TWO new curates will be ordained priests in St Macartin’s Cathedral, Enniskillen this evening (Wednesday) and embark on the next phase of their ministry in the Church of Ireland Diocese of Clogher.  

Revd Chris Mac Bruithin will serve as Curate in St Macartin’s Cathedral while Revd Philip Bryson has been appointed to Magheraculmoney Parish (Kesh). 

Both men and their respective families have been busy settling into life in Fermanagh over recent weeks. Rev Chris, his wife Sarah and their six week baby son Noah Patrick have taken up residence in the Curatage within the Cathedral complex while the Revd Philip is settling into Kesh with his wife Viola and their four children: Anna, Mia, Tim and Ben. 

Rev Chris, who hails from Ballycastle, previously juggled a nine to five role  as an English teacher with youth work, pastoral visiting, assisting with Sunday School and the weekly services at Christ Church in Derry. 

“One day the rector approached me and said that I was doing too much. He asked if I could give up one of these roles which would it be and without thinking I said it would be my full-time job. That was when I realised that my heart was really in working in the church. I was very happy as a teacher but I felt that I enjoyed this role more,” he told the Herald this week. 

It’s been a busy few weeks for Rev Chris and Sarah what with moving house from the parish of St Augustine’s in Derry where he served as deacon, the birth of their son and starting a new job. The 37-year-old first visited Enniskillen two years ago along 19 other fellow students from the Church of Ireland Theological Institute to take part in a Parish Mission for Holy Week. 

“I really enjoyed my time in Enniskillen, a very friendly town, and with the people in the cathedral. When Enniskillen came up on the curacy list I knew that that was where I wanted to go. It was my number one choice so I was delighted when I opened the envelope saw the name Enniskillen inside,” he added. 

 

 

Belfast native Rev Philip Bryson and his family come to Fermanagh from the parish of St Bartholomew’s in the city. 

“I have been involved with the church for many years now so it seemed like a natural progression. For around 20 years I had been considering ordination but until now the timing wasn’t quite right,” he explained.   

A former family support worker, Rev Philip is looking forward to a more rural lifestyle.

“It’s nice change with beautiful countryside and friendly people. It’s a move for the whole family and an adventure we’re all in together. We’ve all been looking forward to it and will make the most of this new journey.” 

Both men will be ordained by the Bishop of Clogher, the Rt Revd John McDowell at this evening’s service in the Cathedral at 7.30pm.