Diocesan News
New café at St Augustine’s
Bishop Andrew Forster took advantage of the hot weather and a window in his diary, to pay his first visit to Londonderry city centre’s newest eatery on Thursday morning. The Bishop of Derry and Raphoe wanted to encourage the staff and volunteers who have made The Wee Church Café a welcome and popular addition to the city’s food scene.
The café, which opened last month, is part of St Augustine’s Parish Church’s mission in the city. Its Rector, the Rev Nigel Cairns, who was present to welcome the Bishop, said the café is part of his church’s mission on the west bank. Visitors are free to use the prayer station in the café, and in the Wee Church itself.
Bishop Andrew said he wanted to pray with and for the team, and to bless and encourage them. He also paid tribute to the leadership provided by the Rector. The Bishop sampled some of the fare on offer – choosing the warm croissant with crisp bacon, melting brie and chutney. The Rector opted for the toasted sourdough with avocado, roast tomato and sour cream. Even though the pair ate outdoors, the aroma was appropriately heavenly.
St Augustine’s Church is built on the site of St Columba’s monastery and prior to Covid was attracting around thirty thousand visitors a year. “Those are the numbers we’re aspiring to, again, once things open up fully,” Mr Cairns said. The Wee Church Café is accessible from Bishop Street car park and Palace Street, and it will be open from 10am–4pm, Thursday through to Saturday, for the rest of the tourist season.
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Derry & Raphoe
Mr Paul McFadden
028 7126 2440
07525 826290
press@derryandraphoe.org