Added on 22/02/2012

The Rev Andrew Sweeney was instituted as rector of the United Parish of Ballymoney, Finvoy and Rasharkin, Diocese of Connor, on Sunday February 19.

At the institution in Ballymoney, Finvoy and Rasharkin, Diocese of Connor, are, left to right: Canon George Graham, the Mayor of Ballymoney Councillor Stephenson, Ben Sweeney, Rev Andrew Sweeney, Joe Sweeney, Cathy Sweeney, Bishop Alan Abernethy, and George Field, Secretary of Vestry. Photograph by Colin Loughead.

Andrew was formerly Vicar of Cogges, South Leigh and North Leigh in the Diocese of Oxford.

 

A native of Bangor, Co Down, he moved to work in England in 1989. He was ordained in 1996 after completing his training at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, and served his first curacy in Bladon cum Woodstock. In 1999 he was appointed curate of St Patrick’s Coleraine, and he moved to Cogges, Oxford in 2002.

Andrew is married to Cathy and they have two sons, Ben and Joe.

The new rector said: “I am really looking forward to getting to know the people of the parish so they can trust me and know they are in safe hands and to hear from God and them what the plans are for the future development of the parish.”

He added: “It is my hope that we can really engage with the local community and make church known through our words and actions. There are so many people here serving God and making good things happen.”

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For further information please contact:

Karen Bushby
Connor Diocesan Communications Officer

Tel: 028 4066 0798
Mob: 07766 103880
E–Mail: Connor DCO
Web: www.connor.anglican.org