The Venerable Mark Ireland, Archdeacon of Blackburn, retires from his duties serving The people of Lancashire this coming weekend. 

Mark became Archdeacon in Blackburn Diocese (The Church of England in the county) in February 2016.

He has been supported throughout his ministry by his wife Gill Ireland, who most recently spent several years as Blackburn Diocese Mother's Union President. The couple will retire to Hellifield in Yorkshire.

Mark has written a reflection message he has sent to parishes today about his time in the Diocese which is available here. There is a video version also now available on our social channels including here on YouTube.

The Archdeacon will say his final farewells on Sunday (April 6) during a special Evensong Service to be held at Blackburn Cathedral at 4pm at which he will also preach, 40 years on from when he was first ordained as a Deacon in the same building.

An offering will be taken during the service for the Gaza Appeal of the Friends of the Holy Land, a charity close to Mark’s heart.

There will be updates on our Diocesan social channels; coverage via a post-service round-up news release the following week on the Diocesan website and in local media and the service will also be livestreamed here: https://bit.ly/4kFPfQW

Diocesan Bishop, Rt Rev. Philip North, the Bishop of Blackburn, said: “Mark’s ministry as Archdeacon has been outstanding, playing a key role in our strategy to renew parish life and maintain clergy numbers. He has combined an attention to detail with a clear focus on the mission of the Church and the proclamation of the Gospel.

“He has received wonderful support over the years from his wife Gill and I also give thanks for her sterling work as President of the Blackburn Diocese Mothers’ Union these past few years. We will miss them both dearly.”

Writing in the order of service for Sunday, Mark comments: “I am grateful to the Dean and Chapter and all those contributing to this service in different ways, particularly our musicians from St Andrew’s Leyland and the new All Nations Worship Group from St Luke’s Brierfield and St Cuthbert’s Burnley.

“As Archdeacon it has been a real joy and privilege to support and serve local clergy and parishes in the work of growing new and deeper disciples for Jesus Christ.

“I firmly believe, with St Paul, that the local church is the hope of the world, and I rejoice to have served in a diocese with so many healthy churches transforming their communities.

“It is very special to conclude my stipendiary ministry in the Cathedral where it began, when I was ordained deacon here in 1984.”