Welcome to our website. 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. Finnians 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.

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!