15.04.2024
Warm Welcome Marks Start of New Chapter for Blessington Union
Parishioners of the Blessington Union in the Diocese of Glendalough turned out in great numbers on Friday evening (April 12) to mark the beginning of a new chapter for the parishes. The Revd Niall Stratford was instituted Rector in St Mary’s Church by Archbishop Michael Jackson. Blessington Union comprises the parishes of Blessington, Kilbride, Ballymore–Eustace and Hollywood.
Niall was joined by his children Nicholas, Robin and Amy as well as his mother Phyllis. Special mention reserved for his beloved wife Vivian and Amy sang ‘Be Thou My Vision’ during the service. As well as the many friends and clerical colleagues in the capacity congregation, there were representatives of the wider community and local public representatives. Blessington No 1 School was represented and pupils of the senior classes sang the recessional hymn.
Niall has served in Non Stipendiary Ministry in Dublin and Glendalough since 2009 while also working in the insurance industry. He has served in many parishes since being ordained and this is his first full time role.
The sermon was preached by Archbishop Jackson who described the parishes and people of the Blessington Union as the gateway to west Wicklow and the interface between rural Wicklow and urban Dublin. “They are strategic in our understanding of the United Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough, its work and mission. For these and for other reasons the harmonious and concerted stewardship and management of the spiritual capital that lies both above and below the ground in this whole area are essential to the self–understanding of the Church of Ireland and to the relationship of the church to the wider community. We are ambassadors of the tradition and the heritage that we hold and hold dear,” he commented. The Archbishop added that Niall was committed to this way of thinking and that he followed in the “estimable footsteps” of his predecessor Canon Leonard Ruddock.
He spoke of three things – forethought, energy and generosity – which could enable a church to flourish in its everyday life and work. “They are basic, practical things: forethought, energy and generosity. They are not confined to the life of the church; they are essential to any functioning individual or organization; but they help a church greatly to get on its feet and to stay on its feet. Flourishing of this sort happens best when clergy and people together identify these qualities in one another, share these qualities with one another – and with others – without either competitiveness or cynicism. They are what make a parish vibrant and exciting and inviting. They help it to flourish and to grow,” he said.
Speaking after the service, the Very Revd Richard Behan welcomed Niall to Blessington on behalf of the Catholic community. He observed that Blessington had always enjoyed good ecumenical relations and there were many events during the year in which parishioners from both parishes were join together. He said that Easter was a time for new things and Niall was embarking on a new undertaking in Blessington. He noted that proclaiming the Gospel was not always easy and there were challenging times but there was the support of a good Christian community in Blessington.
On behalf of the parish Joan Griffith said they were overjoyed when Niall’s appointment was announced in December. During the vacancy she said parishioners had worked steadily to support each other and church services had been led by an inspirational team of clergy, including the Revd Terry Alcock and a great number of Lay Readers who brought their inciteful contributions. She thanked the retiring Archdeacon of Glendalough, the Ven Neal O’Raw, and the new Archdeacon, the Ven Ross Styles, for steering them through the time. “So we’ve reached this momentous occasion in our parish life full of positivity and hope for the future and so we should be as all our prayers have been answered,” she said adding that the parishioners would support Niall.
Archbishop Jackson said that the warm words of the previous speakers underwrote the spirit of Blessington and he was sure that Niall would be welcomed. He thanked all who had prepared for the institution and all who had supported the parish.
Bringing the evening to a close, Niall said that he and his family had been embraced with open arms and thanked the parish for the warm welcome. He thanked Ms Murphy and the school pupils for being part of the service. He looked forward to getting to know the community and the parishioners and to building on the work that had gone on in the parish before. “We are all Christians together. We are all on a journey together and we can grow in our relationships as Christians,” he said.
