron’s argument in this book is that the purpose of Deuteronomy, or at least the first half of it … was not to bore its readers, not even to persuade its readers, but to actually form its readers. And that’s a bold claim,” he said.

He noted that the use of the language of ‘you’ and ‘we’ seeks to make the story the reader’s own story. He said Cameron saw something similar in Cranmer’s Daily Office, for example in a Canticle like the Magnificat, when we recite Mary’s words which can then become our own words.  He added that Cameron noted that Deuteronomy lived up to its Greek name (meaning ‘second law’) through the use of repetition and this too is facilitated by the Daily Office at Matins and Evensong.

Professor Shepherd commended the book, stating that it was beautifully written and explored how Scripture and liturgy encouraged us to become not just hearers of the word but doers of the word.

In response, Cameron Mack said that he was a ‘prayer-book person’ but his book was not an act of ‘prayer-book fundamentalism’. “What I was really trying to do was talk about what the Scriptures are, and to talk about what we do when we read them, and what we do when we live a life that centres around reading them in worship,” he said. “It is my hope that whoever reads this volume is helped to see how the Scriptures invite us to participate with all of ourselves in lively ways in the story that is our story.” He thanked all who supported the publication of the book.

Andrew Neill’s book was launched by Dr Peter Hamill, Secretary to the Board for Ministry with Children and Families and the General Synod Board of Education (Northern Ireland). He said the book was timely in raising awareness of children’s ministry and the vital work carried out in parishes.

Dr Hamill added that Andrew’s book was based on research carried out in Connor Diocese which showed that children began to form a strong attitude towards the Church around the age of 10 or 11; this is despite many seeing confirmation as “the great passing out parade in the Church”.

“Andrew has worked on this premise in his research. He begins by exploring theories of faith development and analysing whether they are appropriate in today’s society,” Dr Hamill said. One of his recommendations is to develop training and support for leaders in the Church.

“I wholeheartedly agree with this. We are delighted that the Church has invested permanent funding for Children’s and Families Ministry support,” he said, referencing the recent additional support given from central church funds by the Representative Church Body.  “We look forward to further collaboration with CITI and the development of training and support for leaders among children and young people.”

He commended Andrew’s book, saying it sparked interest in children’s ministry and encouraged people to explore how children and young people come to faith.

Andrew Neill thanked all who brought his book to fruition. He observed that children were curious and excitable and get involved in everything. “So the question is why are they not interested in faith? Well, I think the answer is that they are. But how we are communicating that and how we’re giving children space within our church communities to experience that and to make their faith their own, that is significant.

He continued: “Those early years are so significant in the formation of faith and so how do we let these wonderful bundles of energy and exploration thrive? Well let them be, let them do what they want to do, let them explore the churches that we’re in, let them ask the difficult questions… It’s our job to be there to support and encourage them.”  The author added that the book was practical and contains tips.

Both books are available on the Church of Ireland website – at the price of £8.50 / €10.00 – through the following links:

Collision of Worlds: Counter-Formation Through Interactivity with Scripture in Deuteronomy and the Daily Office by Cameron Mack
https://store.ireland.anglican.org/store/product/187/collision-of-worlds

Exploration and Meaning: Considering Faith Formation in Children Aged Six to Eleven by Andrew Neill
https://store.ireland.anglican.org/store/product/188/exploration-and-meaning-considering-faith-formation

With thanks to Lynn Glanville (Communications Officer for Dublin and Glendalough) for report and photographs.  A full photo album is available in our Flickr gallery at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCg7Dr







General Synod Service raises €2,200 / £1,850 for Bishops’ Appeal

The collection for the Bishops’ Appeal for World Aid and Development at the General Synod Service of Holy Communion in St David’s Church, Naas, on Friday, 9th May, came to €2,200 (equivalent to £1,850).

Many members and guests at General Synod took home sunflower seeds from the Bishops’ Appeal stand to remind them of the seeds of hope planted through the work of Bishops’ Appeal overseas.  Bishops’ Appeal is grateful to everyone who supported us at Synod.

