Trio of local parishes get new Rector

A native of Lurgan, John is married to Margot and they have two grown-up daughters, Stephanie and Rachel.

John, whose first job was with Michelin Tyres in Mallusk where he worked for 11 years, was ordained in the Non-Stipendary Ministry in 2007, and served curacies in the Parish of Skerry, Rathcavan and Newtowcrommelin (Broughshane) and the Parish of St Michael, Belfast, before switching to Stipendary Ministry and moving to

Ballymena Parish three years ago.

Before ordination, John was Deputation Secretary with Irish Church Missions, and in that role focused on helping people with social issues including drugs and alcohol dependency.

He supported families who had lost a loved one through suicide and set up groups in Northern Ireland to deal with suicide related issues.

John was a member of the former Connor Training Council and currently serves on Connor Diocesan Council. His interests include walking, golf and ‘watching all sports’.

A Service of Institution will take place in St Jude’s Church, Muckamore, on Wednesday, June 28, at 8pm.

John said: “This is a good time to move. It will give us a chance to settle in before activities all begin again in September. It is a challenge as there is a lot of outreach work going on in the area, and I am looking forward to visiting people and reaching out to the community. That is what I most enjoy.”