23.04.2018
New Chapter Begins for Parish of Holy Trinity Killiney as the Revd Gary Hastings Welcomed
A large congregation filled Holy Trinity Church, Killiney, on a beautiful spring evening to welcome the Revd Gary Hastings to the Diocese of Dublin. Gary was instituted Rector of the parish by Archbishop Michael Jackson on Friday evening (April 20).
Gary is the former Rector of the Galway and Kilcummin Group and St Nicholas Collegiate Church, and Archdeacon of Tuam and the Archbishop welcomed he and his wife Caitriona to live and work in the Diocese of Dublin. Killiney parishioners were joined by Gary and Caitriona’s friends from all over the country, former parishioners from the west of Ireland and many of Gary’s clerical colleagues as well as local public representatives.
The preacher was Canon Stephen Fielding Rector of Agherton (Diocese of Connor) who noted that the members of the congregation who had travelled from far and wide reminded us that we are not only all members of the Church of Ireland but of the church of God which has no borders.
He described Gary as a capable and passionate priest, a pastor to all and someone who was ready to play a part in parish and local life. He could “deliver a deep truth with a light touch”, the preacher said adding details of his accomplishments in the Irish language, history and as an accomplished flute player.
“You will enjoy Gary’s humour and candour. It will take time to get to know him but he will enrich the life of the parish here. Value and affirm him and thank him and pray for him as he will pray for you, as you set out on this part of your pilgrimage as the people of God,” he commented.
Referring to the readings [1 John 3: 1–7 and Luke 24: 36b–48] Canon Fielding said ministry must be modelled on Jesus. “We look to him for example. He went into cities and villages and thought the people. He gave instruction in the faith. We all as Christians must be able to show the importance of the Christian life – living it not just talking about it,” he said.
Speaking at a reception afterwards in the parish’s Carry Centre, Clive Christie welcomed Gary and Caitriona on behalf of the vestry. He thanked all the clergy who had cared for the parish during the vacancy and parishioners who took on extra duties. He said Gary’s wide experience touched some areas which were unfamiliar to the parishioners of Holy Trinity and they looked forward to a vibrant ministry.
Archbishop Jackson also paid tribute to everyone who had contributed to the life of the parish during the vacancy. He said Gary and Caitriona would be exploring a different community having moved from Galway Bay to Dublin Bay. He said the new Rector’s reputation had travelled ahead of him throughout the Church of Ireland and looked forward to him putting his skills at the service of the parish and the community.
Taking his turn at the microphone, Gary thanked the preacher and all in the parish who had put in such hard work to ensure the smooth running of his institution and to make the rectory so welcoming. He thanked all who had travelled to celebrate with him and told his former parishioners who made the pilgrimage from Galway “You’re not forgot”.