23.09.2025
‘God has lit a new lamp in this place’ – Institution in Holy Trinity Killiney
Holy Trinity Church in Killiney was filled to overflowing as the parish began a new chapter with the institution of the Revd Jane Burns as Rector yesterday evening (Monday September 22). Jane made history when she was instituted as the 10th incumbent of the parish by Archbishop Michael Jackson, the preacher pointed out. She is the first female Rector since the church was built in 1859.
Welcoming the congregation, which included a large number of public representatives as well as visitors from Jane’s home parish of Athy, and from Taney, where she served her curacy, Archbishop Jackson said that their presence in such great numbers was testimony to the respect and love in which Jane is held in Dublin and Glendalough and throughout the Church of Ireland. He paid tribute to all involved in the preparation of the service and said it was an evening of celebration for Jane and Dermot and their children Jamie, Ellen and Kate.
The sermon was preached by the Revd Nigel Pierpoint, Rector of Taney, who commended the parish on choosing their new Rector wisely. “You have chosen a person who has so much to give. Jane is such a loving, compassionate and loyal person, she oozes charm and empathy in equal measure. She will provide pastoral care and support where it is needed and as Jane will support you, I know that you, the parishioners of Holy Trinity will support her in turn,” he stated.
Speaking of the joy Jane had brought to Taney during her time there, he said she was willing and obliging in all areas of parish life. He encouraged parishioners of Holy Trinity Killiney to support her and her family as they adjusted to their new parish.
The readings [Psalm 126 and Luke 8: 16–18], the preacher said, were close to Jane’s heart. The Psalm spoke of those who dream of restoration, revival and renewal and he said the institution was a milestone in the life of the parish. “This appointment is not a job, it is a vocation. For Jane it is a crossing into a new place where she and you can dream and work together for the future good of this parish. The Lord has done great things for us and we look at what God has done in Holy Trinity Killiney […] This evening is not about one person’s ministry, it is about what God can do when Rector and congregation dream together,” Mr Pierpoint said.
Referring to the Gospel reading, he said that a lamp had been lit at the institution and it was not to be hidden. He added that the new Rector would not hide the Gospel from view. “For your new Rector, that means preaching the word, administering the sacraments, guiding the flock and standing in the light even when it might be an easier option to stay in the shadows. For you the parishioners, it means supporting your new Rector. The lampstand is not just the front of this church, it is the Sunday School, around the Vestry table, it is the parish kitchen, it is in caring for those who perhaps have no voice in the world. It is every place where the Gospel should be visible in your lives together as Rector and people,” he stated.
“This evening is a time of fresh illumination in the life of this parish. God has lit a lamp in this place—not to be hidden—but to be lifted high in a world that so desperately needs light,” he continued.
Speaking after the service, Church Warden Lewis Purser welcomed Jane and her family on behalf of the parish. He noted the proud history of Holy Trinity Killiney but emphasised the importance of looking to the future as they continued to serve the rapidly changing community of Killiney.
Bringing good wishes on behalf of Taney Parish, Rachel Doak Howe said parishioners had been touched deeply be Jane’s graciousness, kindness and good humour, and her sense of style. They had also appreciated the gift of Jane’s family, she said.
On behalf of the wider community, Monsignor Enda Lloyd, representing the parish of Ballybrack, Killiney and Loughlinstown, said he looked forward to working with Jane in building up the body of Christ in the area.
Addressing her new parishioners and well wishers, Jane said it was an honour to stand before them as the new Rector of Holy Trinity Killiney. She thanked the Archbishop and Board of Nomination, particularly the parochial nominators, for putting their trust in her. “I consider it a privilege to service in this parish and to remain in these United Dioceses,” she stated. She thanked Nigel for his guidance and training in Taney and the Rural Dean, the Revd John Tanner for his work in preparing for the service and the care of the parish during the vacancy. She also looked forward to working with her ecumenical neighbours and thanked the public representatives for attending. She paid tribute to all who had prepared for the evening and everyone who had welcomed them to the parish.
Archbishop Jackson brought the evening to a close by thanking the Rural Dean for his support of the parish. He said that the final hymn chosen by Jane, Be Thou My Vision, brought the congregation back to their roots in Irish and Celtic Christianity. He suggested they could carry that vision with them as they left the church. He paid tribute to Jane’s mother Jennifer and the Sisters of the Holy Rosary as well as to Jane’s husband and family.
