Vacant Parish Groups

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The Bailieborough Group of Parishes (Bailieborough, Knockbride, Shercock & Mullagh) are seeking to appoint an Incumbent to this attractive rural group of parishes in Co. Cavan.

The Florencecourt Group of Parishes (Killesher – St John’s & Druminiskill Chapel of Ease – and Killinagh) are also seeking to appoint an Incumbent to this attractive rural group of parishes spanning the Fermanagh–Cavan border.

For further details or to express interest, please contact: [email protected]

Closing date for applications: Friday 15th May 2026.

Faith Reignited

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Faith Reignited will be a special and exciting time for the Archdeaconry of Elphin. Running from Ascension Day on 14th May through to Pentecost on 24th May, this initiative is an invitation to pause, reflect, and allow the Holy Spirit to renew and deepen our faith.

Each Parish Group will have the opportunity to plan and host their own local events during this period. Guest speakers will help us explore some of the big and important questions of faith in an open and welcoming atmosphere.

We warmly encourage all to come along, bring a friend, and take part in what promises to be an enriching and thought-provoking time together.

Full details of events are available on the posters. Please note that the Sunday evening gathering on 17th May will begin at the earlier time of 7 pm.

Come and let your faith be reignited.

New Mothers’ Union All-Ireland Chaplain announced

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Mothers’ Union All Ireland is delighted to announce the appointment of The Revd Alistair Doyle as its new All Ireland Chaplain for the 2026 to 2028 triennial.

Alistair currently serves as Rector of the Arklow, Inch, and Kilbride Group of Parishes in the Diocese of Glendalough. He brings with him a deep commitment to the work and mission of Mothers’ Union and is an active advocate within his current parish.

Prior to this, Alistair served as Curate Assistant in the Galway Group of Parishes, where he also demonstrated a keen interest in supporting and promoting the values and outreach of Mothers’ Union.

In his new role as All Ireland Chaplain, Alistair will provide spiritual guidance and pastoral support to the President and members across the island, helping to nurture faith, strengthen community, and further the organisation’s mission of demonstrating the Christian faith in action through the transformation of communities worldwide.

In announcing his appointment at the All Ireland Mothers’ Union Council on Saturday 18th April 2026, Mrs Kay Clarke, the All Ireland President said: ‘We are truly delighted to welcome Alistair as our new Chaplain. He follows on from The Ven Dr Stephen McBride who was a faithful pastor and Chaplain. Alistair’s heart for ministry, his encouragement of Mothers’ Union members, and his deep faith will be a source of strength and inspiration to us all. We look forward to walking alongside him in faith, hope and love.’

Speaking about his appointment Alistair said, ‘This is a real honour. I am very excited about taking up the role of All Ireland Chaplain and I am sure it will be a blessing to me. I look forward to what God has in store for the Mothers’ Union. In the isolating, troubled and fearful world we live in, the prayers and work of the Mothers’ Union are needed more than ever.’

In appointing Alistair to this position, Archbishop Michael Jackson said: ‘Alistair has always shown an infectious interest in people and is intent on facilitating their happiness and wellbeing. He is not afraid to be creative pastorally and liturgically: this capacity will also be an asset to The Mothers’ Union in Ireland.

‘Along with countless others I congratulate Mothers’ Union on 150 years of life and of commitment to family life within and beyond the church.’

Job Role: Vetting and Safeguarding Compliance Officer

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Part-time Contract Role for

Vetting and Safeguarding Compliance Officer

The Diocese of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh is seeking to appoint an Administrative Assistant to monitor and process vetting for both parishes and Diocesan personnel, as part of the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.

The individual would also assist the Diocese in implementing and maintaining high standards of safeguarding for children and vulnerable adults, ensuring compliance with the Church of Ireland’s policies, and relevant statutory obligations in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

This position requires ;

  • An individual who has been garda vetted OR Access NI clearance
  • administrative and computer skills
  • commitment to the safeguarding and protection of children and vulnerable adults
  • the ability to work independently and maintain confidentiality
  • excellent organisational and communication skills
  • some qualification or experience in safeguarding, social work, education or related field would be preferred
  • the ability to deliver training

The individual would be able to primarily perform the role in a home‑based capacity but would need to be willing to travel across the Diocese to attend meetings. Some evening and weekend work may be required.