Donations for Bishops’ Appeal, and its individual appeals in response to emergency situations, can be made at any time online, by cheque, standing order, or through parish collections.  A full list of ways to give can be found on the Bishops’ Appeal website at https://bishopsappeal.ireland.anglican.org/give

The Mission of God with Chris Wright – New podcast from the Church of Ireland Council for Mission

Tim Wright talks with the Revd Dr Chris Wright, Global Ambassador for Langham Partnership, in a new episode for the Mission Matters podcast.  Chris shares his Belfast roots, upbringing in the Presbyterian Church, and early exposure to world mission through his missionary parents.

After studying and teaching in Cambridge, he pursued Old Testament ethics and theological education. Ordained in the Church of England, he taught in India and later led All Nations Christian College.  His experiences shaped his missional theology, culminating in his influential book The Mission of God.  He now serves with Langham, supporting global theological education in the majority world.

The Revd Tim Wright is Chair of the Church of Ireland Council for Mission.  With thanks to Jonny Sanlon for editing.

Michael Kenning appointed as Bishop’s Curate in the Drumgoon Group of Parishes

We are delighted to announce that Michael Kenning will be ordained as a Deacon in the Diocese of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh to serve as the new Bishop’s Curate for the Drumgoon (Cootehill) Group of Parishes. Originally from Bangor in Co. Down, Michael has lived in Mallow, Co. Cork, for over twenty years. He has been involved in leadership roles in his home parish of Carrigrohane on the outskirts of Cork City and undertook his internship with Dean Cliff Jeffers in Rosscarbery Union of Parishes in West Cork. Michael previously worked for the HSE in North Cork and for the NHS in West Yorkshire before retraining for ordained ministry.

Michael is married to Liz, who is from Derby in England, and has worked for many years as a HSE Home Help. They have two adult children in their twenties, Joanna, who is married to Lucas and lives in Dublin and Aidan, who is presently completing his college studies in Cork.

Michael enjoys teaching and preaching and is committed to pastoral ministry in a rural context. His interests include reading, gardening and walking. He and Liz are excited to be moving to Cootehill to start this new adventure with God. They are looking forward to settling in Co. Cavan, getting to know everyone in the Cootehill Group and to building connections across the Diocese.

Michael will be ordained as a deacon in St. John’s Longford on Sunday 15th June at 4pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.

 

 

Encouraging our future leaders into ordained ministry – Vocation Sunday 2025

Lynda Peilow and Judy Peters ask everyone to play their part in listening to and responding to the call of God to serve him with our lives, including the potential for going forward for training for ordination.

Every Christian has a calling from God to live out their faith in their particular setting.  As part of this, a calling to ordained ministry should be considered prayerfully and seriously.

The Church of Ireland’s Commission on Ministry is asking parishes to set aside some time on the Sunday before Pentecost (which falls this year on 1st June), as a Vocation Sunday, to encourage members of their parishes to explore God’s call in their lives.

On the Church of Ireland website, you will find resources to help you organise your Vocation Sunday (or for making this a focus on another Sunday at your discretion).  Prayers, suggested hymns and songs, posters, and images for social media posts are all available – alongside the six-minute It’s Your Call video which features interviews with Church of Ireland clergy about their experience of ministry.  Please visit www.churchofireland.org/our-faith/vocations and consider sharing It’s Your Call as part of your services.

If you know a person whom you believe may have a calling to ordained ministry, one conversation could be the first step that helps them begin seeking out what this may look like for them.

If you yourself have been encouraged and prompted to consider the ordained ministry, please speak with your rector who can then liaise with your Diocesan Director of Ordinands (DDO) about the next stages in discerning your call.  The DDO will be able to recommend if a person should attend the Commission’s annual Vocations Retreat – a confidential event where speakers and other contributors help those who are exploring calling to understand the journey. The Commission on Ministry is planning to hold a Vocations Retreat in early 2026.

Nurturing vocations is always important, not least with the pressing need for more ordained clergy to lead parishes.  On every Sunday in the Church of Ireland, 80 to 90 parishes (out of 450) are vacant, and held back from reaching their full potential as worshipping communities.  With around 150 clergy retirements anticipated in the next eight years, we urgently need more people to speak into the lives of our future leaders about their potential – and more leaders to step forward and ask how their abilities can best serve our Church.

