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Ordination to the Priesthood of the Revd Caroline Mansley
The Revd Caroline Mansley, who currently serves as Curate Assistant in Magheraculmoney Parish in the Church of Ireland Diocese of Clogher, was ordained to the Priesthood by the Bishop of Clogher, the Right Revd John McDowell, at a special service of ordination in St Mary's Church, Ardess on Holy Cross Day, Friday 14th September 2012.
Caroline was born in Northern Ireland but spent most of her life in England. She studied History at the University of Bristol and re-affirmed her faith at Christ Church, Clifton. She also met her husband Nigel there. They lived in Bristol, Devon and Hampshire before responding to God's call to return to Nigel's hometown of Bangor, Co. Down in 1997. They have two children: Jessica who is married to Ross, and Chris. Jessica and Ross live in Enfield, North London and Jessica gave birth to Joel in July, which makes Caroline and Nigel a proud Nanna and Papa. Caroline's home Parish is St Columbanus, Ballyholme, where she was involved in many church activities, including house groups and Alpha courses. She recently served as Intern Deacon at Willowfield Parish in East Belfast as part of her Masters in Theology degree from Trinity College Dublin. She has a passion to see God's people grow and be fruitful in serving Him.
The opening hymn at the service was Great is thy faithfulness. Caroline was presented for ordination by her sponsors Michelle Savage, Carolyn Kyle, Nigel Mansley and Sandra Ross. Patrick Donnelly of Ballyholme Parish read the first reading from Isaiah chapter 61, the Psalm was 145, and Elizabeth Down of Willowfield Parish read the second reading from 2nd Corinthians chapter 5. The Gradual Hymn was From heav'n you came, and Mr Brian Ross, a Parish Reader in Magheraculmoney Parish, read the Gospel reading from St John chapter 20.
The preacher at the service was the Revd Canon David McClay, Rector of Willowfield Parish where Caroline spent her year as an Intern Deacon. The sermon was followed by the hymn I, the Lord of sea and sky, the Nicene Creed and the Rite of Ordination. After the ordination litany all joined in singing The Veni, Creator Spiritus. The Ordination Prayer with the Laying on of Hands followed this, when the bishop and priests laid their hands on the head of the candidate. The bishop then presented Caroline with a bible and the congregation greeted the newly ordained priest. The Peace was introduced by the Bishop and the Offertory hymn was a medley of All I once held dear, and Jesus, all for Jesus.
After Holy Communion was celebrated the bishop sang the blessing, the Revd Mansley said the dismissal and the closing hymn was Lord, you give the great commission. All in attendance were invited to the parish hall after the service for refreshments.
Revd Henry Blair Revd Caroline Mansley The Right Revd John McDowell Revd Sampson Ajuka