The Presbyterian and The Priest‘s Podcast

Episode 1: Ciarán‘s story

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 14:40:20 +0200

In our first episode, we hear from Ciarán about his story to this point and how he became interested in the work of peace & reconciliation

Episode 2: Jonny‘s story

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 20:04:17 +0200

We continue our podcast, looking at friendship and diversity, and in this episode it's Ciarán's chance to interview Jonny

Episode 3: Whose podcast is this anyway?

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 22:50:49 +0200

In Episode 3 we begin the conversation about the differences in our faith traditions and what we like and admire about those differences. If anyone has any comments or wants to get in touch, you can email us at presbyterianandpriest@gmail.com

Episode 4: How many are there?

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 18:43:14 +0200

In this week's episode, Ciarán draws us into some more knowledge about the breadth of the Catholic Church. It may be more diverse than you ever could imagine. If you have any questions, queries, or subjects you would like us to talk about, contact us at presbyterianandpriest@gmail.com

Episode 5: We talk to Ken Newell

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 17:10:51 +0200

In this episode, which is a bit longer but worth the listen, we talk to Ken Newell about his experience in relation to the work of peace and reconciliation. He shares with us about his background and where he thinks the Church should be heading. Thanks to Ken for talking to us

Episode 6: What did he say?

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 21:57:05 +0200

He would say nothing at the start, but Ciarán and I think through some of the comments and statements that Ken said while he was on the podcast with us.

Episode 7: What‘s in a name?

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 14:37:22 +0200

In this episode, with thanks to a listener, we look at the use of God's name (note the capital G) and how it has changed, if it has at all? Please keep sending your questions and comments to presbyterianandpriest@gmail.com You can also find the Bible in a year podcast if you search for 'Jonathan Frazer' in any podcast provider, and the book on amazon or get in touch if you want to buy one directly

Episode 8: Nicola Brady joins us to talk all things inter-church

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 23:42:39 +0200

In this episode we have special guest Nicola Brady, the current General Secretary for the Irish Council of Churches, and soon to be General Secretary for CTBI (Churches Together in Britain and Ireland). She chats all things inter-church and shows us some of the work that's going on in the wider church world

Episode 9: Series finale and all things dog, pigeon and duck

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 12:55:23 +0200

In our series finale we reflect on all that we've enjoyed, learnt, and been challenged by over the last few months. We share some insights on what's coming up and some feedback we received from you the listener! Thanks for being part of the conversation with us and we look forward to many more

Advent Episode 1: What‘s it all about?

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 18:02:44 +0100

As we begin our second series, reflecting about Advent, we look at what it all means, what traditions we have, and where it all came from.

There‘s something about Mary

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 11:44:31 +0100

In this episode we hear from Ed Peterson about the Catholic understanding and view of Mary. This can be a subject that divides opinion and so at Christmas we wanted to focus in on Mary and seek to find a way to celebrate friendship and diversity. She's a pretty big part of the Christmas story after all!

Wary about Mary

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 23:02:58 +0100

Welcome to Episode 3 in which we welcome Rev. Steve Stockman, minister of Fitzroy Presbyterian, and long time friend of Clonard. He comes along to share his own perspective, and poem, on Mary. This is the penultimate episode in Advent, so if you have any questions or comments for us, please email presbyterianandpriest@gmail.com

Advent Episode 4: Do I need all these books? The dialogue continues

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 22:32:01 +0100

In our last episode in this short series, we talk through the previous episodes, share some of the responses we've had, and how we can move forward together

Series 3, episode 1: Martin Luther and the week of prayer for Christian Unity

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 21:27:18 +0100

We're back! After a short break we wanted to start this series during the week of prayer for Christian Unity. It was recorded on the Friday of that week and so sermons referred to can be found from Sunday 23rd January 2022. Hope you've enjoyed your break as much as we have, and if anyone has any interesting presents they'd like to share, please get in touch via presbyterianandpriest@gmail.com

Series 3, Episode 2: A birthday announcement and travel plans

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 20:42:06 +0100

Welcome back to episode 2 in our latest series. We talk this week of some of the goings on in the life of the Catholic Church, 4 Corners festival, and some plans that are afoot in the coming weeks for the Presbyterian and the Priest - we're taking it on the road. Always glad to hear comments or stories so please get in touch via presbyterianandpriest@gmail.com

Series 3, Episode 3: A special guest to give us some Jerusalem tips

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 23:21:59 +0100

In this episode we have Joanna, a special guest from the Jewish community, on to tell us about her experience in Jerusalem and what to look out for. Please get in touch if you have any travel tips or advice. The next episode should be from Israel!