As General Synod members heard when they met earlier in May, there is deep and abiding joy in ministry and each parish can create a culture in which each person is a vocation scout. “We spot in people their vocation, the talents and gifts of God they are given,” Bishop Andrew Forster suggested. “I think many people are involved in ministry today because someone said to them: ‘Have you ever thought of….?’ Don’t leave that to other people, spot the vocations in others. These are challenging but exciting times. God is at work. He will use you and me to identify vocations. Whatever discernment God has given us, let’s use it in identifying vocations in others.”

Lynda Peilow (as Central Director of Ordinands) and Judy Peters are members of the Commission on Ministry.

DKEA Mothers’ Union Festival Services

This May, the Mothers’ Union held their annual Festival Services in St Columba’s Church, Drumcliffe, Co. Sligo and St Bartholomew’s Church, Billis, Co. Cavan. The theme of both services was Ordinary Women – Extraordinary God.

During the service five inspiring videos were shown highlighting the outworkings of faith in everyday lives. In the first video, Mary Bourke, a retired school teacher in Collooney, Co. Sligo spoke of the changes that retirement brought and the time it gave for something different. This included the opportunity to undertake a part-time course to deepen her knowledge of the bible. During this time, a verse from Isaiah 43:18; ‘Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!’, was especially important to Mary. She has since started a ladies bible study in Collooney and together with Jean Glenfield,  and has been doing bible studies with Mothers’ Union groups across the Diocese. Her story is a testament to God’s faithfulness and dependability when we step out to do something new for Him.

In the second video, Hazel Speares shared her experience as a co-ordinator for Team Hope in Co, Cavan. In her video, Hazel spoke of the hard work of Team Hope volunteers which start in January every year! A visit to Kosovo, was an important moment in Hazel’s life as she saw the joy of children for whom a filled shoebox is the only gift they may ever receive.

Next, Janette Waller shared her journey from the Isle of Wight to Rector’s wife in Kildallon. She spoke of her Christian journey as a set of arrivals from a non-Christian upbringing with Christian values to finally making that commitment to ask Jesus into her life at the age of 30. A verse which has been important to her is John 10:9; ‘I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture’. Janette told of how this verse helped her understand what it meant to be saved and how God has always given her a green pasture.

The forth video showcased the Virginia Prayer Shawl ministry which started in 2009. Initially they thought that they would not be distributing many shawls but soon found that that was not true. So many people need prayer and find comfort in the shawls when they receive them. To date they have given out over 170 shawls. Rev. Faith Sithole, chaplain of the prayer shawl ministry group spoke of the warm fellowship and time of communion, friendship, togetherness and cake.

The final video highlighted the work of Jennifer Bullock and the Annagh Social Farm which was created over 10 years ago. Jennifer and her husband invite adults with intellectual disabilities to the farm for a cup of tea and a chat before heading out to feed the animals, collect eggs and check the sheep in the fields. Creation care and conservation work is also an important part of what they do on Annagh farm. They have an orchard, a sensory garden, a fruit maze which needs to be cared for and maintained. Annagh Social farm was one of the first social farms on the island of Ireland and they now have two bases – one in Derrylin in Co. Fermanagh and one in Aughnacloy in Co. Tyrone. They have faced many challenges along the way but firmly believe that God is in the midst of all the workings of Annagh Social farm as a great comforter and guide. The collection at both Mothers’ Union festival services was taken for the work of Annagh Social farms.

In his sermon, Bishop Ferran preached from Mark 14 v 3-9 and spoke of the power of beautiful actions done for others in the name of Christ who has given His all for each one of us. Referring to the videos that had been shown during the service, Bishop Ferran spoke about the women all across our Diocese who are doing beautiful things for the Lord just by doing what they can. He challenged us all to think of the beautiful things that we can do in response and in gratitude for what Christ has done for us.

The services were a wonderful opportunity to focus on the foundations of our Christian faith and think about the ways in which we can honour Christ in the places He has put us –  among our friends, neighbours, families and communities – doing beautiful things for Him.