The Churches Trust Blog

Website Editor • March 12, 2019

Becoming the New CEO of Churches Trust: A Journey of Shared Purpose and Vision

Stepping into the role of CEO at Churches Trust is both an honour and a profound opportunity. It marks the beginning of a new chapter where we embrace a mission close to my heart: embedding Trauma-Informed Approaches across every aspect of our work. This framework aligns perfectly with our goal to nurture stronger communities and empower individuals—especially young people, women, and families—to thrive.

At Churches Trust, our focus is clear: to enhance good relations within families and communities and to support children, families in reaching their full potential. These are not just aspirations but commitments that stem from a shared belief in the transformative power of empathy and opportunity. For me, this role is not just professional; it’s deeply personal. My values resonate with the core ethos of Churches Trust—ensuring no one is left behind, particularly those who often face systemic barriers or limited access to opportunities many take for granted.

Trauma-Informed Approaches offer a powerful lens through which we view and address challenges. They teach us that understanding and addressing the root causes of behaviour is essential to creating meaningful change. It’s about ensuring we have environments where individuals feel safe, respected, and valued—because healing begins when we listen, empathize, and respond with compassion.

Building Stronger Communities, One Step at a Time
Every day, we have the chance to impact lives, whether through a kind word, a listening ear, or a program that uplifts and empowers. Communities thrive when we acknowledge our interconnectedness and take responsibility for how our actions—big or small—shape the world around us. By promoting empathy and understanding, we can make transformative changes that ripple through families, our communities and further afield.

As we move forward, I’m eager to work alongside the talented and dedicated team at Churches Trust. Our work is enriched by their passion and commitment to delivering impactful projects. In the coming months, the team will share stories and insights from their individual projects, offering glimpses into the incredible work being done on the ground. These stories will inspire, challenge, and remind us all of the power of collective action.

Looking Ahead: A Time of Growth and Opportunity
This is an exciting time for Churches Trust. With our recent office move and a range of ongoing and upcoming initiatives, we are well-positioned to expand our reach and deepen our impact. As 2025 approaches, we anticipate many wonderful opportunities to strengthen our programs and partnerships, ensuring we continue to meet the needs of the communities we serve.

I am deeply grateful to the Board of Directors for their trust and support and to Fiona Fagan, whose mentorship has been invaluable over the past year. To the entire staff, thank you for your kindness and dedication. Together, we are poised to achieve great things.

This journey is about more than leadership; it’s about partnership, purpose, and the unwavering belief that together, we can build a brighter, more compassionate future. Watch this space as we continue to grow, learn, and create lasting change.

Mary Holmes - CEO

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The Churches Trust

Building Bridges Through Heritage

By maryholmes • April 28, 2025

The Churches Trust continues to make meaningful strides in peacebuilding, interfaith engagement, and cultural heritage through two dynamic initiatives: the Columba Journey Project (CJP) and the Cecil Frances Alexander Celebrated (CFAC) project. Supported by PEACEPLUS, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and the Benefact Trust, these projects aim to foster cross-community connection, cultural learning, and mutual respect in the Northwest of Ireland. The Columba Journey Project: Peacebuilding Rooted in Local Story The CJP centres on the legacy of Columba, the Irish monk who helped shape early Christian Ireland and Scotland. Since August 2024, the project has brought local history to life for young people through accredited OCN programmes, and interactive events. A highlight was our Columba Conversations Lecture Series, which in February featured Rev Dr Harold Good exploring the role of faith leadership in peacebuilding. Over 40 people attended the event at the Playhouse included Bishop Andrew Forster, Bishop Donal McKeown, Rev David Skuce and others. March saw Ulster University, Magee Campus host the lecture Columba’s Sisters by Prof Maeve Callan, focusing on often-overlooked women of the early Church and how their stories can inform modern understandings of inclusion, coinciding with International Women’s Day. The ongoing Columba Conversations series has brought historical insight and contemporary relevance into public dialogue. Christy Gillespie captivated an audience at St Columb’s Hall with his deep knowledge of Columba’s legacy in Donegal and Scotland, weaving together archaeology, folklore, and local memory. Dr Brian Lacey shared his deep knowledge of Columba while Rev David Skuce explored how religion has been both a source of conflict and a pathway to peace at a thoughtful evening at St Columb’s Park House. In April we hosted a Columba walking tour led by Blue Badge guide Michael Cooper, starting at the Columba Heritage Centre and taking in key sites across the city that connect past and present, legend and learning. These events continue to strengthen cross-community engagement and bring Columba’s story into the heart of contemporary conversations about reconciliation. Young people have taken centre stage in this work. Our Columba Champions programme (for 16+) and Columba Camp (for under 16s) are designed to give young people a platform to explore identity, heritage, and reconciliation. Youth groups from both Catholic and Protestant backgrounds have come together through site visits, story-based learning, and creative workshops.