Two clergy in Clogher Diocese, the Revd Colin Brownsmith and Revd Abraham Storey, have been ordained to the priesthood in the Church of Ireland.

In so doing, they are the first in the diocese following their training in Ordained Local Ministry, a relatively new form of self-supporting ministry which provides those undertaking it to become fully ordained but working in a local context in a diocese under supervision.

Both men had spent the past year working as Deacons.

The service in St. Macartin’s Cathedral, Enniskillen, with the congregation socially distanced and wearing face coverings, was led by the Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Revd John McDowell, who had returned to the Cathedral on the ninth anniversary of his consecration as Bishop of Clogher.

Joining him was the Dean of Clogher, the Very Revd Kenneth Hall; Archdeacon Brian Harper, Archbishop’s Commissary; Canon Colin Moore, Registrar for the Province of Armagh and Canon Paul Thompson, who preached the sermon.

The hymns, “Pour out thy Spirit from on high,” Come Holy Ghost, our souls inspire” and “Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart,” led by members of the Cathedral Choir and accompanied by Mr. Glenn Moore, organist. The readings were by Dean Kenneth Hall.

During the Rite of Ordination, the Archbishop and other clergy present, placed their hands on the heads of the two candidates and both Revd Colin Brownsmith and Revd Abraham Storey were vested with a stole and presented with the Bible by the Archbishop.

The service concluded with the celebration of Holy Communion.

Revd Brownsmith is looking after the pastoral needs and leading services in Lisbellaw parish with Coolbuck while Revd Storey is continuing with his ministry with Maguiresbridge and Derrybrusk parishes.