The Rev Jacob Mercer will be introduced as Priest-in-Charge of St Brigid’s Parish Church, Mallusk, on May 31, with the service beginning at 7.30pm.

Jacob, 33, was previously curate of St James and St Anne’s, Bermondsey, in the Diocese of Southwark, London. He is married to Rebecca and they have three young children.

A native of Hartfordshire, Jacob has worked in Christian Ministry for the past 11 years, and was ordained in 2018. Rebecca is from Templepatrick and her father, the Rev Peter McCausland, was ordained an OLM deacon for Templepatrick and Donegore last September.

Jacob spent a year in Belfast from 2011-12. “I am looking forward to meeting everyone and getting to know people not only in the church but in the surrounding area,” he said.