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News
New rector is announced for Rossorry Parish
Archdeacon Stephen McWhirter.
The appointment of a new Rector for Rossorry Parish has been announced by the Bishop of Clogher following a meeting of the Clogher Diocesan Board of Nomination.
The Venerable Stephen McWhirter, who has been serving as Archdeacon of Tuam, Killala and Achonry and Rector of the Killala Group of Parishes in Co. Mayo, has been appointed as the new incumbent of Rossorry.
The Bishop of Clogher, the Right Revd Dr. Ian Ellis, who was the previous Rector of Rossorry, before being elected Bishop in 2020, welcomed Archdeacon McWhirter and his family to the Diocese. He said: “I am very pleased that The Ven. Stephen McWhirter has been appointed as Rector of Rossorry Parish. Archdeacon Stephen joins us from the newly amalgamated dioceses of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe and brings much experience of rural life from the West of Ireland and from his earlier ministry in more urban settings. I am sure that his engaging personality and many talents will be quickly appreciated by Rossorry parishioners and the wider community. I trust that he and he and his family will settle quickly into the parish where I know he will be gladly welcomed. We wish him God’s blessing on this new chapter in his ministry among us.”
Archdeacon Stephen, who is married to Revd Jennifer (Jen) McWhirter and has two daughters, Harvest (26) and Kizzy (7), said he is looking forward to the move to Clogher Diocese.
He said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed life and ministry in the West of Ireland and now look forward to a new chapter in ministry and getting to know the people of Rossorry and, indeed, the wider diocese of Clogher. As a child I spent many happy family holidays in Enniskillen, and in fact Jen and I honeymooned here, and I look forward to living in an area that has always been close to my heart.
“I am excited by the prospect of a context which is both rural and urban and by the new challenges which lie ahead of me. I would like to thank both Bishop Ian and the nominators for the confidence and welcome I have already received. This is a big move for my whole family, especially Kizzy as she contemplates the move to a new school, which I trust will bring blessings for us all.'
He grew up in the Parish of Bangor Abbey and has always been involved in the life of the church, having attended Sunday School, all sections of the Scout Group and singing as a chorister in the Church Choir as well as being a Sunday School teacher and youth leader.
He served in a number of Church of Ireland Parishes in Belfast, Portadown and Lisburn while training for ministry.
He said: “I am currently Rector of the Killala Group which incorporates the Kilmoremoy Union and the Killala Union. This Group comprises of seven churches following the coastline of Killala Bay. I have enjoyed the intimacy of ministry in the West of Ireland and thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to work in, and develop, team ministry.”
He said he has been working in full time ministry since 2001 and has a deep interest in the Church’s sacraments and liturgies and he has a heart for all aspects of pastoral ministry and visitation and loves being with people of all ages.
Archdeacon McWhirter has many interests outside church, enjoying reading and walking as well as participating in country sports such as fishing and shooting. He also paints having a passion for modern art and has other home-based pastimes.
A date for Revd McWhirter’s institution will be announced later.