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News
Announcement of new Rector appointed to Cleenish and Mullaghdun parishes
Revd Canon Jennifer McWhirter.
The Revd Canon Jennifer McWhirter has been nominated by the Board of Nomination and appointed by the Bishop of Clogher to be Rector of Cleenish and Mullaghdun.
Canon McWhirter, wife of Revd Stephen McWhirter, recently instituted Rector of Rossorry Parish, is currently Rector of Aughaval Group of Parishes in the Diocese of Tuam.
Bishop Ian Ellis, commenting on the appointment said; “I am very pleased with the appointment of the Revd Canon Jennifer McWhirter as Rector of the parishes of Cleenish and Mullaghdun. Canon Jennifer joins us from the Diocese of Tuam where she is rector of one of the most westerly groups of parishes in Ireland. Her skills, experiences and wide interests will I believe, soon be recognised, and appreciated by her new parishioners’.
Revd Canon McWhirter said she was delighted with the news.
“I am delighted, and indeed honoured, to have been appointed as the Rector of Cleenish and Mullaghdun and I would like to thank the Bishop and nominators for their confidence in me. It has been such an answer to prayer,” she said.
“While Stephen was instituted in Rossorry at the beginning of November I have remained in my current parish in Co. Mayo and this appointment will mean the end to these days of being apart. It is great for us as a family, especially as Kizzy has already settled so well into her new school, Jones Memorial Primary School. I look forward with excitement to the new challenge ahead and to finding my feet in and meeting the people of Cleenish and Mullaghdun.”
A native of Co. Antrim, Revd Canon McWhirter was ordained as a Deacon in 2004 and a year later as priest. She served as Curate Assistant in St. Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast and assistant priest in St. Nicholas Parish, Belfast before being appointed Rector of the United Parishes of Templepatrick and Donegore.
In 2013, Revd. Canon McWhirter she took on the role of Church of Ireland Co-ordinator of CME at the Church of Ireland Theological Institute in Dublin as well as Co-ordinator of Internship Pastoral Studies.
Since going to the west of Ireland, Revd Canon McWhirter has been involved in many spheres of ministry and diocesan life, including being a member of the Diocesan Council, Children and Youth Ministry Co-ordinator as well as various committees and in recent years was appointed the Safeguarding Trust trainer for the diocese and Editor of the diocesan magazine, “Tidings.” She has also represented the diocese on central church bodies in Dublin.
In September this year, Revd Canon McWhirter became a Chapter Canon of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin.
She has served on numerous educational committees including boards of governors of schools.
She says she values integrity and loyalty in ministry and is passionate about a vision of a ‘ministry of all people.” Mission work is also important to her.
Revd Canon McWhirter is trained in sign language for the deaf community and has also had close working ecumenical relationships.
Her interests include art, needlecraft, sailing, walking and country pursuits as well as having a love for music.
A date for the institution of Revd. Canon McWhirter in Cleenish and Mullaghdun will be announced later.