Press Releases
Appointment of next Dean of Armagh
The Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Revd Dr Robin Eames, has appointed the Ven. Patrick Rooke to be the next Dean of Armagh in succession to the Very Revd Herbert Cassidy on his retirement.
Archdeacon Rooke is currently Rector of Agherton Parish, Portstewart, and Archdeacon of Dalriada. He is also Chair of the Church of Ireland?s Hard Gospel Committee, and a co-opted member of the Standing Committee.
Dr Eames said he was very pleased with the appointment, ?I am delighted that the Archdeacon has accepted my invitation to the position of Dean of Armagh and Keeper of the historic Robinson library. I know the new Dean will bring with him an intimate knowledge of the diocese having previously served as Rector in Tandragee.?
Archdeacon Rooke said, ?Whilst sad to leave Portstewart and Connor Diocese, I feel privileged to have been offered this appointment and I am excited by the challenge it presents. I would hope to build on the sound liturgical tradition in Armagh, to develop the strong links that already exist between the Cathedral and the parishes of the Diocese, and to provide a welcome and hospitable environment for all who come to visit on ?the hill of St Patrick?. I hope that the atmosphere at the Cathedral and its environs could be further cultivated to become a central place of retreat and spiritual renewal.?
Archdeacon Rooke is married to Alison and they have three children. His installation at the Cathedral will be on Thursday 27 April 2006.
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Notes:
Archdeacon Rooke was ordained in 1978. He served as Curate in Mossley Parish (Connor) and then in Ballywillan Parish, Portrush. In 1983 he became Rector of Craigs, Dunaghy and Killagan and in 1985 was appointed Rural Dean of Ballymena.
In 1988 he became Rector, Ballymore Parish, Tandragee (Armagh) and from 1992 was appointed Assistant Provincial and Diocesan Registrar. In 1993 he was appointed Honorary Vicar Choral of St Patrick?s Cathedral, returning to Connor Diocese as Rector of Agherton in 1994.
He is also Chairman of Connor Diocesan Training Council, Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Good Book Shop, Belfast,
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