Diocesan News
Ordination of Rev Claire Henderson to the Diaconate
The Diocese of Derry and Raphoe has got its first, newly–ordained Deacon in three years. Drumragh parishioner, the Rev Claire Henderson, was ordained in St Eunan’s Cathedral in Raphoe, on Sunday. The service – which took place under stringent Covid–19 restrictions – was the first ordination conducted by the Rt Rev Andrew Forster since his consecration as Bishop of Derry and Raphoe.
“Usually, in an Ordination Service,” Bishop Andrew said, “the cathedral would be packed. There’d be lots of people here, there would be a real sense of occasion, a great crowd, and so on. But God isn’t impressed by crowds and the sense of occasion. God’s impressed by the heart and what goes on in the heart, and the Lord is here, and His spirit is with us.”
Among those present to witness the laying on of hands on what the Bishop called “a day filled with joy and filled with that sense of God’s presence” were Ms Henderson’s parents, George and Jean, her Curate at Drumragh, the Rev Sean Hanily, and the former Rector of Drumragh with Mountfield, the Rev Ian Linton.
In his sermon, the Bishop focused on the prophet Isaiah’s feeling of inadequacy and unworthiness. He said any deacon, priest or bishop realises their own sense of inadequacy and their own sense of unworthiness before our holy God, but the holiness of God uses us.
“Claire, you will feel inadequate, you will feel unworthy, you will feel ‘How on earth can we represent the one who is Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty?’ – the whole earth is full of his glory – and yet, grace comes. Every time we realise our unworthiness, grace comes, again and again and again. And grace came for Isaiah’s people and grace came for Isaiah and grace will come for you.”
The Covid–19 restrictions meant a change to the usual routine following significant occasions at St Eunan’s Cathedral. The prohibition on the serving of refreshments meant there was no reception in the nearby church hall. Instead, members of the congregation posed for physically distanced photographs with the new Deacon before heading their separate ways.
Ms Henderson will now serve her deacon–internship in the Raphoe Group of Parishes, which includes Raymochy and Clonleigh.
For a fuller report on the Service of Ordination, click here.
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Derry & Raphoe
Mr Paul McFadden
028 7126 2440
07525 826290
press@derryandraphoe.org