Payment is on a pro rata basis (invoiced per hour worked).
Training and resources will be provided.

Expressions of interest:
Sarah Taylor — Diocesan Financial Administrator

[email protected]

Boarding Jobs – Wilson’s Hospital School

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Wilson’s Hospital School is currently recruiting for two roles within its boarding community, offering opportunities for both experienced leaders and those interested in a more hands-on pastoral position.

Applications are invited for a Head of Boarding to lead and develop the school’s overall boarding provision, as well as Boarding House Duty Staff to support the day-to-day care and wellbeing of students.

These roles are central to maintaining a safe, supportive, and engaging environment for boarders and contributing to the wider life of the school.

View Job Descriptions below:

4-Week Lenten Virtual Training Course with Pioneer Ministry

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Join us this Lent for a four-week online Pioneer Training course as we journey through Godsend.intro — a practical resource for anyone who wants to explore Pioneer Ministry and how it can work locally within traditional parish settings.

Designed for individuals and small groups from parishes, Godsend helps connect worship on Sunday with life on Monday. It offers guidance on loving others, making disciples, and nurturing new Christian initiatives that remain rooted in and connected to the life of a traditional parish.

Hosted by the Pioneer Leadership Team, alongside Revd Dr Michael Moynagh, a nationally recognised speaker, pioneer leader, and creator of the Godsend material, this course will share best practice not to be copied mechanically, but to inspire prayerful, creative, and locally grounded outreach in your parish.

Course Details:

 
  •  Thursdays during Lent
  •  Kickstarting March 5
  •  7:30–8:30pm (online via Zoom)
  •  4 weekly sessions (5th, 12th, 19th, 26th of March)
Each one-hour session will include:
  • Teaching from the Godsend.intro material (Rev Michael Moynagh)
  • Guided reflection
  • Breakout rooms for discussion, shared learning, and practical application and questions

To Sign Up Click Here!

For future updates, invitations, and opportunities, sign up for the Pioneer Ministry Newsletter. 

A Service of Welcome in Swanlinbar for Archdeacon Hazel Hicks

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A happy occasion on Friday 23rd January at St Augustine’s Church, Swanlinbar, as Archdeacon Hazel Hicks was welcomed as Minister in Charge of the Swanlinbar Group of Parishes at a Welcome Service led by Bishop Ferran Glenfield.

The Sermon was delivered by Archdeacon Ian Berry, based on readings from Acts 20 v 28-30 and Psalm 84, delivered by Avril Graham and Robert Clark. Archdeacon Ian reflected on Paul’s response to God’s call in the Acts reading, drawing parallels with Archdeacon Hazel following God’s call to continue her ministry in this new group of parishes. He noted the emotions present in Paul’s visit to the Ephesians at Miletus, where joy at reunion was mingled with sadness at the likelihood he would not return. Similarly, the emotions in the church were joyful at Hazel’s move to Swanlinbar, yet tinged with sadness among friends she has moved on from in the Arva Group, though there was relief that she has not gone far and remains a crucial part of Diocesan life. Archdeacon Ian then discussed the importance of being watchful in building up our faith and that of others, touching on Psalm 84 as a guide to staying watchful. He also thanked Hazel for her help as he works in his own new role.

Prayers were led by Canon Simon Scott and Steven Crawford welcomed Hazel warmly to Swanlinbar.

Lorna Graham played the organ beautifully to accompany hymns sung with great gusto, including Archdeacon Hazel’s own favourite, “Great is thy Faithfulness”.

