My name is Jonathan Pierce and I have been rector here since October 2009. I’m often called Jono and am very happy to answer to both!

I grew up in the south of Ireland in Mountmellick Co. Laois and, after studying history and English in University College, Dublin, I spent two years teaching English as a Foreign Language in Setubal, Portugal.

I was then accepted for training for ordination and was ordained in June 1996 to serve my first curacy in Knockbreda Parish in the Diocese of Down and Dromore. Following my first curacy I spent a year living and working as an assistant in Larche Dublin, an ecumenical Christian community in which adults with learning disabilities share their lives with assistants.

I then served a second curacy in Taney Parish in the Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough, where I met my wife, Vicky. We were married in 2003, just after I was appointed rector of Kilmore and Inch in the Diocese of Down and Dromore. After 6 very happy years there, we moved here to St. Finnian’s in October 2009.

My passions in ministry are for preaching and trying to connect God’s word to our everyday lives and pastoral care. I count it a great joy and privilege to draw alongside people in different situations and to offer support in whatever way we can.

Outside my work, I love to spend time with the family. We have 2 children, Lucy and Conor. I do a little running to keep fit and undo the good work with occasional visits to coffee shops! I enjoy reading and watching sport on television.

I’m originally from Colorado, but my journey has taken me through Arkansas during my university years and Tennessee during my rock and roll days, before eventually landing in Belfast.

One of the things I cherish most in life is my family. My wife, Sarah, works for Field Day Candles, and we have two amazing boys, Liam and Jude. Together, we’ve had some great adventures—moving across the world, embracing new cultures, and trying to live out the best story we can by following Jesus and inviting others to join us on the journey of discipleship.

I’ve been serving in church settings and academic theological contexts since 2002. Within the Church of Ireland, I’ve had the privilege of serving in three different parishes with a range of cultural and demographic settings. I also work as an Associate Lecturer at Belfast School of Theology.

I’m passionate about asking good questions, seeking truth, and not being afraid to question everything in pursuit of it. I love food and deeply believe in the power of the shared table—the simple but profound act of breaking bread together. I’m particularly interested in the way story, imagination, and Scripture come together to shape our spiritual growth.

I completed a PhD on Dietrich Bonhoeffer, focusing on how academic and spiritual formation can be integrated in theological education. I see myself as a minister, academic, and artist—committed to the calling of being a scholar-priest and telling the story of God faithfully.

I’m also a big rugby fan and have played a bit myself, though it’s probably time I hung up the boots! Music is a constant presence in my life—it’s either playing out loud or running somewhere in my head.

At the heart of it all, I believe in the church. I believe in the call to serve Christ’s kingdom through the church, even when that responsibility feels daunting.

My name is Gillian Stevenson and I have been a member of St Finnian’s all my life.  I was baptised on my parents’ second wedding anniversary when I was just 13 days old!

I am a Diocesan Lay Reader, which means I am licensed to conduct services, not only in St Finnian’s, but in other parishes within the Diocese of Down & Dromore as well.  I was commissioned on 20th September 1981 by the then Bishop of the Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Robin Eames.  My calling to be a Lay Reader is one I have never doubted and I regard it a great privilege to serve God in this way.

I am also a Life Group leader, a Parish visitor, a member of Mothers’ Union and the Website Administrator.

For 36 years I was a primary school teacher, with special responsibility for ICT.  Now that I am retired, I love meeting friends for coffee and I’m a volunteer at Marie Curie Hospice.  I also enjoy travelling – just short holidays, as it’s always nice to come home again!