09.12.2013
New Canons Installed in Christ Church Cathedral
Two new canons were installed in Christ Church Cathedral yesterday, Sunday December 10. Canon William Deverell, rector of Tallaght and Canon Nigel Sherwood, rector of Arklow, Inch and Kilbride, were appointed to the Chapter of the cathedral in November.
Introducing the service, the cathedral’s Dean, the Very Revd Dermot Dunne, welcomed people who had travelled to support their rectors for the service.
Dean Dunne explained that the cathedral’s foundation dated back to the Middle Ages and canons had always been appointed to the Chapter from throughout the United Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough.
The Chapter was made up of 19 canons and the Dean, he said adding that it was responsible for the very fabric and life of the church. It meets six imes a year to discuss the affairs of the cathedral. The Dean said it was also a spiritual body caring for the spiritual life of the cathedral and the dioceses.
The parishes of the canons also had a contribution to make in allowing their rectors to carry out the extra work in the cathedral, Dean Dunne stated, although he pointed out that it was the canons’ privilege to preach in the cathedral twice a year.
“It’s a joy to welcome William Deverell and Nigel Sherwood to the chapter. It is a tribute to the work they’re doing in their own parishes and in the dioceses. It’s always an honour for the parish when their rector is appointed to the Chapter and you also have a link with this cathedral which is the mother church of the dioceses,” the Dean said.
A native of Clara, County Offaly, Canon Sherwood has been rector of Arklow, Inch and Kilbride since 1995. He is married to Carol and they have three sons. He succeeds Canon John Clarke who retired as Rector of Wicklow and Killiskey in September.
Canon Deverell is from Dublin and has served as rector of Tallaght for 14 years. He is married to Valerie and they have two children. He succeeds Canon Ted Ardis who has moved from Donnybrook and Irishtown to serve in Cork.
Photo caption: Canon Nigel Sherwood, Dean Dermot Dunne and Canon William Deverell.