Diocesan News
Bishop of Clogher announces Diocesan appointments
The Bishop of Clogher, the Right Revd John McDowell, has announced a number of appointments within the Diocese, including some changes to the Cathedral Chapter.
The Revd Canon Ian Berry, Rector of Monaghan, Tydavnet and Kilmore, is to be Chancellor within the Cathedral Chapter. Canon Berry is heavily involved in Diocesan life and carries additional responsibilities (both formal and informal) in the field of education in County Monaghan. From ancient times, the Chancellor of a cathedral has had a particular involvement with education.
The Revd Canon Kyle Hanlon, Rector of Fivemiletown and Kiltermon, is to be Precentor within the Cathedral Chapter.
Making the announcements, Bishop McDowell said: “Canons Ian Berry and Kyle Hanlon are amongst the longest serving clergy in the Diocese who each in their own spheres and distinctive styles contribute to the wider life of the Diocese and it gives me great pleasure to appoint them to these senior positions within the chapter.”
Canon Berry stated: “I feel honoured to be asked by Bishop John to be Chancellor within the Chapter of the cathedrals, although my family are intrigued as to what my title means.”
Canon Kyle Hanlon who has been working in Clogher Diocese since Easter 2000 said he found encouragement in the words of Jesus recorded in St John chapter 5 where Jesus says: ‘I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life; he has crossed over from death to life.’ He said he felt privileged to be appointed by Bishop John to this role.
Bishop McDowell has also appointed two new Canons.
The Revd Ngozi Njoku, Rector of the Garrison Group, is to be Prebendary of Kilskeery. Bishop McDowell said: “I know that the appointment of the Revd Ngozi Njoku will bring a very different perspective to its deliberations.”
Ms Ngozi described her five years in ministry in Clogher Diocese as a “humbling and exciting challenge” and it was an honour to be asked to take up a new position within the Cathedral Chapter as Prebendary of Kilskeery.
The Revd Paul Thompson, Rector of Derryvullen North and Castle Archdale, is to be Prebendary of Donacavey with the additional roles as Warden of Readers and Co–ordinator of Lay Ministry. The Bishop said: “I am delighted that Revd Paul Thompson has agreed to take over from Chancellor Skuce as Warden of Readers with the additional responsibility for co–ordinating lay ministry. Paul has been in orders for 30 years and has wide experience in professional development within the Church of England. Paul also acts as Tutor in both streams of formation for Ordained Local Ministry. I wish to recognise Paul’s seniority and these considerable responsibilities by appointing him as Prebendary of Donacavey.
Mr Thompson said: “It is an honour to be now appointed by the Bishop to the additional roles of Prebendary of Donacavey, Warden of Readers and Co–Ordinator of Lay Ministry. My late father, Mr Charles Thompson, was a Reader in the Archdiocese of Armagh and I will always be grateful for his example in ministry.”
The Bishop has also appointed two Canons without prebend: the Revd Alan Irwin, Rector of Colaghty, and the Revd Betty Thompson, Non–Stipendiary Minister, looking after the parishes of Derryvullen South and Garvary.
Bishop McDowell said: “The Diocese of Clogher has two canonries which do not have Prebendal stalls (the holders do not have a ‘voice or vote’ in the Cathedral Chapter). These dignities are given to acknowledge service to the Diocese, in the case of the Revd Alan Irwin, as a very effective and hardworking Rural Dean of Kesh and in the case of the Revd Betty Thompson for her work as an NSM in a number of parishes throughout the Diocese and as a way of recognising all non–stipendiary work over the years throughout Clogher.”
Mr Irwin stated: “It was an unexpected surprise being appointed a Canon without prebend, in recognition of my role within the Diocese and I thank Bishop John for the appointment. As rector of Lack or Colaghty I would acknowledge the contribution and support of my parish.”
Ms Thompson said her ministry has taken her on a journey of discipleship serving in parishes in the north and south of the Border.
Bishop McDowell made two further changes: the Revd Canon Mark Watson, Rector of Maguiresbridge and Derrybrusk, is to be Rural Dean of Enniskillen and the Revd John Woods, Rector of Donacavey and Barr, is to be Rural Dean of Kilskeery.
Canon Watson said: “Having never worked in the south–west of the Diocese I am looking forward to getting to know the people and the parochial property of the area.”
The Revd John Woods stated: “I was delighted and honoured to be asked by Bishop John to become Rural Dean of Kilskeery and look forward to the opportunities and challenges this new role will bring.”
The Installations and Welcome will take place at a service in Enniskillen Cathedral on Sunday 16 June at 7.00pm. The preacher will be the Right Revd Patrick Rooke, Bishop of Tuam.
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Clogher
07708 869823
Mr Brian Donaldson
[email protected]