29.08.2016
Stuart Moles – God Will Guide Him As He Serves in St Patrick’s, Greystones
On Sunday September 18 Archbishop Michael Jackson will preside at the ordination of four new Deacons in Christ Church Cathedral. Following their ordination to the diaconate they will serve as Intern Deacons in parishes in Dublin and Glendalough. Tom O’Brien will serve in St Mary’s Parish in Howth, Rebecca Guildea will serve in Zion Parish in Rathgar, Stuart Moles will serve in St Patrick’s Parish in Greystones and Anne Lodge will serve in Raheny Parish. This week they introduce themselves in their own words. Today we hear from Stuart Moles
I was born and raised in Lurgan and as a young boy was faithfully brought to church by my grandmother. The church I grew up in played a formative part in my journey, and when I became a Christian at 14, was a place I could grow in my faith and friendships with other young people. This had some influence on me when it came to making choices for university courses, and I was accepted to Union Theological College in Belfast to study theology.
As a young man I had no idea where this choice would take me, and if I’m honest, I probably had no real plan for after university. However, in my final year of study I opted to do modules in youth ministry. I had no real interest in this aspect of church (apart from being a grateful recipient of youth work) but these modules sparked an interest that would lead to me pursuing youth work as a career when I graduated. After some time volunteering in my hometown, I was appointed as the youth worker in Glenavy Parish, where I served for over five years. It was here that I began to have a sense of calling and appreciation of Anglicanism. Many people suggested ordination as a possible path, one which I was always reluctant to consider. However, in my last few months in the parish I met with my bishop and during that meeting, he suggested the possibility of ordained ministry. I decided that I would explore what this might look like. During this process I worked for a year in the education board in Dundonald and then moved back to the Church of Ireland, spending two years as youth worker in St Mary’s Ballybeen, whilst working through the foundation course and selection process.
My journey is one marked by what I would describe as a cautious yes. At all times I’ve wanted to follow God’s leading, but not always sure where that might lead. As a youth I had no desire to study theology (I wanted to be an astronaut, or the more realistic military historian)! As a student I had no inclination towards youth work. As a youth worker I had no idea I might end up on the path I am on now. At each juncture, God has called me to simply follow him. He has taught me the value of faith and trusting him. When I look back, I see how in each decision and experience, God has always been leading me to this point. That his calling on my life has always been there, despite (or maybe because of) the fact I may not have always recognised it.
As I look toward joining the people of St Patrick’s Greystones, I am filled with much excitement for this stage of my journey as I get to minister with, and learn from, the staff team and parishioners of Greystones. If my journey has taught me one thing, it’s that putting our faith in God is the best thing we can do. I may not know what the road ahead looks like, as I step into a new and exciting phase of my life and ministry, but I’m assured that God knows the way ahead and he will guide me as I seek to serve him in Greystones.