A new Presbyterian chaplain for Ulster University Belfast has been formally inducted at a service held by North Belfast Presbytery in Ballysillan.
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New Presbyterian chaplain inducted at Ulster University Belfast
Rev James O’Neill was inducted into the new role at the service on Tuesday 8 September, which was led by the Presbytery Moderator, Rev Dave Currie, and attended by the Moderator of the General Assembly, Right Rev Dr Richard Kerr.
Rev O’Neill’s appointment forms part of PCI’s fresh city-wide approach to university chaplaincy in Belfast, bringing chaplains from across the city together as part of a wider Belfast chaplaincy team. The approach aims to strengthen the Christian presence and pastoral support available to students and staff across Belfast’s universities.
Welcoming Rev O’Neill to the Presbytery, Mr Trevor Long, Clerk of the North Belfast Presbytery said: “It was an honour to be involved in the induction of Rev James O’Neill to the service of university chaplaincy for the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. In his role he will be able to touch the lives of students in a way in which individual congregations may not be able to. We want to encourage James and pray for God’s blessing on him as he begins this new chapter in his ministry and service.”
Speaking at the service on behalf of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland’s Council for Mission in Ireland, Rick Hill underlined the importance of university chaplaincy as a strategic ministry, particularly during a formative period in the lives of students.
“University is a significant season of shaping for every student,” Mr Hill said. “For some, it will be the first time they have seriously engaged with questions of faith. For others, it may be a place where difficult experiences, doubts or questions surface, and for many, it may be the first time they encounter a Christian who is willing to listen, care and walk alongside them.”
Rev O’Neill, who previously served as minister of Newmills and Carland Presbyterian Churches in Co Tyrone, was warmly welcomed into the role, along with his family, Zoe and Margot. Supporting this new appointment were the Council for Mission in Ireland, in conjunction with the local Presbytery. The service was also attended by members of the wider Ulster University Belfast chaplaincy team, including Gail Mercer and Fr Gerard Clarke.
Following his induction Rev O’Neill said, “I feel privileged to be stepping into this new role within the wider Belfast chaplaincy team. As the new university term commences, it is with prayerful anticipation that I look forward to getting involved in this work and supporting the students during their time at university.”
The appointment marks a new chapter in Presbyterian university chaplaincy in Belfast, with Rev O’Neill joining colleagues from across the city in seeking to serve the university community through pastoral care, hospitality and Christian witness.