Series 3, Episode 4: A day in Nazareth

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 21:35:19 +0100

We made it to Israel and we're reporting back! On this episode we're joined by Ryan and Ed to talk about the journey so far, the great things that have happened, and the things that may have surprised us. Look out for more episodes throughout the week

Series 3, Episode 5: A day by the sea

Sat, 19 Feb 2022 21:17:56 +0100

A day by the sea, but not just any sea, rather the Sea of Galilee. In this episode, we're again chatting with Ed and Ryan about the amazing last few days that we've had and the joy we've all felt at being at the Sea of Galilee and Mount Tabor. The trip continues as we head towards Jerusalem

Series 3, Episode 6: The memories of our trip

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 19:06:18 +0100

It may have been over a week ago already, but Ed & Ryan join us to talk about our trip to Israel and what made it so special for them. There was so much to cover this is a long one, but it's well worth the listen. As always, feel free to ask any questions or anything you'd like to know via presbyterianandpriest@gmail.com

Series 3, Episode 7: Diversity in Israel

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 00:03:31 +0100

In episode 7 we reflect back over our trip, discuss the fame that we've found in a national newspaper, and look at the diversity we saw while we were away

Series 3, Episode 8: Christ at the checkpoint

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 16:00:32 +0200

In this episode we are joined by Paul Lutton to tell us about his planned trip to Israel and the conference entitled 'Christ at the checkpoint'. If you have any questions or queries for us, or Paul, please send them in

Our first big live event, a night at Fitzroy

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 23:05:39 +0200

We were back where one of the most important inter-church relationships in Northern Ireland began - Fitzroy Presbyterian Church. In this episode we were interviewed by Rev. Steve Stockman, who has joined us on Series 2, about all kinds of things. The sound can be a bit rough at times, but it was live! Forgive us! Look forward to taking part in more live events in the future

So what do you mean when you say?

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 17:13:34 +0200

In this episode, our first in our series about Communion, we look at some of the terminology used and what it might mean. We understand that the words we use are important, so we want to make sure we know what we mean when we say......

So far.........Rev. Professor Patton Taylor

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 22:16:17 +0200

As we continue to talk and reflect on our differences in Communion/Eucharist, we welcome along Rev. Professor Patton Taylor to the show. Patton shares from his experience of participating in Communion, both in his early and latter years. It will hopefully give you an idea of Communion within the Presbyterian Church in Ireland

Let’s take a trip to Clonard

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 20:12:24 +0200

We continue this series looking at Communion/Eucharist with Ciarán walking us through what a Mass service looks like in Clonard. Hopefully you'll have all kinds of questions for us after these two episodes so please email them to presbyterianandpriest@gmail.com and also remember to check out https://www.clonard.com/web-cam/

Friday is for fish

Sat, 24 Sep 2022 15:38:54 +0200

We're back together again to reflect more on the subject of Communion/Eucharist, as well as anything else that might be on topic! We look at transubstantiation, invocation of the Holy Spirit and re-presentation. If you have any questions get in touch presbyterianandpriest@gmail.com

A possible way to sit together?

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 10:32:42 +0100

In this last episode of Season 4 we discuss the format of a possible way we could celebrate Communion/The Eucharist together at the Lord's Table. It has been a long time coming I know, apologies for that. Going forward we will seek to do better. Please get in touch as always through presbyterianandpriest@gmail.com to suggest topics and ask questions, and please get in touch to let us know the best way to keep in touch with you! Enjoy this last episode

We welcome Lord Alderdice

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 21:23:04 +0200

In this first episode of series 5 we interview Lord Alderdice on all things personal and political. This series was made to celebrate the Good Friday Agreement, and as usual if you have any comments or questions please get in touch with us via presbyterianandpriest@gmail.com

Never better: an interview with Tommie Gorman

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 17:14:46 +0200

As we continue this series reflecting around the 25th anniversary of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement, we were able to zoom with Tommie Gorman, former RTE correspondent. Ciaran was especially excited about this one so you can listen along and hear all that Tommie has to tell us through his unique experience.

