Diocesan News
Tuam, Killala and Achonry ordinations to the priesthood
Three ordinations to the priesthood took place in Tuam, Killala and Achonry on Sunday 27th September: the Rev Karen Duignan, the Rev Carole Reynolds and the Rev Maebh O’Herlihy.
The service took place in St Nicholas’ Church, Galway. Bishop Patrick Rooke administered the Sacrament of Ordination in the context of the Eucharist. The Old Testament lesson was read by Karen, the Epistle by Maebh and the Gospel by Carole. The preacher was the Rev Canon Jen McWhirter, Diocesan Director of Ordinands. The music was led throughout by the choir of St Nicholas’ with Mark Duley directing and playing the organ.
Because of Covid 19 restrictions, this was an ordination with a difference. The numbers in the congregation were greatly reduced. There was no singing other than the socially distanced choir. And when it came to the laying on the hands, only the bishop and three other priests for each candidate, all individually and separately, laid their hands on those being ordained. All the other priests present raised their hands in blessing from a distance.
The newly ordained priests will serve in various parishes across Tuam, Killala and Achonry. Karen will serve in Easkey/Kilglass alongside Archdeacon Stephen McWhirter; Maebh in Dugort, Achill Island specifically and also across Aughaval (Westport) parish alongside the Rev Canon Jen McWhirter and Carole in Kilcummin (Oughterard) parish alongside Provost Lynda Peilow.
Communications Officer, Tuam, Limerick & Killaloe
089 448 9353
Stephen Fletcher
comms@tlk.ie