• 08 September 2019

Revd Jonathan Brown reflects on his deacon year

Between September 2018 and June 2019, I had the great privilege of serving as a Deacon at the Cathedral Church of Christ the Redeemer, Dromore. 

It’s hard to believe that my time at the Cathedral has come and gone. I have loved every minute of it. It has been such a joyful and enriching time which far surpassed my hopes and expectations. Moving on now feels like leaving friends and family behind. 

I am tremendously grateful to the Dean, the Very Revd Geoff Wilson for all he invested in me this year as mentor, trainer and pastor, and; to Revd Trevor McKeown for his collegiality, support and encouragement, and; to everyone at the Cathedral for their welcome, warmth, and care.

Although this last year has proven a steep learning curve in coming face to face with the daily reality of ministry, it has only whetted my appetite for the full–time curacy which lies ahead. I am very much looking forward to starting at Hillsborough Parish Church under Canon Dr Bryan Follis and getting to know everyone there. It’s a very exciting time to work with the whole team and congregation as we share the truth of Jesus Christ, care and grow like him together as a family.

A verse of Scripture very important to me is Zephaniah 3:17: “The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” (NIV) This is our God – a mighty saviour who delights in his children and being in their midst.

Bishop Harold ordained Jonathan as Presbyter for the curacy of Hillsborough on 8 September 2019.