Diocesan News
New incumbent appointed to Magheraculmoney Parish, Clogher Diocese
The Revd Francis Rutledge, Bishop’s Curate in Christ Church Primacy, Bangor, in the Diocese of Down, has been nominated as the new incumbent of Ardess Parish Church, Parish of Magheraculmoney, Kesh, in the Diocese of Clogher.
Mr Rutledge has served in parishes around Ireland before taking up his present incumbency in Bangor 15 years ago.
In a statement, he 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.
A native of Belfast, Mr Rutledge was ordained to the Priesthood 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 his present position at Christ Church, Bangor, which is 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 who has a B.A, (Hons) in Social Administration from Ulster University and a B.Th. from Trinity College, Dublin, says he enjoys being with family and friends and meeting up with people. He also enjoys walking with his Golden Retriever dogs and reading.
Mr Rutledge and his wife, Julie, have four grown–up children and four grandchildren.
The Service of Institution will be announced later.
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Clogher
07708 869823
Mr Brian Donaldson
clogherdco@btinternet.com