A FERMANAGH man, who is still in his 20s, is set to become the youngest priest in the Church of Ireland clergy when he is ordained next month.
Rev Scott E Elliott from Lisbellaw, will enter the priesthood on May 30 after serving a year as a deacon at St Mary’s Cathedral in Limerick.
The 29-year-old’s ordination marks a significant milestone not only personally, but also for his former school, as he becomes the first past pupil of Erne Integrated College to be ordained.
His journey to ministry has been shaped by faith, education, and strong community ties, alongside the guidance of mentor Very Rev’d Niall J Sloane (Dean of Limerick), himself once the youngest serving member of the clergy.
“In the Church of Ireland, ministry follows three stages, deacon, priest, and bishop,” Rev Elliott explained.
“I was ordained a deacon in June 2025 on Pentecost and spent the past year serving in Limerick. I’m now due to be ordained as a priest, marking the next step in my journey.”
He added that he will remain the youngest serving member of the clergy following his ordination. “It’s an exciting moment, as I’ve always felt called to ministry.
“My time in Limerick has been deeply rewarding, and I’ve learned a great deal.”
Rev Elliott believes his age brings a valuable perspective to the role. “I have a generational awareness. I understand the struggles younger working professionals face and can relate to them,” he said.
“What I value most is the joy of ministry, working with people and supporting them.”
After completing his A Levels, he studied Theology at Queen’s University Belfast, graduating in 2017, before undertaking postgraduate studies at Durham University.
He later worked with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council in both Regulatory Services and Community Wellbeing.
“The Church of Ireland and Saint Macartin’s Cathedral in Enniskillen have been central to my life for as long as I can remember,” he said.
Rev Elliott also paid tribute to his family, whose support has been a constant source of encouragement, adding that his ordination is a moment of great pride and joy for them.
“I have a grandmother at home and I can see how much joy it’s brought to herself.“