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]

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.

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

St Fethlimidh’s Cathedral, Kilmore, was the setting for a Service of Installation on 23rd November 2025. The Venerable Ian Berry was installed as Archdeacon of Kilmore, and Canon Timothy Wright was installed as Prebendary of Triburnia and Canon Missioner. The service was led by Dean of Kilmore, Very Rev. Nigel Crossey and overseen by Rt Rev. Ferran Glenfield, Bishop of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh.

Before the service, clergy gathered next to a plaque lit up on for the Day of Prayer for Young People and Youth Ministry to commemorate 250 years of children’s and youth ministries in the Church of Ireland.

The Gospel reading (Mark 10:35-45) provided the foundation for a thought-provoking sermon delivered by Canon Gary McMurray, Rector of Richill. Canon Gary began by reflecting on his friendship with the newly installed Archdeacon before turning to the approaching Christmas season and posing a challenging question to the congregation: what type of people are we?

In the Gospel passage, James and John approach Jesus knowing exactly what they want—positions of power and privilege as key lieutenants when Christ rules as King. However, Canon Gary emphasized that they fundamentally misunderstood Jesus’ mission. The Apostles haven’t grasped yet what Jesus’ mission is about, he explained. Jesus is not about hierarchy and exercising power but about service.

The sermon highlighted Jesus’ teaching that the chief among the Disciples should be servants of all. The way of greatness taught by Christ is the way of service, as expressed in the words: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.” (Mark 10:45)

Canon Gary concluded by drawing a direct connection to the day’s installations. While the roles of Archdeacon and Cathedral Canon may appear to be lofty positions within the church hierarchy, they are fundamentally about service, just as Jesus taught.

Following the service, refreshments were served in the Cathedral Hall, allowing the congregation to offer their congratulations to Ian and Tim. We wish them well in their future ministry.