18.03.2016
Mothers’ Union in Dublin and Glendalough Welcome New Diocesan President
There is a new hand at the helm of Mothers’ Union in Dublin and Glendalough. Karen Nelson was commissioned as Diocesan President of Mothers’ Union at a service in Holmpatrick Parish Church in Skerries on Tuesday evening (March 15). She takes on the role at a very important time as Mothers’ Union celebrate the organisation’s 140th anniversary and next year will be the 130th anniversary of MU in Ireland.
The service, which was attended by All Ireland Mothers’ Union President, Phyllis Grothier, was celebrated by Archbishop Michael Jackson and Karen was commissioned by Diocesan Mothers’ Union Chaplain, Canon David Mungavin. During the service the members of Mothers’ Union present were also rededicated to the work and values of the organisation.
Welcoming the large congregation of members who had travelled from all over Dublin and Glendalough to celebrate with their new president, the Revd Anthony Kelly, Bishop’s Curate of Holmpatrick, congratulated Karen on her appointment. He noted the theme of the service was ‘Celebration of Faith’ and said this was refreshing as there had been a growing trend of excluding the voice of Christianity from the public square.
The sermon was preached by Canon Cecil Hyland who took up the theme of ‘Celebration of Faith’ and pointed out that joy and celebration underpinned every act of worship. “Celebration is primary to being a Christian,” he said.
The service of commissioning was obviously an occasion of celebration and joy as the congregation rejoiced that Karen was taking on the role of President of Mothers’ Union in the dioceses, he stated. He said Karen came to the office with wide experience within Mothers’ Union and the parish of Holmpatrick could add their knowledge of Karen’s dedication to her MU credentials.
“Mothers’ Union in the dioceses will be in good hands as Karen builds on the work of those who have preceded her,” Canon Hyland commented. He added that she does not take on the role alone as God calls everyone to serve and also promises to be there with her.
“Each of us is called to live the Gospel every day in a world and society that is hurting in all sorts of ways. The needs of people are many and varied. Our neighbour is the person who lives next door, it is the homeless person, the victim of violence, the person who struggles in the war torn areas of the world, in refugee camps, crossing the Mediterranean. We are a privileged people but with privilege comes responsibility and challenge,” Canon Hyland concluded.
After the service Karen thanked everyone for their support and good wishes and all who had helped to put the commissioning service together. “It is an honour and a privilege to take on the role of Diocesan President and I would like to say to members new and old that I’m excited about the role. Faith is about taking the first step and seeing where it goes. I look forward to taking the first step with you,” she said. Speaking about the work of Mothers’ Union she encouraged members to be proud of their organisation and speak out about it.
Photo captions –
Top: MU Chaplain, Canon David Mungavin; newly commissioned MU Diocesan President, Karen Nelson; and Archbishop Michael Jackson.
Bottom: Former Diocesan President, Joy Gordon, hands over the chain of office, to Karen Nelson.