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06 Sept 2025

Laois based Reverend Alec Purser appointed archdeacon

Alec Purser has been appointed the new archdeacon of Cashel, Ferns, Waterford and Lismore. 

Laois based Reverend Alec Purser appointed archdeacon

Alec Purser has been appointed the new archdeacon of Cashel, Ferns, Waterford and Lismore. 

Reporter:

Laura McLoughlin

21 Feb 2024 10:00 PM

Laois based Reverend Alec Purser has been appointed the new archdeacon of Cashel, Ferns, Waterford and Lismore. 
The announcement was made by the Bishop of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory the Right Reverend Adrian Wilkinson following the resignation of the Venerable Bob Gray from his role as archdeacon on health grounds.
While Archdeacon Purser’s appointment takes immediate effect, he will be licensed and installed at a special service after Easter. 
 Archdeacon Purser was ordained in 2010 into the Non-Stipendiary Ministry and was based in The Abbeyleix & Killermogh Union of Parishes. In 2014 he moved to Stradbally Union of Parishes and transferred to full time ministry in 2020 and is now priest-in-charge of Stradbally Union and Portlaoise, The Rock with Ballyfin. 
 Archdeacons are appointed by the bishop, and their role is to assist the bishop in his or her pastoral care of the diocese, as well as in general oversight and administration. The Diocese of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory has two archdeacons and Archdeacon Purser will be working with Archdeacon Mark Hayden who is Archdeacon of Ossory and Leighlin. 
Bishop Wilkinson said: "I am delighted that Alec Purser has accepted my invitation to take on this additional responsibility. He is a highly regarded priest who has experience of both the non-stipendiary and the full-time stipendiary ministry. The bishop and archdeacons work closely together, and I know Alec will bring many valuable gifts, insights, and abilities to his new role’. 
 
Coming to ministry Rev Alec has journeyed the less direct route, spending his earlier life as farmer, greenkeeper and landscaper and still has that love for everything to do with farming. Alec is married to Gillian and has two children, Emma and Sam. 
 
Archdeacon Purser said: "I am truly honoured by Bishop Wilkinson to be asked to take on this role as Archdeacon, remembering those whose footsteps I follow. I look forward to this new role and the next chapter in ministry."

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