The big occasion in our church life was meeting our new rector, the
Rev’d Brian O’Reilly, his wife, Karen and their son, Cillian. Brian’s
Institution was on Friday 26th April, in St Peter’s. The service,
conducted by the Archbishop, with the Archdeacon, the Registrar and
Dean of Armagh, was attended by many visiting clergy, civic
representatives, community representatives, Brian’s former
colleagues, his family and of course, our own congregation. Cillian,
Brian’s son, read one of the lessons, Brian’s friend, the Rev’d Carlton
Baxter, preached. The music was led by a choir with members from St
Nicholas’, Dundalk and many of our own singers from the various
parishes. Wendy played beautifully, Stephen Macnamara accompanied
the ‘wandering hymn’ and all was held together under the able
direction of Ms Sharon Eveson, whom I had asked to sing the solo
part of the introit. Thank you, Hazel, for organising the mini-bus
which saved many parking spaces. Service over, rector now firmly in
place, we enjoyed a lovely meal, organised by Carlos, Helen, Jill and
many helpers. Thank you to all who contributed both to the service
and the meal. Many of us gathered again on Sunday 28th to hear Brian
take his first service: every time I squeeze an orange, I will remember
his line about what you should get when you squeeze a Christian.