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United Dioceses of Dublin & Glendalough

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12.12.2022

‘Churches must be places where living faith is celebrated’ – Institution of the Revd Conor O’Reilly in Athy

‘Churches must be places where living faith is celebrated’ – Institution of the Revd Conor O’Reilly in Athy
The new Rector of Athy Union, the Revd Conor O’Reilly with Archbishop Michael Jackson and Archdeacon Neal O’Raw with church wardens and representatives of the parishes of Athy and Kilberry with Fontstown and Kilkea.

The weather outside may have been freezing but there was nothing but warmth in the welcome given to the new Rector of the Athy Union of Parishes, the Revd Conor O’Reilly and his wife Mollie on Friday evening (December 9). Conor was instituted by Archbishop Michael Jackson in St Michael’s Church, Athy.

Welcoming the large congregation which was drawn from Athy and Kilberry with Fontstown with Kilkea as well as clerical colleagues, representatives from a range of ecumenical traditions and visitors from neighbouring parishes and dioceses, Archbishop Jackson said the parishes had been waiting in joyful expectation for Conor’s arrival and it was fitting that he should be instituted in Advent.

The sermon was preached by the Revd Kevin Ronne, Rector of Dunleckney Union of Parishes, who said that the Lord had chosen Conor to serve in the Athy Union and that he had a purpose for Conor and Mollie.

He told parishioners that they would see Conor’s commitment to his parish in his conduct, in his friendship and in all that he did because of his commitment to the Lord his God. He said that God’s choice was first and foremost that people worship the Lord in all their ways and serve him. The next is to serve one another by love, he said.

“If ever there was a time when we need this love it is now. We look into our world and see how broken it is. We see how lost the world is. We see how much the world is in need of love. It starts with us as the family of God. It starts in the place. And what better place to begin than in the place that God has chosen you to be in. Each and every one of you, it starts with you. No greater love can we have for one another and no greater joy than the joy that the joy that comes in you being chosen by God. I pray God’s blessing as you seek to grow together and love one another… The Lord has chosen you to be part of this journey. It is not going to be easy but love is never easy,” he said.

He said that Conor and Mollie would need all of their support in the days ahead but he knew the parish would give it.

After the service, Lesley Hunter welcomed Conor and Mollie on behalf of the parishes. He said it was a great day and a great pleasure to welcome their new Rector. Acknowledging that this was Conor’s first parish, he assured him of the parishioners’ support, help and encouragement. He thanked all who had looked after the parishes during the vacancy and kept services running. He also hoped Sophie and Ruthie, Conor and Mollie’s dogs, were settling into the Rectory.

Conor served his Curacy in the Wexford and Kilscoran Union and Peter Hudson travelled from there to wish him well on the next stage of his ministry. He thanked Conor for his commitment and encouragement over the last four and a half years and added that when he first came to Wexford, little did he think he would be in charge of nine parishes.

Archbishop Jackson said it was a delight that Conor would be in Athy to celebrate Christmas. He said the Athy Union of Parishes were known to him for their vitality and there ability to incorporate new people to become children of God. “That vitality will greet Conor and Mollie as they settle here. My hope is that all here will flourish and new friendships will form,” he said. He thanked all who prepared the service and the hospitality afterwards.

The last word on the frosty night went to Conor who thanked everyone who had made the evening possible and all who had worked to renovate the rectory. He thanked all in Wexford and Kilscoran for their friendship and support. He thanked Mollie for her love and support and said he was overjoyed that she could be there for his institution. He asked for prayers for her over the coming days. Above all he gave thanks to God without whom none of it would have happened.

“In Ireland we live in a time of aggressive secular humanism and antipathy to religion. I believe the future in this union is bright if all our gifts are utilised. We must think outside the box. Our churches need to be places where living faith is celebrated… We are called to make the reality of Christ present in a disbelieving world, through our words and actions and in how we treat others. In this way we make Christ known to others… This will be my mission as your Rector. Let us begin this work for God is with us,” he stated.  

The Revd Conor O'Reilly with his wife Mollie and his mum.
The Revd Conor O'Reilly with his wife Mollie and his mum.

 

 

 

 

 

The congregation in St Michael's Church, Athy, for the institution of the Revd Conor O'Reilly.
The congregation in St Michael's Church, Athy, for the institution of the Revd Conor O'Reilly.
The Revd Conor O'Reilly is welcomed as the new Rector of Athy Union.
The Revd Conor O'Reilly is welcomed as the new Rector of Athy Union.
The institution of the Revd Conor O'Reilly in St Michael's Church, Athy.
The institution of the Revd Conor O'Reilly in St Michael's Church, Athy.
Archbishop Michael Jackson, the Revd Conor O'Reilly, the Revd Kevin Bonne (preacher) and Archdeacon Neal O'Raw.
Archbishop Michael Jackson, the Revd Conor O'Reilly, the Revd Kevin Bonne (preacher) and Archdeacon Neal O'Raw.

 

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