A former school teacher will be ordained in St Columb’s Cathedral on Sunday, September 8.

Before beginning his theological studies Peter spent eight years as a teacher in the history Department of Lisneal College. He lives in Moneymore but is originally from Tobermore. His journey towards ordination involved being an active member of his home parish as well as training to be a Lay reader in the diocese.

Peter is married to Kim and they are expecting their first child in December. During his theological training he has acquired a lot of experience in different situations. He has undertaken parish placements in Christ Church Castledawson, Holy Trinity Rathmines, and All Saints Clooney.

Having finished his studies at the Church of Ireland Theological Institute Peter will take up his post as a deacon-intern in the grouped parishes of Maghera and Killelagh. Nestled as they are at the foot of the Sperrin Mountains these parishes are centred around Maghera and Swatragh.

Rev Isaac Hanna is the Rector of the grouped parishes. Looking forward to Peter joining the staff team he described the parishes, “They represent a place that is rich in history and spiritual legacy but that is working hard to live that out in a way that is engaging and relevant to life at the beginning of the twenty-first century”

Working out this vision for the parish means working towards a variety in expressions of worship, where both tradition and diversity live in unity. It also includes a commitment to an ever-increasing parish engagement with the wider community.

A spokesperson for the diocese said “We are really looking forward to having Peter as a member of the diocesan clergy team. With a lot of life experience and skills he will be a great fit for the parishes of Maghera and Killelagh”.

The preacher at the Ordination Service will be Rev Patricia Storey, Rector of St Augustine’s.