The Institution of Revd. Canon Jen McWhirter to Aughaval Group of Parishes ( Westport, Castlebar, Turlough and Achill ) took place in Holy Trinity Church, Westport on Thursday 10th December.
Canon Jen has been de facto Incumbent of Aughaval since early spring 2020. However, Jen’s actual Institution was delayed and postponed several times due to Covid 19 restrictions. So it was with a mixture of joy and relief that ‘the job could be completed’ ( as it were ) in the year of her appointment.
A small but representative congregation, limited by Level 3 ‘Plus’ considerations, gathered in Westport for the Service of Institution led by Bishop Patrick Rooke and The Rural Dean, Very Rev Lynda Peilow. Local Councilors represented the community and Fr. Charlie McDonnell attended on behalf of Ecumenical Partners.
The scripture lessons were read by Rev Maebh O’Herlihy ( Dugort ), Mr Trevor Ardill ( Castlebar ) and Rev Canon Andrea Wills ( Straid ). The sermon was preached by a former Archdeacon of Killala and Achonry, Rev Alan Synnott ( Rector of Bessbrook Parish ). Sadly, because of current circumstances, no singing of customary hymns was permitted. In the same way, there was no traditional reception after the service, however Fr Charlie welcomed Canon Jen on behalf of the local Christian family and Mr Eamon Smith on behalf of the Group of Parishes.
