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News

New rector appointed to Rossorry Parish

 

The Revd Dr Ian Ellis had been appointed as Rector of Rossorry Parish. Rossorry, which is the second largest parish in the diocese of Clogher, is located on the outskirts of Enniskillen. The vacancy arose during the early summer when the previous incumbent, the Very Revd Arthur Barrett, took up the position of Dean of Raphoe.

Dr Ellis is currently Secretary to the Church of Ireland Board of Education NI. He graduated from Queen's University Belfast in 1979 with a BSc in Physics, completed a PGCE and taught in Antrim Grammar school until 1986 when he began training for the ordained ministry in the Church of Ireland. He graduated from Trinity College Dublin and the Church of Ireland Theological College in 1989 with a BTh and was ordained to serve as curate assistant in St Mark's Armagh from 1989-1991. He was then appointed rector of the grouped parishes of Loughgall and Grange also in Armagh diocese, where he remained until taking up his current position in 2002. He completed a Doctorate in Education at the School of Education at Queen's University Belfast in 2013 and his topic was a study of the relationship between pupils spiritual development and school ethos.

In his current role he advises the Board of developments in education in Northern Ireland and represents it at all levels of education in Northern Ireland. He works closely with the education secretaries of the Presbyterian and Methodist churches through the Transferor Representatives Council (TRC) of which he is secretary. He also provides advice to parishes and dioceses on the implementation of Safeguarding Trust - the Church's child protection code. His work also supports children's ministry including being a member of the organising group for the Building Blocks Children's ministry conferences.

His other interests include: being an occasional contributor to BBC Radio Ulster 'Thought for the Day', sketching/watercolour painting, travel and music playing the guitar in an amateurish way!

Ian is married to Heather and they have three grown up children: Mark, Timothy and Naomi. They live in Portadown and worship in Seagoe parish in the Diocese of Dromore. Heather is a Human Resource professional and has retired from the Southern Health and Social Services Trust. Heather is currently Coordinator of Fund raising and Communications for Down and Dromore Diocesan Mothers' Union. Her other interests include: Rotary International, volunteering with: the Trussell Trust Food Bank, and 'Roots of Empathy' - a classroom programme for primary school children.

Ian comments: 'I am really pleased and honoured to be appointed to Rossorry parish and look forward to getting to know the parishioners. It will be a great privilege to live and serve God in the beautiful surroundings of Enniskillen.'

Commenting on Ian's appointment, the Bishop of Clogher, the Rt Revd John McDowell, said 'I am delighted that Dr Ellis is to become the rector of Rossorry. He brings many gifts to the parish and to the diocese. Along with his many friends throughout the Church of Ireland I wish him well as he and Heather settle into parish life.'