Appointment of new rector in Ballymena

Sunday February 8th 2026

The Rev Rosie Diffin.

The Rev Rosie Diffin, rector of Kilcronaghan, Ballynascreen and Six Towns, Diocese of Derry and Raphoe, has been appointed rector of Ballymena Parish (Kilconriola and Ballyclug).

Born in Belfast, Rosie spent most of her life in Richhill where her home parish is St Matthew’s. A past pupil of Ashfield Girls’ School and Dundonald Girls’ High School, she worked in social security for the Civil Service for five years before changing careers to support children in the care system in the Armagh area.

Rosie is married to Ronnie. They have four grown-up children, William, Ronnie, Wilson and Laura. Some years ago, the couple were sadly bereaved by the loss of a baby girl and later an adopted son.

Rosie studied at CITI and was ordained in 2012, serving as deacon in Drumglass Parish, Dungannon, Diocese of Armagh. After Ordination as a Priest the following year, she moved to Seapatrick Parish, Banbridge, in Down and Dromore Diocese until 2015 when she was appointed curate-in-charge in the Parishes of Kilmore and St Saviour’s, Dobbin, Diocese of Armagh.

Rosie was instituted as rector in Kilmore and St Saviour’s, Dobbin, in 2016, where she remained until 2020 when she was called to be rector of Kilcronaghan, Ballynascreen and Six Towns.

Looking ahead to the move to Ballymena, Rosie said: “The Lord just kept calling me! I am looking forward to the opportunity for good Biblical teaching and engaging in a range of social outreach and pastoral care on a much larger scale.

“I am very excited. I love the Lord and the Lord’s people and I just want to serve Him wherever he calls.

“I will miss the people I am with now, but I am humbled and honoured to be called to serve with the people of Ballymena and am looking forward to what the Lord has planned.”

Outside of her family and work, Rosie loves reading and walking, and she and Ronnie regularly embark on long distance walking holidays.

A date for the Service of Institution will be announced in due course.