News


Welcome to the priesthood

A cohort of 18 men and women were ordained into the priesthood on Saturday. Friends, family and colleagues joined them for the happy occasion at Chester Cathedral. View the photographs on Facebook.


Creation Celebration at Chester Zoo

People from parishes across the Diocese gathered at Chester Zoo on 05 June to give praise, celebrate creation and to think about the preservation of our world. The event was free and began with a visit to the sunken garden.


Chester church to celebrate 150th year

A much loved Chester church will be celebrating an impressive anniversary on Sunday 16 June. The Parish Church of St Thomas of Canterbury, Chester will be celebrating its 150th year since the laying of its Foundation Stone.


2019 Church Architecture Awards

Has your church opened a new extension, completed a re-ordering scheme or undergone a major repair or conservation project? If so, you can enter it for the 2019 Church Architecture Awards.


Flying high for the angels

On 26 June, the Revd Heather Atkinson will be straying well outside of her comfort zone by taking on a zip-wire challenge in North Wales, in a bid to save the nineteenth-century wall paintings at St James', New Brighton.


TKC: One week to go

With just one week to go, preparations continue for Thy Kingdom Come. Many events, big and small, will take place around the Diocese of Chester between Ascension and Pentecost (30 May - 09 June).


Terms of lessons learnt review announced

The Terms of Reference and Chair of the independent lessons learnt review into the former Bishop of Chester, Victor Whitsey, have been announced by the National Safeguarding Team.


New funding for church work with kids

Allchurches Trust has launched a new grants programme – Growing Lives – aimed at helping churches and Christian organisations throughout the UK and Ireland to connect with children and young people.


Baptised children and Holy Communion

Nearly 19 years ago, the Diocese of Chester decided to allow parishes to seek permission to admit baptised children to Holy Communion before Confirmation. The Diocese of Chester is now carrying out a review of this practice.


Wanted: Passionate individuals for DBE Board

"If you’re interested, we’d love to hear from you." The Board of Education is seeking new members to sit on its Board and standing committees and shape the strategic purpose of schools and academies within the Diocese.


Celebrating 50 years of women Readers

This year marks 50 years since the first women were licensed as Readers in the Church of England. To celebrate, the Diocese of Chester is hosting a special service and afternoon tea at Foxhill House and Woodlands on Sunday 28 July.


Growing a congregation in the gym

A local vicar has turned to the gym to get fit and has found a new “frontline” for her ministry in the process. Having joined and quit gyms in the past, this time she has felt at home and is able to share her faith with others too.


Well-known Christian becomes High Sheriff

Well known Cheshire Christian and successful businessman, Mark Mitchell, has been appointed High Sheriff of Cheshire, a secular post dating back over 1100 years. Mark Mitchell becomes the 606th High Sheriff of Cheshire.


New CEO of Chester Diocesan Academies Trust

Mr Neil Dixon has been appointed as the new CEO of CDAT with effect from 1st May 2019. Neil comes into the role with a wealth of experience in Education, working in the primary phase for nearly 25 years.


Adventuring with God

Young families from across the Diocese of Chester flocked to an Outdoor Adventure Day at Brereton Heath on 13 April. The Diocese partnered with a Christian based outdoor activities organisation, to welcome 55 people to the day.


Volunteers needed at Creamfields

Applications to volunteer with the We are the Church team at Creamfields are now open. Around 80,000 people travel to Daresbury each year to enjoy the latest in electronic dance music from around the world at Creamfields.


David Mach’s ‘Two Twisted’ art installation opens

A pair of Triumph convertible cars, two giant shipping containers and tonnes of newsprint are the key elements of the sculptor’s latest work, which is open to the public until May 20, 2019.


Bishop Peter announces his retirement

"It has been a huge privilege to serve in this Diocese." The Bishop of Chester, the Rt Revd Dr Peter Forster, has announced that he will be retiring from his role on Monday 30 September 2019, after more than 22 years in the post.


Cheadle church helps those facing divorce

St Mary's in Cheadle is running its Restored Lives course again. The course is both practical and supportive and is for anyone impacted by the end of a serious relationship whether separated, facing a divorce, or already divorced.


All churches offered contactless payment trial

All churches in the Diocese of Chester are being offered the opportunity to trial a contactless payment system, free of charge. Churches will need to register with Parish Buying in order to take part.


Bishop Peter's Easter Day sermon

Bishop Peter reflects on the age of unbelief in our society and calls on all Christians to embrace "the strange and mysterious beauty" of the crucifixion and resurrection that lies at the heart of our faith.


Running a marathon through the Holy Land

"It was a truly emotional and wonderful experience." That's how Katy Wardle describes the "life-changing" Palestine Marathon she ran to raise money for good causes and to mark her 35th birthday.


The Singing Kettle celebrates its first birthday

The Singing Kettle in Stretton, is a place where you can chat to others, make new friends and most importantly, sing-a-long to some great tunes - all served up with some tea and cake.


Church awarded birthday development grant

St Peter's Church, Macclesfield, has been awarded a National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) grant of up to £121,500 towards the repairs of the church building – just in time to mark 170 years since the completion of the building in 1849.


Christian Aid Week

“Christian Aid Week is an amazing celebration of our potential to change the world, through generosity, solidarity and action." This year Christian Aid Week runs from 12 to 18 May and parishes are invited to join in.


Everyday Evangelism: Clare Doig

"The death of a child that is controlled and peaceful can give the family time to be with their little one before they start their life dancing in heaven." Clare Doig reflects on how her faith shapes how she acts in the workplace.


Continuing a centuries-old tradition

On Mothering Sunday, the Choir of St Saviour's Church, Oxton, visited its 'mother' church - Holy Cross, at Woodchurch. Visiting the mother church on Mothering Sunday is a centuries-old tradition


YEC inspires leaders to reach young people

150 youth leaders gathered together on Saturday 23 March in Preston to network, learn and worship together. The Youth Evangelism Conference (YEC) exists to inspire and equip leaders to reach young people.


Farewell Bishop Libby

Hundreds of well-wishers have paid tribute to Bishop Libby. The congregation bid her farewell in what was her final act of public worship in the Diocese of Chester before taking up her new episcopal duties as the Bishop of Derby.


Changes to safeguarding arrangements

A statement from Bishop Peter Forster regarding changes to the safeguarding arrangements in the Diocese of Chester. Bishop Peter has delegated responsibility for safeguarding to Bishop Keith Sinclair.

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