18.06.2009
Father's Day Ordinations in Christ Church Cathedral
Father's Day (Sunday June 21 2009) will see the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr John Neill ordain four people to the Diaconate in Christ Church Cathedral. As befits Fathers' Day, two of those being ordained are following their fathers into ordained ministry. Ruth Elmes' father is Archdeacon Donald Keegan and Niall Stratford's father is Archdeacon Ralph Stratford. Also being ordained on the day will be Suzanne Harris and David MacDonnell.
Ruth Elmes
Ruth Elmes was born in Dublin but spent time in Tyrone and Offaly, where her father (the Venerable Donald Keegan) was serving as a priest. She was educated in Glengara Park School in Dún Laoghaire. She trained as a nurse in the Adelaide Hospital and worked there, in Beaumont Hospital and Tallaght Hospital. After being involved in parish life at many levels she entered the Church of Ireland Theological College (now Institute) in 2006 to train for full time ministry. She said she "felt a call to ministry for a long time before I stood up and investigated it. Doing that was probably the best thing I've ever done and I've never been happier." She will serve as Curate in Stillorgan and Blackrock and is particularly interested in Bereavement Ministry and Hospital Chaplaincy. In her spare time she enjoys Formula One and Reading. Ruth is widowed with two children, Jessica and Jonathan.
Niall Stratford
Niall Stratford was born in Ballysadare, Co Sligo and educated in Sligo Grammar School and Trinity College Dublin. He went on to work in Insurance in Hibernian Insurance and AXA. Presently he works as a Liability Adjuster for Garwyn. His father is the Venerable Ralph Stratford, former Archdeacon of Tuam, Killala and Achonry. He says he is "absolutely excited" about entering ordained ministry adding "it's a wonderful privilege to be called in the first place and to be allowed to serve. It will undoubtedly be a great challenge." Niall will serve as non-stipendary Curate in St Matthias Parish, Ballybrack. In his spare time he is interested in Ornithology & Travel. Married to Vivian with three children, Nicholas (12), Robin (11) and Amy (6), Niall is particularly interested in children's ministry.
Suzanne Harris
Suzanne Harris grew up in Clondalkin, Dublin and was educated in Kings' Hospital School and Trinity College Dublin where she graduated with a BA (Hons) in Geography and Sociology and a HDip in Education. She taught Geography and Religion in Kilkenny College for four years before going on to work as Lay Chaplain in Newpark Comprehensive. She undertook the Lay Readers course and was commissioned as a Lay Reader in 1996 and has served in Kilternan, Stillorgan and Blackrock and Tullow. After her ordination she will serve as non-stipendary Curate in Booterstown and Mount Merrion. She said she was "very excited" at the prospect of ordained ministry and said she was particularly interested in "youth work, prison ministry and hospital chaplaincy." In her spare time she enjoys Badminton and Tennis. She is married to Richard Meates and they have two children Andrew (13) and Jessica (10).
David MacDonnell
David MacDonnell grew up in Killanney near Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan. He was educated in High School, Carrickmacross and went on to study for a B Ed in Coláiste Mhuire, Marino and Trinity College Dublin, graduating in 2001. He taught for four years in Gaelscoil Chnoc Liamhna (Knocklyon) and during the summers in Coláiste Eoghan Uíchomhraidhe in West Clare. After serving in many capacities in his local parish (Whitechurch) he entered the Church of Ireland Theological College in 2006 to train for full time ministry. He said he felt "a calling from my childhood but it was really when I came to Dublin that I felt that my calling was going to be realised." David will serve as Curate in the Christ Church Cathedral Group of Parishes in inner city Dublin. In his spare time he enjoys reading History, particularly Irish history. He is also a fluent gaelgoir and trad musician.