Diocesan News
New rector instituted to Parish of Magheraculmoney
The institution has taken place by Zoom of the Revd Francis Rutledge, as Rector of Magheraculmoney Parish, Kesh.
Mr Rutledge had been serving as Bishop’s Curate in Christ Church Primacy, Bangor, in the Diocese of Down, and had also served in parishes around Ireland before taking up his present incumbency in Bangor 15 years ago.
The institution was conducted by Archdeacon Brian Harper, Archbishop’s Commissary, and among those taking part included the Bishop of Down and Dromore, the Right Revd David McClay, who preached a short sermon.
Also attending the institution by Zoom was the Rural Dean for Kesh, Canon Alan Irwin and the Provincial Registrar, Canon Colin Moore.
Representatives from Magheraculmoney Parish also took part.
Mr Rutledge said he was looking forward to a new chapter in his ministry.
“This has been a great journey and we really believe our move to Ardess is a call from God. As followers of Jesus, we are excited about being Gospel players in a new local community and living out the Biblical drama together,” he said.
Mr Rutledge was ordained in 1987 and served as Curate in Holywood Parish Church between 1986–1989 followed by a curacy of almost two years in Willowfield Parish, Belfast.
In 1991, Mr Rutledge was instituted as Rector of St Hilda’s Church, Belfast, and he was later appointed Rector of Carrigrohane Union of Parishes in the Diocese of Cork where he served until 2004.
Mr Rutledge was briefly in Clogher Diocese, serving in Donacavey and Barr before his appointment to Christ Church, Bangor, a shared church with a Methodist congregation.
He has been heavily involved in the Christians Against Poverty movement and reaching out to the local community.
Mr Rutledge and his wife, Julie, have four grown–up children and four grandchildren.
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Clogher
07708 869823
Mr Brian Donaldson
clogherdco@btinternet.com