A new priest has been welcomed in Aled Mission Area to look after the communities of Abergele, Pensarn, and St George.

The Revd Noel McGarrigle was licensed by the Bishop of St Asaph at a special service at St Michael’s Church in Abergele on Sunday 7 September.

Noel McGarrigle has been a Christian for as long as he can remember and finally listened to God’s call to priestly ministry in 2017, after having worked in the business sector for over ten years. Noel was ordained in Liverpool Cathedral in 2020 and since then has served in Liverpool and Chester dioceses, most recently as vicar for St Paul’s, Helsby.

Noel hails from Strabane, in the northwest of Ireland, and is married to Siân, a psychotherapist.  They have two boys, Ethan (16) and Elijah (7).

“It is good to welcome Noel to the diocese,” said the Rt Revd Gregory Cameron. “Noel is enthusiastic about growing churches and reaching out to people of all ages. We look forward to the energy and drive he brings to taking the good news of Jesus to a wide cross-section of the community.”

In his leisure time Noel enjoys many sports, especially football and supporting Liverpool. He also loves exploring the outdoors, going to the cinema, and listening to all types of music.

In asking for people’s prayers as he starts his new ministry, Noel said: “I’m really looking forward to being in Wales and learning the language and culture. I love seeing how the Church can be a positive influence in the lives of the communities she serves, and I will endeavour to develop this relationship in Abergele, Pensarn, and St George.”