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News
New rector appointed to Grouped Parishes of Trory and Killadeas
Revd Mark Gallagher who has been appointed to the Grouped Parishes of Trory and Killadeas.
A new rector has been appointed to the Grouped parishes of Trory and Killadeas in Clogher Diocese.
The Revd Mark Gallagher, currently serving as curate of Bangor Abbey in the Diocese of Down, has been elected as Incumbent of the Grouped parishes of Trory and Killadeas by a Board of Nomination. The parishes along the eastern shores of Lower Lough Erne have a combined total of 372 parishioners.
The Bishop of Clogher, the Right Revd John McDowell welcoming the appointment, said: “I need hardly say that I am delighted to welcome the Revd Mark Gallagher back into the Diocese, as the incumbent-elect of the Grouped Parishes of Trory and Killadeas. Mark served in the parish of Magheracross as a deacon and will bring his many gifts and enthusiasms to Clogher, now further enhanced by nearly three further years of pastoral experience under an excellent training rector (Canon Ronnie Nesbitt of Bangor Abbey).
“I know too that his new parishioners in Trory and Killadeas will be looking forward to welcoming the Revd Mark and helping him to settle into his new sphere of ministry.”
Following the announcement, Revd Gallagher said: “I am over the moon and although I will be sad to leave Bangor Abbey, I will be excited going to a place (Clogher Diocese) which feels like coming home.”
Revd Gallagher grew up in St. Andrew’s Parish, Killyman, outside Dungannon in Diocese of Armagh where he was involved in Sunday School teaching and youth fellowship as well as organist.
He has a background in science, graduating from Queen’s University Belfast with a 2.1 BSc. Hons. Degree in Medicinal Chemistry and is an Associate Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry and has worked as a research and development chemist.
He obtained his Professional Certificate in Ministry from St. John’s School of Mission, Nottingham before completing his training at the Church of Ireland Theological College, Dublin.
Revd Gallagher served numerous placements during his ministerial training including Kill O’ The Grange, Dublin; Southwark Cathedral and St. Hugh’s, Bermondsey, London and St. James Parish, Moy before his Deacon Internship in Magheracross Parish where he took part in many spheres of worship.
During his term as Curate Assistant in Bangor Abbey Parish which included Clandeboye Chapel and St. Columba’s Kilcooley, Revd Gallagher became proficient in various areas of ordained ministry, working with young people and helping to lead community initiatives, as well as working with the Scout movement and involved in outreach ministry.
During his curacy, Revd. Gallagher pursued a personal ministry passion, helping to resolve issues in the science/faith dialogue. His work in this area has been accredited and resulted in his membership of the Royal Society Chemistry and Society of Ordained Scientists.
He is a keen musician, playing the piano, organ, clarinet and saxophone to worship standard. He also sings at Grade 8/Diploma standard.
In church settings, Revd. Gallagher has been cantor at Choral Evensong each month at Bangor Abbey as well as singing in the choir each Sunday, having also been guest vocalist at concerts.
Another of his interests is children’s party entertainer, as he is a balloon modeller.
Revd. Gallagher describes his style of worship as 'traditional with an occasional twist.'
He said: “The Prayer Book offers a wide variety of services and styles of worship, which come alive when led passionately and engaged with creatively. Vast musical, liturgical and symbolic resources are available and should be utilised. The style of worship is not as important to me as the quality of worship offered. In worship of almighty God, He deserves our best, and all in leadership responsibility must demonstrate this.
“My passion lies in community ministry and faith development. I believe there is a need for good relationships on a personal level between any cleric and the wider parish community. The threshold of the church building should be welcoming to all, and the congregation should feel empowered to share their faith with those around them.”
The date and details of the Institution will be announced in due course.