26.02.2021
Revd Suzanne Harris Begins New Ministry in Castlemacadam
The Revd Suzanne Harris has been appointed Priest in Charge of the Parishes of Castlemacadam, Ballinaclash and Aughrim in the Diocese of Glendalough. Suzanne, who is currently Chaplain in Newpark Comprehensive School in Blackrock will work with the Archdeacon of Glendalough and the Rural Dean.
Suzanne lives in Stillorgan with her husband Richard Meates. They have two adult children, Andrew and Jessica. Originally from Clondalkin she attended St John’s National School and the King’s Hospital School. After studying Geography and Sociology in Trinity College Dubli, Suzanne completed the H. Dip while teaching part time in the King’s Hospital. Before becoming Chaplain in Newpark in 1992 she taught Religious Education and Geography in Kilkenny College.
In 1996 she was commissioned a Lay Reader and helped in Kilternan, Tullow and Stillorgan parishes. She was selected for training for ordination in 2006 and assisted Canon Katherine Poulton in St George and St Thomas’s on Cathal Brugha Street. She was ordained a Deacon in 2009 and a Priest in 2010 and from then helped Canon Gillian Wharton in Booterstown and Mount Merrion Parishes as a non stipendiary Curate.
In 2020 Suzanne undertook the transition course in the Church of Ireland Theological Institute to transfer to full time ministry with placements in Holmpatrick, Kenure and Balbriggan, Kill O’ the Grange and St Bartholomew’s Church.
“After 34 extremely happy years in teaching and chaplaincy, I feel God has now called me to fulltime parish ministry and so it is now time for a new area of ministry. I was delighted when the Archbishop asked me to help the Revd Jack Kinkead in the parishes of Castlemacadam, Ballinaclash and Aughrim and am really looking forward to getting to know the parishioners and colleagues in the Diocese of Glendalough,” Suzanne commented.
“Due to current restrictions, I am making contact with parishioners by phone or email and have started to record services online in the three gorgeous churches with the help of the Lay Readers and parishioners. I would like to thank all those who have sent wonderful messages of welcome and very kind offers of support and help and thank the Revd Jack Kinkead for all his helpful advice and guidance as he includes me in the ministry team. May the Lord guide us and lead us as together we learn more about him and share his love with others. ‘For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10)’,” she concluded.