Nov 18 2023

Christmas Tree Festival opens

St Columb’s Cathedral’s second Christmas Tree Festival was officially opened on Friday evening (17th November 2023) by the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev Andrew Forster, at an enchanting Opening Ceremony. The evening began with members of Londonderry Musical Society (LMS) — dressed in Victorian costume — welcoming members of the congregation as they…

Nov 12 2023

Church leaders hold Act of Remembrance at Londonderry’s War Memorial

Leaders of the four main Churches in Londonderry took part in a joint Act of Remembrance at The War Memorial, in The Diamond on Sunday morning. The annual event is held on the Sunday nearest Armistice Day to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives for freedom in the two World Wars and in more recent…

Nov 11 2023

Festival of Remembrance in Dunnalong

Members of Dunnalong Parish Church in Bready gathered on Saturday morning – Armistice Day – for an Act of Remembrance of those who gave their lives for freedom in last century’s two World Wars and in more recent conflicts. A two-minute silence was observed and wreaths were laid during a short Service, which was led…

Nov 11 2023

The ‘Song’ of Ruth

Rapturous applause greeted the end of pianist Ruth McGinley’s performance as she concluded the inaugural concert in the CCCMSP Group of Parishes’ new series of ‘Christ Church First Wednesday Recitals’ series. Ruth is a world renowned pianist and around one hundred people were in Christ Church on Wednesday 1st November 2023 to enjoy a programme…

Nov 10 2023

Bishop Andrew blesses new extension to Robertson National School in Stranorlar

Bishop Andrew was in County Donegal, on Thursday morning (October 26th 2023), to bless the new extension to Robertson National School in Stranorlar. The building was decked out in bunting and balloons as the school also celebrated its 60th birthday. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was performed jointly by Mrs Bonnie Oliver and local T.D. Joe Mc…

Nov 10 2023

‘What if the best days are ahead of us?’ Bishop Andrew asks Synod

Almost 200 delegates attended this year’s Derry and Raphoe Diocesan Synod at the Everglades Hotel in Londonderry (on Wednesday 25th October, 2023). Synod members approved a request to Diocesan Council to set up a commission to “prayerfully conduct a strategic review” of the diocese. The motion, which was proposed and seconded by the two Archdeacons…

Nov 10 2023

‘Miraculous’ goings-on in Tobermore as new hall opens

The Rector of the Parish of Kilcronaghan, Rev Rosie Diffin, described Saturday 30th September, 2023 as “a day of joy and gratitude and hope” as the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev Andrew Forster, cut the ribbon to officially open the congregation’s new church hall in Tobermore. The parishioners beamed with pride as they…

Sep 28 2023

Donegal Schools’ Service goes with a bang

The Diocese of Derry and Raphoe was well represented at the 2023 Donegal Schools’ Service in Ramelton Presbyterian Church on Tuesday 26th September. Hundreds of pupils from 29 schools throughout Donegal made their way to the church which has established itself as the home of the annual service. Clergy from a number of Raphoe parishes…

Sep 28 2023

History made as Raphoe Cathedral’s First Lady Dean is installed

The Very Rev Liz Fitzgerald has been installed as the first ever Lady Dean in the long and distinguished history of St Eunan’s Cathedral. The historic Service of Installation took place on Saturday evening, 23rd September 2023 – the Feast Day of St Eunan, after whom the cathedral church is named. The Bishop of Derry…