Archdeacon of Connor commissioned as All Ireland MU Chaplain

Monday June 12th 2023

The Ven Dr Stephen McBride and Archbishop John McDowell with friends from All Saints’, Antrim, after the service at Armagh Cathedral.

The Venerable Dr Stephen McBride, Archdeacon of Connor and Vicar of Antrim, was commissioned as All Ireland Chaplain to the Mothers’ Union in a service at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, on Sunday June 11.

Stephen McBride is the current Connor Diocesan Mothers’ Union Chaplain and has had a long association with the Mothers’ Union, first through his mother Claire who was a former chairperson of the Holy Trinity and Immanuel Parish, Belfast, branch. His mother-in-law, the late Jean Clyde, held several diocesan posts in Connor and Armagh at executive level.

Stephen’s wife Helen has been a member of the Mothers’ Union from 1987 and was branch chairperson in Antrim Parish from 1996-2002.

All Ireland MU Chaplain, Archdeacon Stephen McBride and Archbishop John McDowell at the Commissioning Service with Stephen’s wife Helen and his parents Donald and Claire.

Announcing Stephen’s appointment last February, the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, the Most Rev John McDowell, said: “The Mothers’ Union has been at the heart of the worship and witness of the Church of Ireland for more than a century, and under the enthusiastic guidance of June Butler and the present leadership team continues to serve the Church with cheerfulness, modesty and devotion.

“I can think of no better person than Dr Stephen McBride to support and nurture this spirit of involvement and dedication (and fun) at the heart of the Church, so well supported by his wife Helen. I know too that their very much grown-up children Rachael and Alex and their families will relish and support Stephen in his new role.

“Stephen was my training rector and, in those curacy years, impressed on me the importance of human relationships, especially the central relationship of marriage and family life, which are at the heart of our witness to the world.”

Parishioners from All Saints’, Antrim, were among the congregation at the Commissioning Service in Armagh.