You may remember that a couple of years ago we asked Church Army, a home based Anglican mission community working with local churches in the UK and Ireland, to undertake a Diocesan Strategic Review for us. 

The Review involved meeting with groups from every parish Union or group across the diocese. Their report was then presented and received by our Diocesan Synod, just before the pandemic.

The report not only outlined the challenges faced but also our opportunities for action. In the Infographic, under the section ‘6 Areas for Potential Action’, one of their suggestions was to try some new things.

St Brigid’s Cathedral in Kildare is starting a ‘Centre of Mission’. This is in partnership with Church Army. It will be led by Rev Philip McKinley, recently ordained for the parish Group of Dunboyne and Rathmoylon, from where he is seconded parttime to lead this new initiative.

To give you a sense of what may be involved have a look below:

1. Who or what is Church Army?

Church Army is a home based Anglican mission community, working with local churches in the UK and Ireland. It was founded by Wilson Carlile, a young Anglican cleric, in 1882 and works in collaboration with local Anglican churches and dioceses across these islands. Describing its mission it says “We want everyone everywhere to encounter God’s love and be empowered to transform their communities through faith shared in words and action.” 

You can find out more about the work of Church Army by visiting: https://churcharmy.org 

Church Army has had strong recent Irish connections, with it last two CEOs and a former chair of the board being from Ireland.

2. Where are you working with local churches in Ireland?

Cork Centre of Mission was launched in late 2021 and is based in Ballincolig, Cork. The Carrigrohane Union of Parishes have announced the appointment of Matt Gould as Lead Evangelist and community leader at the Carraig Centre in Ballincollig. Matt has spent thirteen years as youth worker in Carrigrohane Union of Parishes and has recently completed his training as a Church Army Evangelist. The Rev. Robert Ferris, the then Rector of Carrigrohane Union, said: “This is a brand new pioneering role in the staff team, which will see him taking a lead in developing the Carraig Centre, strengthening links with groups and individuals who use the building and its activities, as well as continuing to develop the outreach and worship activities of the centre.” It is part of the Partnership between Church Army, Cork Cloyne and Ross Diocese and the Carraig Centre / Carrigrohane Union of Parishes.

The Sligo Centre of Mission is a partnership between Church Army and the Diocese of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh.  Sligo has experienced the fastest rate of urbanisation in Ireland across the last decade but most people live in rural areas. A significant part of the work of the centre of mission is ReCentre Community Church, a fresh expression of church. Historically, Mail Coach Road where ReCentre Community Church is situated was named after the mail delivery vehicle that brought news to Sligo in the 19th and early 20th century. It is the hope of the centre of mission that ReCentre Community Church will live up to the roads’ rich history and bring good news to the people of Sligo. This project is led by Church Army officer Alan Williamson, formerly a local school principal and a board member of the Church of Ireland Youth Department.

The Ballina Centre of Mission was launched in 2016 in partnership with Ballina Churches Together. Ballina Churches Together is an ecumenical Social Outreach Initiative involving the four main Christian denominations working closely together to identify and assist in addressing social justice issues in Ballina town. The Ballina Churches Together committee and team of volunteers comprises of members from the Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian and Church of Ireland congregations.  The Centre of Mission has been building bridges in the local community; being a catalyst for people and local agencies to help meet, the practical and spiritual needs of people of all ages.

3. What is a Centre of Mission – what is it trying to achieve?

Centres of Mission aim to be catalysts and an encouragement for mission and hope wherever they work.

They are local community projects that build relationships, support those working to meet need, and grow creative, accessible church communities. Each centre of mission looks different. 

Each Centre of Mission is a partnership with a local church. 

4. Is it a genuine partnership with the local church?

Each Centre of Mission is a partnership with a local church. It is designed in collaboration with the local church – shaped entirely by the needs of their area – therefore no two Centres of Mission will be the same, with activities, initiatives and expression being dependant on the local context.

Centres of Mission aim to be catalysts for mission and hope wherever they work.

Church Army describe their guiding principle for these Centres of Mission as “We believe  that to make a real difference we need to be part of communities, not just working in them.”

5. How does it help the life of the participating diocese or parish?

 A Centre of Mission is set up with the intention of encouraging new life, sharing fresh ideas, as well as training opportunities. It is also hoped that it will provide encouragement to the rest of the diocese.

6. Why is the new Centre of Mission located in St Brigid’s Cathedral, Kildare?

We are looking forward to soon celebrating the 1500th anniversary of St Brigid. This will be an important milestone for our cathedral in Kildare, named after St Brigid. Brigid means many things to many people. Symbol and story feature strongly in her life. She was born around 454 and died about 524. For people of faith, she represents that transition to Christianity in Celtic Ireland. In 480 she founded her monastery in Kildare, the church of the oak tree. This important historical moment is an opportunity for a remarkable heritage to be celebrated in the Cathedral, named after St Brigid.

Historically, in the anglican tradition, cathedrals have been important places of mission for any diocese. The 1500th anniversary of St Brigid offers a wonderful opportunity not only to celebrate a wonderful history and heritage but also to explore how Christ’s message can be shared now and for future generations. 

Rev Trevor Holmes, preaching at our recent ordination of three priests, quoted the following words from Pierre Teilhard de Chardin “The future belongs to those who offer the next generation reason to hope.” Building on the heritage of its namesake St Brigid’s Cathedral, in partnership with Church Army, aims to do just that with this new initiative.