
New vicar for Connah's Quay to be licensed this Sunday
The Service of Welcome, led by the Rt Rev Gregory Cameron and the Ven. Hayley Matthews, will bring together the Anglican churches on Deeside.
Mr Quinlan said: "I am incredibly delighted to begin this new chapter of ministry in Deeside Mission Area.
"It is a real privilege to be called to serve this community, and I feel truly blessed that God has guided me and my family to Connah's Quay."
His ministry journey began in Manchester, serving in the Rochdale and Oldham mission communities.
He attributes this experience to his deep appreciation for faith's role in everyday life.
READ MORE:
Wrexham's River Island shop among those set to be closed by the company
On March 29, 2025, Mr Quinlan married his wife, Mirela, and they are eager to start their new life at the New Vicarage in Connah's Quay.
Outside of his pastoral duties, Mr Quinlan enjoys long countryside or beach walks, finding peace and God's presence in these quiet spaces.
The Rt Rev Gregory Cameron said: "It is good to welcome Darren Quinlan as a new priest for Connah's Quay and its congregations.
"Darren has only recently been ordained following a career in policing, and he is looking forward to serving with enthusiasm in this new context."

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

South Wales Argus
6 days ago
- South Wales Argus
Bishop of Llandaff joins celebrations for Pride in Wales
The Rt Revd Mary Stallard presided over the Pride Eucharist at this year's event in Cardiff, which also marked a decade of the Faith Space at Pride Cymru—a partnership between Llandaff Diocese and The Gathering Cardiff, an ecumenical church for LGBTQ+ people and allies. Ms Stallard said: "It has been so special to be here at the Pride Eucharist. "Pride is just such a wonderful, welcoming festival, and I feel a great sense of being welcomed myself, as well as having an opportunity as Christians together to offer a welcome to everyone who is here." The Faith Space offers a place for prayer, reflection, and community during Pride, and is supported by volunteers from Anglican, Methodist, URC, Quaker, and other faith backgrounds. It also provides resources for LGBTQ+ people of other faiths. Revd Rosemary Hill from Open Table East Cardiff, Diocese of Monmouth, said: "It was a joy and a privilege to be part of Pride in Cardiff this year. "It was wonderful to be able to demonstrate how far the Church in Wales has come in terms of inclusion in the last 10 years, but also acknowledge how far is left to go and to be a hopeful presence for LGBTQ+ people, both within and outside the Church." The Archbishop of Wales, the Most Revd Andrew John, also welcomed the church's involvement, stating its commitment to inclusion and learning from past mistakes.

Leader Live
26-06-2025
- Leader Live
New vicar for Connah's Quay to be licensed this Sunday
The Rev Darren Quinlan is set to be licensed as the new vicar by the Bishop of St Asaph. The Service of Welcome, led by the Rt Rev Gregory Cameron and the Ven. Hayley Matthews, will bring together the Anglican churches on Deeside. Mr Quinlan said: "I am incredibly delighted to begin this new chapter of ministry in Deeside Mission Area. "It is a real privilege to be called to serve this community, and I feel truly blessed that God has guided me and my family to Connah's Quay." His ministry journey began in Manchester, serving in the Rochdale and Oldham mission communities. He attributes this experience to his deep appreciation for faith's role in everyday life. READ MORE: Wrexham's River Island shop among those set to be closed by the company On March 29, 2025, Mr Quinlan married his wife, Mirela, and they are eager to start their new life at the New Vicarage in Connah's Quay. Outside of his pastoral duties, Mr Quinlan enjoys long countryside or beach walks, finding peace and God's presence in these quiet spaces. The Rt Rev Gregory Cameron said: "It is good to welcome Darren Quinlan as a new priest for Connah's Quay and its congregations. "Darren has only recently been ordained following a career in policing, and he is looking forward to serving with enthusiasm in this new context."


ITV News
17-06-2025
- ITV News
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral has listing status upgraded to recognise ‘architectural brilliance'
A cathedral which is said to have transformed British design has had its listing status upgraded to recognise the building's 'architectural brilliance'. The Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King in Liverpool, often referred to locally as a 'wigwam' due to its unique shape, has been awarded Grade I listed status by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, following advice from Historic England. The listing recognises the building, previously graded as Grade II*, as 'of exceptional interest' and is a standard only awarded to about 2.5% of listed buildings. Archbishop of Liverpool John Sherrington said: 'I welcome the announcement that Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King has been recognised as a Grade I listed building. 'It commands the Liverpool skyline and is visible for miles around. The building has been described as 'the soul of the city' and brings hope to thousands who visit each year.' The Catholic cathedral, which sits at the opposite end of Hope Street to its Anglican counterpart, was designed by Sir Frederick Gibberd and built between 1962 and 1967. The structure features a central lantern which was filled with coloured glass, using a technique designed specifically for the building. Sarah Charlesworth, from Historic England, said: 'Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral transformed British cathedral design with its revolutionary centralised plan, representing a radical departure from traditional designs.' Liverpool Riverside MP Kim Johnson said the building was an 'instantly recognisable symbol of Liverpool'. She said: 'This recognition rightly honours its architectural significance and the prominent place it holds in our skyline – a true jewel in Liverpool's crown.' Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram added: 'Liverpool is a city with a proud architectural and cultural heritage, and the Metropolitan Cathedral is one of its most iconic landmarks. 'The bold, modern design broke new ground and has become a beacon of faith, hope and innovation, not just for our region but across the world.' The cathedral was built over a crypt, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, which was intended to be part of a grand classical-style building that began in the 1930s, before financial constraints and the outbreak of the Second World War led to construction being halted. Historic England said the upgrade of listing status reflected a deeper understand of Sir Frederick's architectural vision and 'the cathedral's significance as an international example of progressive Roman Catholic architecture during the mid-20th century'. Catherine Croft, director of The Twentieth Century Society, a charity which campaigns to save modern architectural and design heritage, said: 'The 'Wigwam' or 'The Mersey Funnel', as it's affectionately known among locals, is unique in world architecture and has long been a powerful homecoming beacon for Liverpudlians. 'Liverpool now rightly has two magnificent Grade I listed cathedrals which together demonstrate just how varied, exciting, and emotionally uplifting 20th century architecture can be. 'A great vessel of post-war glass, sculpture and design, the listing upgrade will help ensure the modernist cathedral's careful long-term conservation and appreciation by all who visit – to worship or just to marvel.' Historic England has also enhanced the existing Grade II listing for Hopwood Hall Chapel in Middleton, Greater Manchester, which was built in 1964 to Sir Frederick's designs and shares features including the lantern tower of concrete and glass.