20.05.2016
New Era for Holmpatrick Group of Parishes as They Embrace ‘New’ Rector
The Parishes of Holmpatrick and Kenure with Balbriggan and Balrothery celebrated their return to full incumbency on Wednesday evening (May 18) as the Revd Anthony Kelly was instituted as Rector by Archbishop Michael Jackson. The ‘new’ rector had been Bishop’s Curate of the group of parishes for four years and last night’s service marked the beginning of a new era for the parish group and their Rector.
Since his arrival, the long–term aim of the parishes was to regain incumbency status. To this end parishioners worked towards a parish Vision Day in October 2013 where they collectively articulated a future vision for their parishes. Together they set about implementing that vision, which they hoped would lead to a renewal and a revitalisation of parish life and chart a path into the future, always having consideration for the call of Jesus to build the Kingdom of God on earth.
The preacher at the service was the Revd Gillian Wharton who said that the evening was one of great celebration. “There is a great sense of confidence now that this group of parishes has an incumbent once again,” she observed.
She said that when she was in the theological college a lecturer used to say that in the first year in a parish a new rector could do nothing wrong, in the second year he or she could do nothing right and after that no one cared. This, she said, was largely untrue. But it was particularly untrue in the Holmpatrick Group of Parishes, she said, explaining that the parochial nominators really cared about their parish and really appreciated what Anthony had done over the last four years.
“They care because Anthony cares. They care because they have worked at building up a community and because of Anthony’s focus on member led ministry rather than priest led ministry,” she explained.
The preacher suggested that there might now be a sense that the parish could relax having returned to incumbency status. “But we are not called to relax, we are called to be animated in our discipleship,” she said. “Anthony enables team spirit, the building up of this place and the building up of this community.
She added: “Tonight is a celebration of what has gone on here for the last four years and today is not the end. It is the beginning of a new sphere and a new start for the parish and for Anthony. You want to allow the Holy Spirit to continue to work through you, for this place to be a place of vision and a community where people are cherished and can be all that they can be”.
Speaking after the service, Fr Eugene Taaffe, PP Balbriggan, congratulated Anthony and said it had been a long and winding road that had brought him to this point. He said it was wonderful to see him being embraced by the community. He prayed that the spirit of cooperation which had existed between the Church of Ireland and Catholic communities would continue to grow and looked forward to he and Anthony continuing to give glory to God together.
To enthusiastic applause, Anthony addressed the congregation to thank everyone who had helped the parish group get to this point. He thanked Archbishop Jackson and his predecessor, Archbishop John Neill, for their support and encouragement.
He spoke of the parish’s work in plotting a future to build up the Kingdom of God and their move from a priest based ministry to a community based ministry. “I’m proud to be here with you,” he said. “These parish communities have gifted me so wonderfully. They’ve given me a sense of belonging. To come here as a cradle Roman Catholic, you have embraced me. You have made me feel that I belong. I feel at home here.”
Archbishop Jackson paid tribute to Anthony for his combination of passion and humility which released the gifts of ministry to the parish community meaning that something new and dynamic could happen. He thanked Anthony for all he had taught him about simplicity and sticking the course. He thanked all involved in preparing the service and the pupils of St George’s National School and Sunday School who sang worship and praise following Communion.
“I am delighted that structurally this parish has restored itself to incumbency. It is important because it restores to people who want to give and serve a dignity and independence,” he said.
Photo captions:
Top – Clergy and church wardens with the Revd Anthony Kelly at Holmpatrick Parish Church.
Bottom – Singers from St George’s National School and Sunday School singing during the institution of the Revd Anthony Kelly.