Rev Marcus Hart appointed rector of Parish of Skerry, Rathcavan and Newtowncrommelin

St Patrick’s Parish Church, Broughshane.

(Image: Keith Steele)

The Rev Marcus Hart, currently curate at Christ Church, Ware in Hertfordshire, has been appointed the new rector of the Parish of Skerry, Rathcavan and Newtowncrommelin, which includes St Patrick’s Parish Church in Broughshane.

Rev Hart, who will soon return to Northern Ireland with his family, brings with him a rich background in ministry, education and youth engagement. His appointment marks a homecoming for both him and his wife, Jude, as they settle into parish life in the heart of County Antrim.

The couple are both originally from Northern Ireland. Marcus grew up in Lisburn, while Jude hails from Ballymena. Together, they have two young children — a three-year-old daughter and a three-month-old son.

Marcus and Jude Hart

Rev Hart holds a degree in Civil Engineering from Queen’s University Belfast (2015), a PGCE in Secondary Mathematics with Qualified Teacher Status (2016), and a BA in Theology from St Mellitus College (2019–2022).

Before entering ordained ministry, he worked in education, teaching mathematics at Thames Christian School in London, and served in youth ministry through roles with Scripture Union NI and St Mark’s Church, Battersea Rise.

Ordained in the Church of England, Rev Hart undertook his curacy at Christ Church, Ware, beginning in July 2022. His ministerial journey has included a variety of outreach efforts, from mission trips to Zambia and Tanzania, to volunteering as a rugby coach and youth leader.

Speaking about his new appointment, Rev Hart shared his enthusiasm for returning to Northern Ireland and for serving in Broughshane:

“St Patrick’s is a church that is embedded in its community and seeks to reach those outside the Church and to grow those who are inside it,” he said.

“I hope to bring a heart that is passionate for Jesus, that encourages those in St Patrick’s to grow in their relationship with him and enables them to go live that faith out. Jude and I can’t wait to meet everyone and start forming relationships with the whole church.”

In addition to his ministry, Rev Hart enjoys rugby — though he now mostly watches rather than plays — along with fitness, hiking, cold water swimming, travel, and time with his family.

A date for the Service of Institution at St Patrick’s Parish Church, Broughshane, will be confirmed in due course.