Diocesan News
Appointment of priest–in–charge of Youghal Union of Parishes and part–time chaplain to Midleton College
The appointment is announced of the Ven. Andrew Orr (who is currently Rector of the Tullow Group of Parishes in the United Dioceses of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory, and Archdeacon of Ossory and Leighlin) to serve half–time as priest–in–charge of Youghal Union of Parishes in the United Dioceses of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, and also as part–time Chaplain to Midleton College, County Cork. This is a new post within the United Dioceses of Cork, Cloyne and Ross that has been developed by the Bishop and Diocesan Council with the imaginative energy and commitment of the people of Youghal Union of Parishes, as well as the Principal and Boards of Midleton College.
Andrew was born in Belfast. He attended Sullivan Upper School in Holywood, Co. Down, before studying for a B.Sc. (Hons) in Geology and Physical Geography at the University of Sheffield. He was awarded a Bachelor of Theology from TCD in 1992 and was ordained deacon the same year.
He served a curacy in the parish of Ballymacash in Lisburn, before moving south to become Rector of the Castlecomer Group of Parishes in the Diocese of Ossory. In 2000, he followed Bishop Colton to become Rector of Castleknock and Mulhuddart with Clonsilla in northwest Dublin. In that fast growing and diverse parish, he became deeply involved in interfaith dialogue with the new Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and Orthodox communities. He returned in 2009 to the Diocese of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory to become Rector of the Tullow Group of Parishes on the borders of Carlow and Wicklow. Bishop Michael Burrows appointed him Archdeacon of Ossory and Leighlin in 2014.
A lifelong interest in environmental issues led to him becoming Church of Ireland representative and then Chair of Eco Congregation Ireland, as well as representing the Church on other bodies such as the Anglican Communion Environmental Network. He and his wife Susan have three children, Rachel (21), Patrick (19) and Ciara (17).
Andrew says: ‘I am very much looking forward to coming to minister in the beautiful setting of Youghal Union, and also undertaking the exciting role of chaplain in Midleton College.
‘I’m sad to be leaving our many friends in the Tullow Group and the wider diocese after more than nine very happy years but this is a fascinating opportunity to work in different settings with both parishioners and young people from a wide range of backgrounds.
‘Susan and I are very excited to be getting to know the people and places of East Cork.’
The Principal of Mildeton College, Dr Edward Gash, welcoming the appointment says: ‘I am delighted with the appointment of Andrew Orr to the post of Chaplain of Midleton College. Andrew will carry on the good work of previous lay Chaplains and the local clergy in supporting the inclusive Church of Ireland ethos of our school. Andrew brings a wealth of experience in the spiritual development of young people and I look forward to welcoming him into the Midleton College community.’
Bishop Paul Colton adds: ‘This is an exciting new position based on creative thinking and developing, in an imaginative way, the diocesan partnership with Midleton College, and harnessing the considerable synergy of people in the East Cork area with the College also. The people of Youghal Union, in line with our Diocesan programme Charting a Future with Confidence, have also shown imagination and flexibility in taking this step of faith.’
‘I am thrilled that Andrew Orr, someone with experience, calibre and immense gifts has felt called to this position. This post presents wonderful opportunities in ministry, in Parish and College alike. He will be a great addition to our Diocesan team.’
Youghal Union, centred on the historic town of Youghal and the Collegiate Church of Saint Mary (an historic medieval church and one of the oldest and most important ecclesiastical buildings in Ireland), includes also the seaside town of Ardmore in County Waterford and the rapidly growing village of Castlemartyr. There are historic and contemporary family and personal connections between the parish and Midleton College in the neighbouring parish. Midleton College is a prestigious Church of Ireland, co–educational, boarding and day school – founded in 1696 – and has an enrolment of 415 pupils, 35 teaching staff and another 35 non–teaching and coaching employees.
Diocesan Media & Information Technology Officer
087 7055 989
Ms Denise Stobart
media@corkchurchofireland.com