Three Ordinations to the Priesthood took place in TKA on Sunday 27th September; Rev Karen Duignan, Rev Carole Reynolds and Rev Maebh O’Herlihy.
The service took place in St. Nicholas’ Church, Galway. Bishop Patrick Rooke administered the Sacrament of Ordination in the context of the Eucharist. The Old Testament lesson was read by Rev. Karen, the Epistle by Rev. Maebh and the Gospel by Rev. Carole. The preacher was Rev Canon Jen McWhirter, DDO. The music was led throughout by the choir of St. Nicholas’ with Mark Duley directing and playing the organ.
Because of Covid 19 restrictions, this was an ordination with a difference. The numbers in the congregation were greatly reduced. There was no singing other than the socially distanced choir. And when it came to the laying on the hands, only the bishop and three other priests for each candidate, all individually and separately, laid their hands on those being ordained. All the other priests present raised their hands in blessing from a distance.
The newly ordained priests will serve in various parishes across TKA. Rev Karen will serve in Easkey/Kilglass alongside Archdeacon Stephen McWhirter; Rev Maebh in Dugort, Achill Island specifically and also across Aughaval ( Westport ) parish alongside Rev Canon Jen McWhirter and Rev Carole in Kilcummin ( Oughterard ) parish alongside Provost Lynda Peilow.