Archdeacon Hazel thanked her family, including husband Barrie, who were there in support. She acknowledged that her ministry would not be possible without the great support she enjoys. She reflected on her ministry to date and the 15 years of love, kindness and support she enjoyed from those in the Arva Group. She thanked Archdeacon Ian for his Sermon and Bishop Ferran for his continued support. Hazel said that she is looking forward to working with all the parishioners to grow the local Church and described coming to Swanlinbar as “coming home” to a church where her father worshipped and where her grandparents were buried. The service was followed by a lovely supper in the Hall. Thanks to all those that provided refreshments.

Archbishops of Armagh share video message for Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026

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The 2026 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity which is running from Sunday, 18th January, to Sunday, 25th January, is being marked by Archbishops John McDowell and Eamon Martin, the Church of Ireland and Catholic Archbishops of Armagh and Primates of All Ireland, respectively, on the theme ‘One Body, One Spirit’.  A video message from the Primates is available on the Church of Ireland’s website and social media channels, accompanies this call for prayer.

The archbishops are calling Christians to deeper unity and active peace-making, drawing on this theme and the ancient prayer traditions of the Armenian Church.  They emphasise that the Church, though diverse in culture and tradition, is meant to live as one body in Christ, united by humility, patience, love, and the bond of peace.

Linking the Armenian Church’s appeal for justice and peace with their own witness on the island of Ireland, the Primates stress that peace is both a gift and a responsibility for Christians, rooted in Christ the Prince of Peace and the work of the Holy Spirit.

In a joint message, the archbishops said: “In this year’s theme for Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, we focus on Paul’s letter to the Ephesians chapter 4, which stresses the importance of unity within the Church, and urges us to live lives worthy of our calling, with humility, gentleness, patience and love.

“In verse 4 of that chapter, Paul emphasises that the followers of Christ represent one body and one spirit, united in a single hope.  The metaphor, one body, one spirit, signifies the Church as a unified entity that transcends barriers of geography, nationality, ethnicity and tradition, and Paul speaks of the Church being the body of Christ, to describe its unity within the diversity of its members.”

For 2026, resources for the Week of Prayer have been prepared by the faithful of the Armenian Apostolic Church, along with their brothers and sisters of the Armenian Catholic and Evangelical Churches.  This year’s theme and prayer resources can be accessed on the Churches Together in Britain and Ireland website at https://ctbi.org.uk/resources/week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity-2026

New Volume Explores Life of former Bishop of Kilmore

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A significant new book examining the life and legacy of one of Ireland’s most intriguing 17th-century church figures was launched last night at St Fethlimidh’s Cathedral, Kilmore.

Bishop William Bedell, 1571-1642: His Life, Work and Contemporaries, edited by Brendan Scott, brings together ten scholarly essays exploring the multifaceted career of the former Bishop of Kilmore, whose pioneering work on translating the Old Testament into Irish was not published until long after his death.

The launch drew a large and appreciative audience of book-buyers and local history enthusiasts to hear from both the editor and the current Bishop of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh.

Bishop Ferran Glenfield, who introduced the volume, characterised Bedell as “a man of his age, a Renaissance man, a Reformation man.” Bedell’s remarkable journey took him from Emmanuel College, Cambridge, to serving as chaplain to the English ambassador in Venice, before his appointment to the bishopric of Kilmore.

Editor Brendan Scott described Bedell as a complex character whose greatest achievement, facilitating the translation of the Old Testament into Irish, came to final fruition only posthumously. Bedell died during the 1641 Rebellion, following a period of incarceration, and his translation work remained unpublished until years later.

The collection examines not only Bedell’s life and work but also explores the contribution of his biographer and stepson-in-law, Alexander Clogie.

Among those at the launch in Kilmore was Ruairí Ó hAodha of Roscommon County Library, whose essay examines Protestantism and learning in Ireland in the decades preceding Bedell’s arrival in Kilmore.

Dean Nigel Crossey, hosting the event, led prayers before guests enjoyed hot refreshments, which were particularly welcome on a cold December evening.

Ruairí Ó hAodha, Bishop Ferran Glenfield and book editor Brendan Scott at the launch in Kilmore Cathedral