Diocesan News07 Jan 09

Institution of New Rector at Kilkeel (Down & Dromore)

The Revd Kenneth McGrath was instituted as Rector of the Parish of Kilkeel by the Rt Revd Harold Miller on The Feast of the Epiphany, Tuesday 6th January. The institution took place in Christ Church Parish Church in the centre of the fishing town of Kilkeel.

Ken, former Vicar of Christ Church Cathedral, Lisburn in the Diocese of Connor succeeds the Revd Gary Millar, who became Rector of the Parish of St Paul and St Barnabas, York Street, Belfast in June 2008. The Preacher at the institution was the Revd Canon Sam Wright, Rector of Lisburn Cathedral. 

A former teacher at Sullivan Upper School in Holywood and Principal of North Coast Integrated College, Ken and his wife, Annette, also taught in a Nairobi School for five years. In the midst of their time in Kenya, the couple had the opportunity to adopt two Kenyan babies. Ken says "Charlotte and John remain a wonderful gift from God 14 years on!"

Ken was Ordained Curate at Lisburn Cathedral in June 2003 and was instituted as Vicar (Development of new Ministries) at a special service in Lisburn Cathedral in  January 2006. The approach came from Kilkeel Parish when Ken was into his 6th year ministering at Lisburn Cathedral.  "The call to Kilkeel is one we feel excited by and we are now looking forward to the years ahead expectantly" said Ken.

The Rt Revd Harold Miller welcomed Ken, Annette, Charlotte and John to Kilkeel and spoke of his delight that they have been called to minister in such a vibrant and energetic parish.