His book is available at all good bookshops or via https://www.amazon.co.uk/Never-Better-Life-Our-Times/dp/1838957820

or https://atlantic-books.co.uk/contributor/tommie-gorman/

An Eaglais Phreispitéireach agus an Ghaeilge

Thu, 04 May 2023 22:59:13 +0200

You might not know the title but in this episode we'll talk with the Rev. Jim Stothers about 'An Eaglais Phreispitéireach agus an Ghaeilge' - The Presbyterian Church and the Irish Language. If you have any questions or would like to know anything get in touch via presbyterianandpriest@gmail.com

A good starting point if you want to read more is:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Presbyterians-Irish-Language-Roger-Blaney/dp/0901905720

This one will be Good

Wed, 24 May 2023 22:19:50 +0200

This one will be Good indeed - Rev. Harold Good. He joins us in conversation about his life and work, especially his influential work during the Good Friday Agreement and what brought him to that table.

If you've any questions for us, or Harold, please send them via presbyterianandpriest@gmail.com

Who doesn’t love a policy!

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 23:01:45 +0200

In this episode we welcome along Karen Jardine who is PCI’s Public Affairs Officer. In her role she assists the Council for Public Affairs to develop the Presbyterian Church’s thinking on issues of public policy. Ciarán was unavailable so Jonny sits down with her to chat with her about a range of issues, including her recent trip to the Seanad Éireann.

Link to the vision for society statement https://www.presbyterianireland.org/Utility/About-Us/Statements/Vision-for-Society-Statement.aspx

Live from Boston

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 17:53:40 +0200

Via zoom that should read! In this episode we welcome along Fr. Oliver Rafferty, originally from Belfast but now a Professor of History at Boston College. We had a really interesting chat with him on many topics and were challenged by him on the role of the Church.

You can contact him via oliver.rafferty@bc.edu

And get his book at https://www.amazon.co.uk/Catholicism-Ulster-1603-1983-Interpretative-History/dp/0717121747 or any other good bookshop

Let’s talk it through

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 23:30:25 +0200

In this final episode of series 5 we look back and chat through our favourite bits, what we learnt and what else might have intrigued us. We've really enjoyed chatting to all of our guests, we hope you have too. If you have any favourite bits you'd like to share with us, send them through at presbyterianandpriest@gmail.com

What a bonus episode with Steve and Martin

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 22:05:52 +0100

This is a special bonus episode we recorded during the summer with co-Presbyterian and co-Priest Rev. Steve Stockman MBE and Fr. Martin J. Magill. We chat through what led them into friendship and the creation of the 4 corners festival. We hope there's more bonus episodes to come!

Let’s talk about prayer

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 15:44:44 +0100

As we begin series 6 we talk about our own private and public life of prayer. As the series continues we will look at some of the differences in these approaches and how we can learn from each other. As always, if you have a question please send it via presbyterianandpriest@gmail.com

Another easy topic; prayers for the...........

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 16:23:15 +0100

Prayers in N. Ireland, death in Indonesia, and the afterlife: In this episode we talk about prayers beyond this life; what happens after this life and how prayer forms a part of it. This episode was also filmed for Clonard's Peace & Reconciliation ministry and we were able to chat to Fr. Mans as part of this episode. If you have any questions on this one, please get in touch via presbyterianandpriest@gmail.com

Christmas message 2023

Mon, 25 Dec 2023 15:59:46 +0100

Our first Christmas message; a chance to reflect over the past year and look forward with hope. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Keep following for more episodes, and keep getting in touch via presbyterianandpriest@gmail.com

Another bonus episode: The Presbyterian and the Pope

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 12:11:30 +0100

Steve and Martin join us once again to chat all things 4corners website https://4cornersfestival.com/ 'book early, book often, and give Martin's head peace!' and also their trip to the Vatican. This is another great opportunity to chat with them so enjoy

Mary had a little lamb

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 15:35:47 +0100

This episode does not focus on Mary, but rather another saint called Deborah. We're delighted that Deborah Sloan could join us to talk about prayer, her experiences of, difficulties with, and encouragements. You can find out more about Deborah at https://deborahsloan.co.uk/ and you can get in touch with us at presbyterianandpriest@gmail.com

The Greatest Mind to come out of.........

