ARCHBISHOP OF DUBLIN TO ORDAIN TWO DEACONS
IN CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL

The Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr John Neill will ordain two deacons on Sunday 17 June 2007 in Christ Church Cathedral. The two candidates for deacon are Robert Jones and Alan Barr.

Robert Jones (33) is from Rathfarnham in Dublin. After studying in High School, Rathgar and taking a gap year which included travel to Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, he studied Science in UCD. After graduating with a BSc in Forestry and Genetics he worked for Coillte for six years as a Timber Resource Manager part of which he spent in Central America. He is married to Dilys, a PA with McNamara Builders with one son, Ethan and a second expected. He counts rugby and swimming amongst his hobbies. After his ordination, Robert will be Curate in CORE (City Outreach through Renewal and Evangelism) which is based in St Catherine’s Church in Thomas’ Street, Dublin. Speaking on his new post he said “I think I am very excited about what’s happening in the community and how the Church is integrating with the community and seeing the many people that are coming in to the services.” He added that he looks forward to “getting involved with Jon’s [Jonathon Kissell, Priest in Charge of CORE] vision for the city and the community.” Robert will also be working with the Revd Canon Neil McEndoo, Rector of Rathfarnham and Harold’s Cross.

Alan Barr (47) is originally from Dromore Co Down. He was educated in Dromore High School after which he studied Microbiology in Belfast Tech and Jordonstown Poly Tech. He was a Medical Laboratory Scientific Officer in Belfast City Hospital for 8 years before training for membership of the Church Army, an Anglican Lay Society of Evangelists which works with Church planting, the homeless, elderly and young people. He went on to serve 17 years as a Captain in the Church Army. He is married to Liz, who is a sister in the Church Army and they have two children, Ruth (12) and Sarah (10). Following his ordination, Alan will become the new Curate in Bray parish. Speaking about his new post he said he was “very excited, it’s a very exciting parish with a lot happening.” He added that he hopes to do some evangelistic work with people who don’t currently come to church currently “and see if we can encourage them to come along.”

- ENDS –