Last Friday evening, the 28^th April, Revd. Nick Jones was officially instituted as the Rector of the Drung Group of Parishes consisting of Drung, Castleterra (Ballyhaise), Larah & Lavey and Killoughter (Redhills). Family, friends, parishioners as well as members of the wider Diocese gathered for a wonderful service in Drung Parish Church which was led by Bishop Ferran Glenfield assisted by Archdeacon Craig McCauley. The Very Revd. Nigel Crossey, Dean of St. Fethlimidh’s Cathedral, stood in as acting Registrar.

The sermon for this occasion was given by Pastor Colin Creighton from the Carrickmacross Baptist Church – a good friend of Revd. Nick’s since they trained for ministry together at Oakhill Theological College. Preaching from Mark 10:35-45, Pastor Colin reminded us that we serve a King who ‘did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many’. We are people of a servant King. We can serve because we have first been served by Christ. He said that his prayer for Revd. Nick as he continues his ministry in the Drung Group is that he would use Nick as a servant leader who would touch people’s hearts and bring them closer to God.

The Act of Institution was then carried out by Bishop Ferran Glenfield, after which words of welcome were given by Goldina Watson on behalf of the Drung Group of Parishes, Revd. Ivan Watson, Pastor of the Cavan Baptist Church and Revd. Ali Calvin on behalf of the Diocese of Kilmore.

The service was followed by tea in the Parish Hall. Revd. Nick has been serving as Minister-in-Charge of the Drung Group since January 2016. Some of his highlights of this time have been BBQ’s, Messy Church, Songs of Praise, Christianity Explored, a new weekly Bible Study group and a wonderful evening with the Abaana New Life Children’s Choir. We thank God for Nick’s great energy and commitment to these parishes and we pray for the Lord’s blessing on Nick, his wife Dorothy and their two children as he continues to serve faithfully as Rector in this Group.

Revd. Nick Jones and Bishop Ferran Glenfield

Revd. Nick Jones with the Wardens and Parish Readers of the Drung Group of Parishes:
Back row from left: Willie McClean, James Speares, Ally Hudson, David Dunne, Robert Sturgeon, Ian Smith, Des LowryFDront row from left: Edwin Fannin, Nick Jones, Bishop Ferran Glenfield, Colin Creighton (Pastor, Carrickmacross Baptist Church), Nigel Murdy, Ivor Smyth.

Back row from left: Canon Mark Lidwell, Revd. Ali Calvin, Mr. Andrew Pierce, Revd. Christiaan Snell, Mrs Audrey Reilly, Mr. Victor Reilly
Fromt row from left: Ven. Craig McCauly, Henry Jordan, Revd. Nick Jones, Bishop Ferran Glenfield, Very Rev. Gerard Cassidy, Dean Nigel Crossey

The cross of Jesus Christ and the empty grave stand at the centre of the Christian faith. The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is not an optional extra tacked on to the end of his story. Without it, the whole story would be discredited. When God raised Jesus from death it was much more than a single act of rescue. It opened the floodgates! From that time on, death’s hold on humanity was broken. Jesus was the first but by no means the last who would pass beyond death into eternal life. Indeed those who believe that Christ died and rose again for them, share eternal life with him. What a hope is ours in our risen Lord Jesus!

+ Ferran

Revd. Hazel Hicks installed as Prebendary of Drumlease

On a cold but sunny evening on Sunday, 5^th March, Revd. Hazel Hicks was installed as Prebendary of Drumlease and Canon of the Chapter of Kilmore Cathedral by Dean Nigel Crossey during evening song in St. Fethlimidh’s Cathedral, Kilmore.

Revd. Hazel has been a faithful servant of the Diocese over a number of years. She was commissioned as Diocesan Reader in 1979, before continuing her journey by training for the non-stipendary ministry. During this time she served a placement in the Swanlinbar/Kildallon group. She was ordained as a Deacon in 2008 and served as curate in the Belturbet Group. She is currently Priest-in-Charge of the Arva group of Parishes.

Her installation as Canon of the Chapter of Kilmore Cathedral is another stage in a long and fruitful journey of faith and vocation and a wonderful recognition of these long years of service.

The service was followed by a wonderful reception in the Parish Hall provided and served by the parishioners of the Arva parish group.  During the evening, Canon Hazel was presented with gifts and words of congratulations by members of the Arva Group of Parishes. In response she thanked the parishioners for their generous gifts and their support and kindness to her during the past 6 years, saying that her honour was recognition for all they had achieved. She thanked Dean Nigel for organising the service and Bishop Ferran for the challenging address. Paying tribute to her family, Canon Hazel said that without the support of her husband Barrie and family she would not be able to serve God and the Church. She said it was both an honour and privilege to work in the Arva parish group and in this new role as a member of Kilmore Cathedral chapter.

Back row: Canon Mark Lidwell and Revd. Sandra Lindsey
Front Row: The Venerable Craig McCauley, Rt Revd. Ferran Glenfield, Bishop of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh, Canon Hazel Hicks and Dean Nigel Crossey.

Left to Right: Maud Patterson (Carrigallen) Barbara Joens (Columbkille), Canon Hazel Hicks, Barbara Curral (Arva), Sandra Butler (Gowna)

On Sunday 19^th March the Church Bells in St Fethlimidh’s Cathedral and churches across the land will be rung at the same time between 11-11:30.

The idea has arisen as the bells of Waterford Cathedral (known as the Joy Bells) – which have been undergoing repair and have been silent for the past few years – are going to be rung again on Sunday 19^th March when former President Mary McAleese will be present.

With so much uncertainty, fear, division, hared, disillusionment and even despair in our world at the moment the ringing of the bells throughout the land would be a Christian witness and proclamation of faith, trust, love, reconciliation and joy.

It would be wonderful if other churches in the Diocese agreed to add their voice!