23.08.2016
The Revd Kevin Conroy is Grateful For Those Who Helped Him Hear God’s Call to Ordination
On Sunday September 25 Archbishop Michael Jackson will preside over the ordination of the Revd Nigel Pierpoint and the Revd Kevin Conroy to the priesthood. The Revd Nigel Pierpoint is being ordained for Curacy in Taney Parish while the Revd Kevin Conroy is being ordained for Curacy in Dalkey. Today and tomorrow we feature articles written by them both as they look back on their time as Deacons and look forward to life in their parishes.
Kevin writes:
I’ve been a little hard–of–hearing when it came to hearing God’s call of me to ordained ministry but I’ve been lucky to have the gentle words of some special people to guide me. From that initial nudge from an Augustinian priest to consider ministry in the Church of Ireland, the words of encouragement from Canon John Clarke, through to the welcoming words of the church wardens in Wicklow Parish Church. I’m also grateful for the continued support of Olive and the lads throughout my studies and internship.
The journey from selection to graduation has been eight years as I explored and tested the voice of God. I must admit to not always succeeding in getting a balance between home, work, college and parish. I know that Olive and the lads have been very patient with me, as I disappeared into the study to read and write.
I have enjoyed my two years as deacon intern in Stillorgan and Blackrock. Both communities welcomed Olive and I and guided me in my ministry. Parishioners were so kind and forgiving as I stumbled through the internship. I learned many things in this time, practised preaching, refined my leadership skills. I even learned how to make custard without lumps! And I couldn’t have had a better teacher and mentor than I had in Canon Ian Gallagher as my intern rector.
If my diaconate years are an indication of the future, I anticipate that my priesthood will also find expression in the workplace. The models of the working priest or workplace chaplain have not seen much expression outside of the health or public sector even though the workplace offers us the greatest opportunity to reach people.
I am really looking forward to my curacy in Dalkey. The rector, the Revd Bruce Hayes, has already sent me a timetable for September so I suspect he is also anticipating a helping hand! I’ve had the pleasure to visit on a couple of occasions when a number of parishioners afforded me a warm welcome.
I so appreciate the opportunity I had to study in the Church of Ireland Theological Institute and to have such talented staff share their knowledge and experience. I do not know how they maintain such a high level of energy and commitment. I cannot finish without a special thank–you to Canon Patrick Comerford who patiently supervised the completion of my dissertation. Our Church is indeed fortunate to have such people guiding our future.