What's been happening | The Church of Ireland Diocese of Connor

What’s been happening

There is always plenty going on for young people across the Diocese of Connor, both at parish and diocesan level. This is a snapshot of what at young people have been up to!

Connor Takes the Castle 2025

All set for some archery at Connor Takes the Castle.

Connor Takes the Castle returned to Castlewellan from September 12-14, with upwards of 90 young people and leaders descending on the Castle to share faith, fellowship and fun.

The weekend kicked off on the Friday evening with worship, a talk and discussion time following arrival and registration.

Guest speaker for the weekend is the Rev Peter Blair, assistant minister at the United Parish of St Nicholas and All Saints’, Belfast.

Activities continued after supper with a ‘silent disco,’ and the next morning there were further talks with worship and discussion, followed by outdoor activities including sports, a climbing wall and archery that afternoon.

Another worship/ talk/ discussion session on Saturday evening was followed by activities including ‘Taskmaster Challenges,’ karaoke and games, and there was a final talk and worship session followed by a Maze activity on the Sunday before the weekend concluded after lunch.

The weekend was organised by Connor Youth Council and Diocesan Youth Officer Dave Armstrong.

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Summer Madness 2025

The group from All Saints’, Antrim, enjoying some music at Connor Sub-camp at Summer Madness 2025.

Around 180 young people and youth leaders from 12 different parishes across Connor Diocese attended the Summer Madness Festival which got underway in Portglenone on Friday June 26.

The annual festival closed on Tuesday July 1, and featured worship in the big top, music, workshops, games activities, food, fellowship and much more…

One of the highlights at Connor sub-camp was the Sunday night Bishops’ Barbecue, which saw the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison, and other clergy flip the burgers, chargrill the chicken and sizzle the sausages for the young folk and their dedicated leaders.

This year’s festival enjoyed high temperatures throughout (although there was a bit of rain on the Friday) and Sunday evening’s weather was perfect for a barbecue with salad on the side and ice cream to follow.

Well done to the chefs and of course to our Diocesan Youth Officer and the other leaders who have spent time under canvas over the weekend.

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Gather – April 2025

On Sunday April 6, around 80 young people and leaders were in St Patrick’s, Ballymena, for the very first Connor Youth Gather event.

Diocesan Youth Officer Dave Armstrong said: “This was a great opportunity for young people to meet with others from across the diocese and to worship God together.

“During the night, we looked at the Luke 15 and the parable of the lost sons, we worshipped God together, led by the worship team from St Colmanell’s Parish Church in Ahoghill, and we had the chance to meet with friends old and new as we played games and enjoyed some hot chocolate.

“We also heard from Niamh from Gathered Youth Ministry and about the impact her youth ministry and diocesan events has had on her walk with Jesus.”

Dave expressed thanks to all who came and those who helped to make Gather happen. “It truly was such a blessing to come together and grow in the Lord,” he said.

The next Gather event will take place on June 22 in Christ Church, Lisburn.

“We pray that these nights can continue to grow and serve Christ’s church throughout Connor,” added Dave.