Former musician appointed rector of Eglantine Parish

Monday May 11th 2015

The Rev Jason Kernohan has been appointed rector of Eglantine Parish.

The Rev Jason Kernohan, one time lead singer of The Jason Kernohan Band, has been appointed rector of Eglantine Parish.

Jason, who has been Curate Assistant in the Parish of Drumachose, Diocese of Derry, since his ordination as a Deacon in 2010, will bring his love of music with him as he embarks on his first incumbency.

The 36-year-old is looking forward to returning to his home diocese of Connor. He grew up in Ballymena, attended Cambridge House Boys’ Grammar School and was a parishioner of St Patrick’s Ballymena.

He set up a parish music group, and was involved in Bible Study and House Groups, the choir and was a Parish Reader.

Jason made music his full time job when he left school, fronting his own band and releasing three albums and a DVD. He plays piano, violin and accordion, and described his band’s music as middle of the road, country, folk and Irish.

In 2007 Jason stepped away from his music career to train for the ministry in Dublin, but he has never lost his love of music – or of performing. He still sings in concerts, and last year he joined with a local Roman Catholic Priest to record a CD as part of a PEACE III project. The CD raised £10,000, which was divided between the two parishes.

“Music is still a big part of my life,” said Jason. “Music ministry is something I feel is very important, it inspires people. As St Augustine said ‘he who sings prays twice.’”

Looking ahead to his move to Eglantine Jason said: “I am looking forward to coming back to my home diocese and to the challenges of a new ministry in a new place. I am looking forward to getting to know the people of Eglantine and to journeying with them and to hopefully building up youth organisations in the parish.”

Jason’s institution in Eglantine will take place on a date to be confirmed.