30.11.2013
New Chapter for Parishes of Raheny and Coolock as Revd Norman McCausland Instituted
The parishes of Raheny and Coolock marked the start of a new chapter last night (Friday November 29) with the institution of the Revd Norman Mc Causland as the new rector. of Raheny & Coolock took place last night November 29, the eve of St Andrew’s Day, in All Saints’ Church, Raheny.
Archbishop Michael Jackson officiated at the service which took place in All Saint’s Church, Raheny, on the eve of St Andrew’s Day. The service was attended by diocesan and civic dignitaries, a large number of clergy from both Dublin and Glendalough dioceses, representatives of Roman Catholic, Methodist and Presbyterian parishes in the area as well as large numbers of parishioners of Raheny and Coolock parishes.
Friends and family of the new rector came to join the celebration and included members of Holy Trinity Parish in Killiney, where Norman had been sexton. The parish JAM Club had prepared a welcome banner, filled with hand prints of all the children.
The sermon was given by Canon Cecil Mills, former rector of Holy Trinity, Killiney. He said that Norman brought to the parish a wonderful variety of gifts and talents. “Foremost among these will be what will happen here in this church and in Coolock every Sunday and every occasion of worship. His knowledge of liturgy and music, and a flair with both, will give you something to look forward to on a Sunday morning… His pleasant manner with people and an innate competence, as well as common sense, should ensure the smooth running of the various parish events and boards and meetings,” Canon Mills said.
Referring to the new rectors’ skill as an organiser and producer of amateur dramatics and musicals, the preacher said parishioners could have plenty to look forward to. Added to this are his knowledge of gardening and creativity. However, he warned parishioners that their rector would not be able to do everything alone. “He will need the help of many if these things are to be done, but you can be aware there is a wonderful well of resources that is being made available to you as parishes here this evening,” Canon Mills stated.
He added that the rector took on his new role during times that were difficult for the Church. “The times are surely challenging, and the challenges come in many forms. One of the challenges is to hold on to our integrity – that we are what we should be – the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Then there is the challenge to community, that in these days of so much immigration into our country, we are a welcoming and accepting community – not always easy when there so many cultural divisions among us, but always our doors and our communities and our hearts must be open to welcome the African, the Asian, the person of a different social background, the person of a different sexual orientation. We must accept all of them as equal children of God. As our St Andrew’s epistle said, ‘There is no distinction; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to those who call on him.’ This is highly likely to take us out of our comfort zones, but if we fail in this, we cease to be the Church and become mere social clubs,” he said.
At the reception following the service, coordinated by members of Coolock and Raheny Mothers’ Union, the church wardens welcomed the new rector on behalf of the parishes and thanked Archdeacon David Pierpoint and the Revd Willie Black for their support during the vacancy. The Revd Norman McCausland thanked the Archbishop for presiding at the service and for his support to him in the lead up to his institution. He also thanked both parishes for the warm welcome to him and to his wife Tara and family. He looked forward to working together with the people of Raheny and Coolock.
A native of Omagh in County Tyrone, Norman has a background in town and country planning. However, during a time volunteering at the Church of Ireland Chaplaincy at Queen’s University, Belfast, he explored a sense of vocation to ordained ministry. He went on to train at the Church of Ireland Theological College and Trinity College, Dublin and was ordained in 1989. He served curacies in St Columba’s Church in Portadown and Clonmel Union in County Cork.
Visits to development projects in Kenya and Uganda and a study of church growth in Singapore, led Norman to serve in the wider World Church. Norman became Assistant Chaplain to the English Speaking Congregation at All Saints’ Cathedral, Cairo in 1994.
On returning home, Norman was appointed Bishop’s Curate at St Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny, before joining the staff of the Church of Ireland Theological College as the Chaplain–Tutor. At the end of his contract with the College, he worked again with CMS Ireland, this time as a Mission Development Officer.
From 2001 until 2012 Norman took a break from ministry to develop a long–time interest in theatre. Throughout this period, Norman maintained his connection with the Church of Ireland in the role of sexton at Holy Trinity Church, Killiney. With the support of the Archbishop of Dublin, Norman returned to ordained ministry in July 2012. Initially assigned to the Rural Deaneries of Monkstown North and South, Norman has, in the past year, provided pastoral and liturgical cover for the parishes of Celbridge, Straffan and Newcastle and for a number of vacancies in the Diocese of Dublin.
Photo caption: The Revd Norman McCausland with Archbishop Michael Jackson.