11.02.2016
The Revd Martin O’Kelly – Life Is Full Of Ups And Downs And The Road Is Rarely Straight
“The road is long. With many a winding turns”. These are the first lines to one of my favourite songs and in some ways an apt way of describing my journey to the priesthood and my relationship with God. Nothing has ever been straight forward.
Ever since I was a young boy I have felt a calling to the ordained ministry. The journey has never been easy. There have been a few setbacks, and there were times when I thought of giving up. But throughout it all my faith in where I felt God wanted me to be has never faltered.
Up to recently I have been assisting the Reverend Norman McCausland in St. John the Evangelist, Coolock and All Saints Raheny and previous to that I completed my Deacon Intern year in the Edenderry Union of Parishes with the Reverend Canon Lynda Peilow. I have learnt so much from these two individuals I am forever grateful.
I am really looking forward to assisting the Reverend Baden Stanley in the Parish of Christ Church Bray and getting to know all the parishioners. One of my passions in life is music, and I believe there is a rich vein of talent in the parish in this regard and I am looking forward to participating in the various styles of worship.
I am also looking forward to walking our dog on the seafront and as an avid amateur photographer I am relishing the opportunity of being in such a scenic location and the photographic opportunities it offers.
I am extremely grateful for the support and encouragement I have had and continue to have from my wife Ruth and my adult children Daniel, Owen and Rachel.