Aug 14 2023

Omagh bombing: 25th anniversary marked

The victims and survivors of the Omagh bomb atrocity were remembered on Sunday afternoon at a Service of Reflection and Prayer at the town’s Memorial Garden, a short distance from where a car bomb exploded almost a quarter of a century ago, killing 31 people, including unborn twins. The service was organised jointly by Omagh…

Jul 02 2023

Rev Liz Fitzgerald appointed Diocese’s first female Dean

The Diocese of Derry and Raphoe is to get its first female dean following the appointment of Rev Liz Fitzgerald as Rector of the Grouped Parishes of Raphoe, Raymochy and Clonleigh and Dean of St Eunan’s Cathedral. News of the appointment, by the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev Andrew Forster, was announced today…

Jun 30 2023

Diocese’s First ‘OLM’ ministers ordained

Bishop Andrew Forster ordained two new deacons for the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe at aSt Peter’s Day service in St Columb’s Cathedral in Londonderry. Rev Brian Robinson willserve in the Balteagh Group of Parishes and Rev Sean McClafferty will serve in theTaughboyne Group. Rev McClafferty’s wife, Jennifer, and their daughter, Zara, were in the…

Jun 23 2023

Rev’d Claire Henderson ordained a priest

There was a mood of celebration and tremendous thankfulness in Derg Parish Churchon Thursday evening as Rev Claire Henderson was ordained priest by the Bishop ofDerry and Raphoe, Rt Rev Andrew Forster. The new curate has battled against seriousillness in the three years since she was ordained deacon, including two spells inintensive care. Bishop Andrew…

Jun 15 2023

Epic Iona voyage commemorated

Sixty years after their voyage by currach to Iona – following in the spiritual and historical slipstream of Saint Columba – the four surviving crew members gathered with relatives and friends in St Patrick’s Church in Bunbeg last Sunday, the saint’s feast day, for a special service commemorating and celebrating their epic journey. The idea…

Jun 10 2023

Hundreds enjoy ‘family fun day’

Around 300 people – from the very youngest to the (ahem) most knowledgeable – took part in today’s Diocesan Family Fun Day at the Ulster American Folk Park near Omagh. It was a most encouraging turn-out for the organisers – Diocesan Children’s Officer Kirsty McCartney of SEEDS Children’s Ministry, Diocesan Youth Officer Claire Hinchliff from…

Jun 08 2023

Ecumenical service held on site of new Ardnashee School

Clergy from three of the main Christian churches in Londonderry made their way through a dusty building site, ton Wednesday morning (7th June 2023), to lead a short ecumenical service of prayer for the success of Ardnashee School and College’s new construction project. Work is well under way on the single storey building on the…

May 26 2023

Words of encouragement and prayer for King Charles III in Armagh

The Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev Andrew Forster, was one of the Church leaders who met His Majesty King Charles III, this morning, when he visited St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral on the Hill of Armagh. The King was greeted by members of the Church Leaders Group (Ireland) and other church representatives….

May 25 2023

Huge congregation for Canon McBeth’s installation

Rev Canon David McBeth has been installed as a member of The Chapter of St Columb’s Cathedral, at a service led by the Dean of Derry, Very Rev Raymond Stewart and attended by the Bishop of Derry, Rt Rev Andrew Forster. Members of the McBeth family, including his wife, April, were there to see Canon…