Meet the team
Rev. Willie Nixon
Rector
Rev’d Willie Nixon. Willie is married to Caroline and has three grown up children. Willie began life as a dairy farmer and on responding to God’s call to ministry was ordained in 2000. He has served in five parishes and worked as a Prison Chaplain before coming to Banbridge. Willie is a passionate Bible teacher and is deeply committed to making Christ known through faithful Bible teaching and prayerful pastoral care. Willie is our Rector and leads the Church. He loves his mini-breaks in the sun and is an avid Ireland and Ulster rugby fan!
Cosmin is married to Rachel, who is involved in ministry among women and children. He travelled from the heart of Transylvania (Romania) to Belfast Bible College where he completed his theological training. In 2005 he joined the ministry staff at All Saints’ Church, Belfast, as a student worker. From 2009-2011, he joined the team of IFES Ireland: The Christian Unions as a campus staff worker in Dublin, and from 2011 he joined Friends International in Belfast, where he has worked with international students. After working in the banking system, in 2001 Cosmin started ordination at the Theological College in Dublin. After he was ordained, Cosmin served as a curate assistant in Holywood Parish and now serves a second curacy in Banbridge.
Rev. Cosmin Pascu
Curate
Ava Jordan-Curasi
Youth and Families Worker
Originally from California, Ava went on her first mission trip at 13. That trip opened her eyes to a calling in ministry. Ava worked for an organisation that focused on teens and missions, traveling extensively on short term trips. One of those trips brought Ava to Northern Ireland and she felt the call of the Lord to move. Ava has a Masters degree in Theology and has been working at Banbridge Church of Ireland since 2019. Ava is full of energy and is passionate about the discipleship of the ‘whole family’ and works hard to see our young families growing in faith.
Raymond is married to Ali and they have two children still at school. He grew up in east Belfast and after many years of working in multiple sectors he heard the call of the Lord to ministry. After completing a Bachelor’s in Theology at Belfast Bible College Raymond led a Church of Ireland Parish on the Ards Peninsula and the ‘Ards Connect’ Diocesan outreach. He is passionate about worship, reaching the lost and seeing us mature in the faith. Raymond is our Worship, Evangelism & Discipleship Ministry Associate. Raymond is currently a Church of Ireland Ordinand and is studying on the non-residential pathway of the MTh course at CITI.
Raymond McClure
Ministry Associate
Rev. Rory Corbet
NSM
Rev’d Dr Rory Corbett. Rory is married to Jane and is now a grandpa. He worked as a Consultant Dermatologist and was ordained a non-stipendary minister in 2005 to the Parish of Aghalee. Now retired from medical practice, Rory is the longest serving member of the ministry team, having joined the Parish in 2013. He ministers part-time with us and is passionate about building unity in God’s church. Rory is our ‘Emeritas’ Clergyman who leads services, presides at Communion, visits the housebound. He loves dog-walking and being Jane’s assistant in the garden!
Diane Ruddock (OBE). Diane is married to Myrddin and has grown up children. Diane has recently retired from the role of External Affairs Manager in the National Trust. Diane volunteers in the Parish in several ministry roles, overseeing Housebound visitation and our Life Group ministries. She also serves on the Select Vestry and on a number of local diocesan and central Church committees. Diane is our Diocesan Reader and is an enthusiastic, faithful preacher and leader in our Church services. Diane and her husband run a small farm. She loves cows, pigs, sheep and the outdoor life!
Diane Ruddock (OBE)
Diocesan Reader
Dr. Claire Jones
Diocesan Reader
Dr Claire Jones. Claire is a Consultant Surgeon working for the local Trust. Claire grew up in the Church of Ireland and knows it from the inside, as her father was ordained. She meant most of her childhood and adult life in Banbridge Church of Ireland and knows so many in this community. Claire volunteers on the preaching team and serves on Select Vestry. She is passionate about preaching and is an excellent Bible teacher. She is training as a Diocesan Reader with a view to becoming more involved in ministry. She too loves ‘mini breaks’ and enjoys a good workout at the gym!