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Bishop appoints new Diocesan Curate

 


Revd Alison Irvine.

The Bishop of Clogher, the Right Revd Dr Ian Ellis has appointed Revd Alison Irvine as Diocesan Curate.

Revd Irvine has been serving as Curate Assistant in Dunboyne and Rathmolyon Unions in the Diocese of Meath and Kildare.

Bishop Ian Ellis welcomed her back to her native diocese, saying; “I am delighted that Revd Alison Irvine has accepted my invitation to become a Diocesan Curate in this Diocese. Alison grew up in Clogher Diocese attending school in Enniskillen. When I was Rector of Rossorry, she spent the student placement year of her training in the parish and we came to appreciate her many talents and warm personality. Since ordination she has served for three years as Assistant Curate in Dunboyne Union in Meath Diocese and has gained much experience of ministry in a wide range of settings. I am most grateful to Bishop Pat Storey and Alison's Rector, Revd Eugene Griffin for liaising with us to allow her to join this diocese in the early New Year. We look forward to Alison returning to Clogher in this unique role providing liturgical and pastoral ministry to a number of vacant parishes under my direction.”

Speaking about her appointment announced at Christmas services, Revd Irvine said; I am very grateful and humbled to be given the opportunity to serve God and minister to the people of Clogher Diocese, as Diocesan Curate. I have lived away through study and for work on a number of occasions and for many years, but each time I felt the pull to come home.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in study, living and working in the Republic of Ireland for the past six years. However, I am excited to start this new chapter working to further God’s Kingdom.

“Throughout my life and wherever I have lived I have actively partaken in Church life within my parish and Diocese, through singing, youth work and committees. During the pandemic we have all suffered greatly from the restrictions placed upon us. As these lift, I look forward to everyone coming together in community and fellowship with song, worship and prayer.

“I look forward to getting to know all those who live within the parishes where I will serve and how best to utilise talents and skills to form closer relationship to Jesus as we live with the challenges created by the pandemic within Church life and daily life.”

A native of Clogher Diocese, Revd Irvine attended Manchester University and before her training for ordination, had a career with the trade union movement.

She served as Deacon-Intern with Revd Isaac Delamere in Tullamore prior to her ordination to the Priesthood in St. Mary’s Church, Maynooth by the Bishop of Meath and Kildare, the Most Revd Pat Storey in September 2018.

She is from a well-known church family in Clogher Diocese; her father, John is a Diocesan Reader and one of her brothers, Adrian, is a Parish Reader.

Revd Irvine is expected to take up her post as Diocesan Curate in February 2022.