 |
 |
News
Institution of new rector by Zoom is a first in Clogher Diocese
Revd. Elaine Dunne.
It was a first for Clogher Diocese on 4th June when the institution of a new rector was performed online through Zoom.
The Revd Elaine Dunne had been appointed as the new incumbent of the Group of Ballybay, Clontibret and Muckno in Co. Monaghan in February and her date of institution was set for Thursday, 4th June in St. Colman’s Church, Clontibret.
However with the Coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic spreading and the restrictions placed on churches and people’s lives since then, a normal institution was impossible.
The institution did go ahead on 4th June but by an online service through Zoom. Those attending included the new incumbent, the Revd. Elaine along with the Archbishop’s Commissary, Archdeacon Brian Harper who conducted the service as well as the Provincial Registrar, Canon Colin Moore and Chancellor Ian Berry, Rural Dean, who presented Revd Elaine for institution. It also included neighbouring rectors, Revd. Colin McConaghie, of the Carrickmacross Group; Revd Roy Taylor, from the Clones Group of Parishes; Revd Lorraine Capper from the Donagh Group of parishes; Mr. Glenn Moore, Diocesan Secretary and representatives from the three parishes in the Ballybay Group from Christ Church, Ballybay; St Colman’s, Clontibret and St, Maeldoid’s, Muckno. These included churchwardens, parish secretaries and Sunday School teachers.
Those attending the institution on Zoom.
A total of 24 people joined on the Zoom service which began with the Collect for Trinity Sunday.
After Chancellor Ian Berry presented Revd Elaine for institution, she replied and signed the official document.
Archdeacon Brian Harper welcomed Revd. Elaine on behalf of the Diocese and there was an opportunity for representatives from the parishes to welcome Revd. Elaine to the area. A number of them said they looked forward to the day when churches re-opened and she would be conducting Sunday worship for them.
Others extended Revd Elaine best wishes in her new group of parishes.
Chancellor Ian Berry welcomed Revd. Elaine on behalf of the Rural Deanery of Monaghan and said it was great to see the vacancy filled so quickly and to see the answer to prayers of people from the three parishes.
Revd Elaine, thanking everyone for their words of welcome and encouragement, said the institution was not what everyone had anticipated but nevertheless she was now in her parishes. She asked everyone to be patient and said she would work behind the scenes during these uncertain times until restrictions eased.
Revd. Elaine was ordained in 2005 and she worked as curate assistant in the Grouped Parishes of Castleknock and Mulhuddart with Clonsilla and as assistant priest in the Grouped Parishes of Santry, Glasnevin and Finglas, both of which are in the Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough.
Prior to coming to Clogher Diocese, she has been Priest in Charge of Omey Union of Parishes in north west Connemara in the Dioceses of Tuam, Killala and Achonry. She was appointed a Clerical Vicar of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, in 2006.
Since her ordination she has particularly enjoyed working with children and teenagers in a faith context and undertaken a number of courses related to youth work and youth ministry.