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. You can watch Matt’s Commissioning Service here.

The Rev. Robert Ferris, Rector of Carrigrohane Union, said:

It is with great joy that I am able to announce this appointment. 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.

Matt Gould comments:

I’m humbled and delighted to be appointed to this new pioneering role within the parish in the Diocese of Cork, Cloyne & Ross. At the heart of this project is an amazing community of Christians who are stepping out in faith to share the good news of Jesus here in Ballincollig. I’m excited to see what God has in store in the years ahead.

This appointment is part of the Partnership between Church Army, Cork Cloyne and Ross Diocese and the Carraig Centre / Carrigrohane Union of Parishes.

SaraH-Louise Hockey Appointed Pioneer Evangelist/Youthworker

This Centre of Mission is a 3-way partnership between Church Army, the Diocese of Cork, Cloyne & Ross and The Carraig Centre (Carrigrohane Union of Parishes) in Ballincollig.

Sarah-Louise will be working alongside Lead Evangelist Matt Gould as part of the staff team in Carrigrohane Union. For the past 2 years Sarah-Louise has been working as a part time youth worker – a role which she took on in the midst of the pandemic. She comes to the post after graduating from University College Cork and is currently studying for Certificate in Theology and Practice at the Church of Ireland Theological Institute. She has much experience in leading youth and children’s ministries in a variety of settings.

Sarah-Louise said of her appointment “It’s been such a joy to have been part of and also to have grown with the CUP youth program over the last two years. I’m so excited to see how God will move in and through us as a church family as we continue to build up and invest in the lives of our young people.

I’m also really looking forward to this partnership with Church Army as we prepare to engage with the wider community more deeply, building upon the roots that have been planted over the years and especially working to cultivate a place of belonging here for local teens who so often fall under the radar.

I’m so delighted to be taking on this new role and I’m very grateful for all the prayers and support, and the opportunity to get to serve in this way.”