Church of Ireland Diocese of Connor

23/09/2026

In a video message from Northern Argentina, Sams Ireland Mission Director Geoff Hamilton thanks Connor Diocese for creating links with the ‘forgotten people’ of the region.
Geoff is speaking with Alec Deane from the SIWOK project. Alec works alongside the indigenous communities, passing on valuable skills in agriculture.
Connor’s Partnership with the Diocese of North Argentina through SAMS (the South American Mission Society) began during Lent and is continuing through the year, with a Harvest Resource available for Sunday Schools.

In a video message from Northern Argentina, SAMS Mission Director G...

22/09/2026

On Sunday morning 20th September, with Dean Stephen Forde AKA Black Santa, Canon Raymond Fox launched his latest collection of insightful poems entitled "Hourglass". This collection contains many poems and an autobiographical account which reflect on eight decades of Raymond's life and ministry.

Costing £10, ALL PROCEEDS go towards the 2026 Black Santa 50 Appeal. As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Black Santa Sitout, started in 1976 by Dean Sammy Crooks, we have set the target of raising 1/3rd more in 2026, with the extra money raised going to the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice, to fund the operation of an additional respite room at the Children's Hospice in this their 25th anniversary year.

Copies of Hourglass can be purchased from the Cathedral Shop, or at a further launch at 7.30pm at St Philip and St James Church Halls, Holywood.

21/09/2026

St Jude’s Parish Church, Muckamore & Killead Grouped Parishes, is holding two special events to celebrate the 185th anniversary of the church - a BIG Breakfast this Saturday morning, September 26, and a Celebration Service on Sunday at 3pm. Find out more at https://bit.ly/4AjTSbr

21/09/2026

Congratulations of St. Patrick’s Church, Jordanstown Mothers' Union of their 75th anniversary!

21/09/2026

All Saints', Loughguile, recently said farewell to the Rev Canon Chris Easton. We wish Chris a happy retirement.

21/09/2026

CIYD is hoping to survey everyone who has been confirmed since 2017 (regardless of age) in order to collate at least 500 responses to get a good data set from across the Church of Ireland. If this applies to you, scan the QR code or read more at https://bit.ly/4dfCRFt

21/09/2026

In Lent of this year, Antrim Rural Deanery raised £2,260 for Connor Diocese’s mission partnership in Northern Argentina through a series of midweek evening services where all the churches came together for worship, teaching and fellowship. Antrim Rural Dean, the Rev Jonny Campbell-Smyth, and Archdeacon Stephen McBride recently presented a cheque for £2,260 to Connor Council for Mission Chair, the Ven Paul Dundas. Read more at https://bit.ly/46Bilex
Sams Ireland

09/09/2026

Could God be calling you?

09/09/2026

Just before morning service in St Bride’s, Kilbride Parish Church, on Sunday September 6, a special presentation was made to Kate Henry in recognition of her exceptional service over many years.
Kate served on the select vestry of Kilbride for an unbroken period of more than 41 years, holding the position of honorary secretary for a large part of that time.
As a token of appreciation of her long and dedicated service to the church, she was presented with a Galway crystal vase and a certificate by Ivan Topping who took over from Kate as honorary secretary a few years ago.
To allow Kate to put the vase to almost immediate use, Ivan also presented her with a bouquet of flowers.
Kate Henry, pictured with her husband Stewart, People’s Church Warden in St Bride’s, and Ivan Topping, honorary secretary. Photo: David Holmes

08/09/2026

We have a vacancy for an Associate Minister - Grouped Parishes of Dunmurry, Kilmakee and Upper Falls
The Bishop of Connor wishes to appoint an ordained colleague to serve as part of the ministry team in this new partnership of churches. They will have a missional and evangelistic heart, someone energised to help the parishes reach out into their communities—especially to those with little or no connection to church. This person will bring creativity and passion to the team, fostering engagement and building relationships that extend the church’s presence and impact within the local area.
The person appointed will be:
• A good shepherd who models pastoral care, nurturing and strengthening bonds within the church and wider community through faith and fellowship, rooted in their own personal faith in Jesus.
• A visionary leader that assists the parishes on their journey, encouraging growth and renewal.
• Creative and flexible in ministry that embraces diverse ministry styles to meet the needs of a changing cultural landscape.
• Committed to outreach and mission as central to the role, actively seeking ways to engage the wider community and reignite passion for Jesus and the local church.
• A team player with a servant heart who will work co-operatively within the ministry team, partnership parishes, and diocesan colleagues as we seek to develop “Growing Healthy Churches” across the diocese of Connor.
For further information and a parish profile please contact:
Mrs Elaine Wright at the Connor Diocesan Office, Telephone number: 028 9082 8834; email: [email protected]
Closing date for expressions of interest: Monday 21st September 2026

The Diocese of Connor, in the Province of Armagh, is one of 12 Church of Ireland Dioceses in Ireland. Connor is one of the busiest & most populated Diocese.