Meath and Kildare supports many ministries across the diocese.

Examples of these take the form of the Mothers Union, which is more commonly known as the backbone of the church; the Ministry of Healing, which focusses on pastorally and prayerfully supporting people through sickness, or Youth Ministry which aims to nurture faith and discipleship in young people.

To find out more about these and more, please click the corresponding links below.

Diocesan Lay Readers

Diocesan Readers are lay people who have been selected, trained and licensed by the Bishop to preach, teach and lead worship in a pastoral context. There are 300 Diocesan Readers in the Church of Ireland, 10 of whom serve in Meath and Kildare.

Readers give their services to the Church so do not receive payment. Readers are supported by a Warden of Readers who is Rev Alistair Graham.

To pursue a call to lay ministry in this capacity, please contact

REV ALASTAIR GRAHAM

The rectory,
Gaol hill,
Mullingar,
Co Westmeath, Tel/Fax: 044 9348376
Email: agkilliney@hotmail.com

Readers for Meath and Kildare are:

D Wright
Mrs S Bryce–Smith
W S Deverell
J Hillis
S Holt

Mrs G M Jeffers
Major W R Kilroy
Mrs H McKeever
R Meredith
Mrs H Potterton

Fellowship of Vocation

Meath and Kidare Diocesan Fellowship of Vocation is a ministry within the diocese for those exploring ordained life. There are many reasons why you might have arrived here, perhaps you have been casually exploring the diocesan website and stumbled upon this page, perhaps a still small voice within you prompted you to search for information about ministry and vocation.

If you think you might be hearing a call to ordained ministry, then you are not alone. Many have heard that call and responded. They have been students, teachers, builders, police officers, teenagers, retirees, civil servants, mechanics, mothers, fathers, computer operators… the list could be endless.

You will already have prayed about the questions that are in your heart. The next step is to share your thoughts with others. This could mean talking to a trusted friend or someone in your church. Your rector will help you through some of your queries and refer you to the Diocesan Fellowship of Vocation.

This group meets 3-4 times each year, giving you the opportunity to meet with others on the same path. You will be helped, through support and information, to explore the possibilities that may lie ahead for you.

When you are ready to take another step, you will be required to undertake the “Foundation Course”. This is a 13-month course of study beginning each April. It involves home study and “distance learning” whilst you continue to live and work at home. As you approach the end of the course, you will meet with the bishop who may recommend that you attend a selection conference. This will involve further interviews and discussions and the panel will decide whether or not you are to pursue the road to ordination. That road will involve two residential years at the Theological Institute and one year as an intern in a parish setting. (All this may also be undertaken part-time at home but will take twice as long)

Throughout this journey, you will be supported by the Diocesan Director of Ordinands. It is an exciting and challenging voyage to which you may be called. In the Fellowship of Vocation, you will find support and guidance as you seek the will of God for you.

Father,
I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will.
Whatever you may do, I thank you:
I am ready for all, I accept all.
Let only your will be done in me, and in all your creatures.
I wish no more than this, O Lord.

Into your hands I commend my soul;
I offer it to you
with all the love of my heart,
for I love you, Lord,
and so need to give myself,
to surrender myself into your hands,
without reserve,
and with boundless confidence,
for you are my Father.

Charles de Foucald

For further information contact –

REV ALASTAIR GRAHAM

The rectory,
Gaol hill,
Mullingar,
Co Westmeath,
Tel/Fax: 044 9348376
Email: agkilliney@hotmail.com

Diocesan Board of Education

Main role and functions:

• Provision of timely and consistent secretarial, administrative and executive services to the General Synod Board of Education and its committees
• Monitoring educational legislation proposals and maintaining close contact with Government Departments and Departmental agencies in both jurisdictions
• Representing the interests of the Church of Ireland in education and promoting those interests in accordance with Church policies
• The Board of Education (RI) is a recognized education partner, representing patrons and management of Primary and Post–Primary schools.
• The Board of Education (RI) provides an advisory service to patrons, Boards of Management and the wider school communities.
• The General Synod Board has a responsibility to support and develop the adult education provision of dioceses and parishes.
• Compilation and printing of new religious educational programmes and other educational materials.
• Training and delivery of the Safeguarding Trust programme, which is the Church of Ireland’s Child Protection Policy for parishes and dioceses.
• Provision of advice and guidance in relation to child protection issues.

News items for the Board of Education (RI) may be accessed by clicking here

Members of the Diocesan Board of Education include:

• Most Revd Pat Storey
• Ven L Stevenson
• Very Revd P Bogle
• Canon J Clarke
• Revd I Delamere
• Revd P Heak
• Ms J Bruton
• Mr S Strong
• Mr D Kenny
• Ms R Willoughby
• Ms F Higgins
• Mr N Huston
• Dr K Willoughby
• Ms Y Beattie
• Ms N McShane

The Follow Me Series of Religious Education books is accessible from www.followme–series.org.
This project is the Religious Education Programme for National Schools under the patronage of the Church of Ireland, the Methodist Church in Ireland and the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

Girls Friendly Society

GFS is active in 80 branches throughout Ireland and plays an integrated part in the life of the Church and community, offering members education through fun, while helping them to live a Christian life.  GFS exists to support the work and development of the local parish.  With regular meetings, social events, festivals and youth camps it has the capacity to be a dynamic force in the Parish.

GFS is constantly revising its education programme which encourages members to achieve their best in a variety of areas and includes outdoor pursuits, drama, first aid, environmental awareness,  arts and crafts, information technology, church life, and public speaking.  Camps, outings, concerts and competitions are among regular events, with special emphasis on exchange visits to extend friendships.

GFS has members as young as 3 years of age.  All our leaders are volunteers and if you would like information on joining GFS as a member or leader you can contact Central Office, 36 Upper Leeson Street, Dublin 4.  Email: office@girlsfriendlysociety.ie or your local branch directly if you know the contact details.

Mothers Union

Mothers’ Union Mission Statement

For 130 years members of the Mothers’ Union have been making a difference in families.

The Mothers’ Union is a Christian organisation, which promotes  the well-being of families worldwide.

We achieve this by:

1. Developing prayer and spiritual growth in families.
2. Studying and reflecting on family life and marriage and its place in society.
3. Encouraging our members to take practical action to improve conditions for  families, both nationally and in the communities in which they live.

Today the Mothers’ Union provides

• Literacy and Development Programmes Overseas
• Volunteers in Community Projects
• Relief in Times of Disaster
• Parenting Programme

Aims and Objectives

The aim of the Mothers’ Union is the advancement of the Christian religion in the sphere of marriage and family life.To uphold Christ’s teaching on the nature of marriage and to promote its wider understanding.

• To encourage parents to bring up their children in the faith and life of the Church.
• To maintain a worldwide fellowship of Christians, united in prayer, worship and service.
• To promote conditions in society favorable to stable family life and the protection of children.
• To help those whose family life has met with adversity.