New deacons ordained for Connor Diocese

Two of the six will serve at Newtownabbey churches. Brendan O’Loan, ordained for St Patrick’s, Jordanstown will serve in the Ordained Local Ministry, while Alan McCracken was ordained for the United Parish of Ballynure and Ballyeaston.

This was the Rt Rev George Davison’s first ordination service since he was consecrated Bishop of Connor on September 3. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the service was open to invited guests only.

Commenting, Rev Alan McCracken said: “I grew up in Newtownabbey and as a family we worshipped in St John’s, Whitehouse. I was a member of the Boys’ Brigade, and the organisation played an important part in my young life as it let me meet new friends but, most importantly, it introduced me to the Gospels and the teaching of Christ.

“As a young lad, I had my heart set on joining the Army, so aged 17, I signed up for a life in the military, serving with the Royal Irish Rangers.

“After serving my time, I returned home and was married to Karen. I began working as a financial consultant, and completed my Financial Planning Certificate of the Chartered Insurance Institute in London. I worked in this sector for several years, but I missed army life, so in 2008, I re-enlisted into the Army Reserve, serving with the 2nd Battalion Royal Irish Regiment.

“Throughout my life, I have always had this voice in my head calling me to Christ which I ignored until I could no longer do so. I had a strong vocation to share my faith with others, I gave my life to Christ to let him choose the path I would take.

“Through the support of my friends, family, clergy and my local church, I began to explore my faith more deeply. After a meeting with the then Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev Alan Abernethy, and the Diocesan Director of Ordinands, the Rev Canon Will Murphy, I began my vocational journey.”

Rev McCracken added: “I completed the Church of Ireland Foundation Course which led me on the journey to study for my Master’s Degree in Theology at the Church of Ireland Theological Institute.

“My journey of faith has been a fantastic experience so far with the help and support of my wife Karen; my placement church rectors; the lecturers and students at the Theological Institute in Dublin; and my work colleagues, who have travelled with me over the years, supporting me through the ups and downs on my journey to Ordained Ministry. I thank you all for your support.

“I am excited to be serving my Deacon Internship at The United Parish of Christ Church and St John’s alongside the Rev Jonny Campbell-Smyth. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone, getting my sleeves rolled up and getting stuck in to further the Kingdom of God.”

The Rev Brendan O’Loan explained: “I am currently in training to be an Ordained Local Minister OLM, working within St Patrick’s, Jordanstown, and very much looking forward to my diaconate ordination.

“Dora and I have been married for 22 years and we have three wonderful children, Rachael, Robbie and Corey, and three grandchildren with another little one expected in October.

“I was brought up as a Catholic in north Belfast, but became a member of the Church of Ireland more than 20 years ago when I married; and this is where my journey towards ordination began.

“The Rev John Mann (later Dean of Belfast) who was then the rector, asked in passing one day if I had ever considered becoming a minister in the Church. At this stage I had just accepted a Head of Department role at Hazelwood Integrated College in Belfast and felt that my true vocation, at this stage, lay in teaching.

“It was not until recently that things dramatically changed. As a member of St John’s and St Ninian’s Parish, I remember listening to the Rev Elaine O’Brien’s sermon on vocation and feeling that God was telling me to follow Him.

“The more I tried to ignore this request, the stronger I felt it. Having talked it over with my wife, the next step was to talk to John Mann and before I knew it I was sitting in front of Bishop Alan Abernethy who was praying with me that I be able to discern God’s call for me.

The process of discernment took time. Initially I had felt that the path I was called to follow was that of a full-time minister, and through a series of positive encounters I now find myself in St Patrick’s Jordanstown as their OLM candidate.”

He added: “Over the past three years, the rector, the Rev Canon Nigel Baylor, the Select Vestry and parishioners have afforded me support, valuable advice and every opportunity to get involved within the life of the parish, from preaching and leading services to getting involved in holiday Bible club and visiting parishioners.

“The experience has been extremely positive as I would consider St Patrick’s to be very much my spiritual home.

“As I take the next step towards becoming a minister, I am reminded that my path has been shaped through encounters with others and how each experience has impacted on me. It is with gladness, and a hint of anticipation, that I look forward to whatever the future holds.

“I would ask that you pray for me and my family and for all those who live within the parish of Jordanstown.”

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