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 14:19:30 +0100

In this episode we talk to Professor Stephen Williams https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_N._Williams thinking about prayer and Jesus as our Mediator.

Stephen has authored a number of books as outlined in the article above, with his most recent https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thinking-Reed-Pascals-Voice-Yesterday/dp/1666751499 at this link

He also talks of his involvement as a theologian thinking about Artificial Intelligence https://spckpublishing.co.uk/blog/the-promise-and-peril-of-ai-an-interview-with-stephen-n-williams.html

Enjoy the chat, and the humour that flows throughout

Easter message 2024

Sat, 06 Apr 2024 14:38:56 +0200

Yes it has taken us this long to complete the series......or maybe Easter has come early this year! Either way (You know which one it is really!!) this is our Easter message to you! Grace & Peace this Easter

Sharon and the big finale!

Sat, 06 Apr 2024 14:40:55 +0200

We welcome along a new Priest today - Fr. Sharon to help Jonny reflect over this series. As you listen to this, please send any questions or comments you might have to us at presbyterianandpriest@gmail.com to help shape our next series

We're back and it's all about the rosary

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 16:05:39 +0200

We're back (Sorry it took so long!) and in this series we'll be taking listeners questions and chatting about how the answers make sense to us! In this episode we have a question about the rosary - so listen along, enjoy, and send in your questions. This is the first episode which is available to watch as well on youtube and facebook - you're welcome!!!

Now that would be an ecumenical matter!

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 14:09:46 +0100

In our second episode of series 7 we get a question about my (And others) involvement in services at Clonard. There are many who have preached there and so we answer why that might be

Spot the difference

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 22:54:10 +0100

Have you ever wondered about the difference between the 'Protestant' and 'Catholic' versions of the Bible? Well in this episode that's the listener's question that we think about. As always, if you've any questions that come off the back of this episode or want to know more please get in touch

Christmas Message 2024

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 21:46:48 +0100

In this episode we reflect back over 2024 and share a Christmas message with you; with every Blessing - Grace & Peace

I must confess, it's been a long time!

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 12:12:04 +0100

It has been a long time! Longer than I would have wished! Those words ring true in a few ways today, in that we haven't had an episode up since Christmas, and also because those words will be familiar in what we're talking about in this episode - Confession! So listen along, and enjoy!

Series 7 comes to an end

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 13:57:13 +0100

In our last episode of series 7, as we always do, we reflect over the series and think about what impacted us most and what we learnt from it. This series was about answering your questions and although it has now finished, we always enjoy getting your questions so please continue to send them in

The Conclave

Tue, 06 May 2025 15:26:21 +0200

In this episode we remember the life of Pope Francis, reflect on the funeral and hear about what is involved in the upcoming conclave. Ciaran as always does a great job of guiding us through it all, but if you have more questions or want to know more please get in touch via presbyterianandpriest@gmail.com

Christmas Message 2025

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 21:45:11 +0100

We start off Series 8 with our Christmas Message, reviewing the year and finding how it links in to this series focusing on forgiveness and reconciliation. We wish you a Merry Christmas

So let us set the scene

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 22:04:53 +0100

As we begin series 8 we are thinking about forgiveness and reconciliation. Ciaran and I, after a bit of a catchup, will give our own perspectives and thoughts before looking forward to who and what we hope to engage on throughout the series

Will David Smyth get the most downloads?

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 20:20:57 +0100

In this episode of Series 8 we welcome David Smyth of the Evangelical Alliance to our conversation on forgiveness and reconciliation. More can be found out about the Evangelical Alliance (And David) at https://www.eauk.org/author/david-smyth and as always, if you have something you'd like to ask us, or a direction you'd like to point us in, please get in touch at presbyterianandpriest@gmail.com

Ken's seminar with the Professor

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 13:32:35 +0100

In this latest episode we welcome back Ken Newell, a familiar voice to all those connected with the Fitzroy/Clonard partnership, and an important voice over the years to forgiveness and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. Amongst other questions we ask Ken his thoughts on what part these might play in the future of Northern Ireland.