 |
 |
News
Former Curate of Clogher Cathedral is instituted Rector
The Revd Olivia Downey (centre) at her institution in St. Macartan's Cathedral Clogher.
The Revd Olivia Downey was instituted as Rector of the Grouped Parishes of Clogher Cathedral, Errigal Portclare, Augher and Newtownsaville by the Bishop of Clogher, Right Revd John McDowell in St. Macartan’s Cathedral, Clogher on Thursday, 24th May.
Revd Olie, as she is known in the parishes, has served as assistant curate in the group of parishes for the past number of years, sharing that role with St. Macartin’s Cathedral, Enniskillen.
Revd Olivia grew up in Aghadrumsee Parish in Clogher Diocese and trained to became a senior cardiology nurse in England before returning to Northern Ireland to work at Belfast City Hospital.
She subsequently trained for ministry in the Church of Ireland, attending the Theological Institute, Dublin. She has served as Deacon and Curate Assistant in Clogher Diocese.
Clogher Cathedral was filled as clergy and Diocesan Readers from throughout Clogher Diocese as well as neighbouring Dioceses, joined with family, friends and parishioners for the service.
The procession during the opening hymn, “Guide me, O thou great Jehovah,” included the combined choir of St. Macartin’s Cathedral, Enniskillen and Clogher Cathedral, visiting clergy, the Dean and Chapter of Clogher, the Rural Dean, Archdeacon, the Preacher, Canon Henry Blair, Rector of Magheraculmoney Parish and the Bishop of Clogher.
The other hymns were; “Lord, you give the great commission,” “In Christ alone my hope is found,” “I know not why God’s wondrous grace” and “To God be the glory! Great things he has done!”
The choir led the singing of Psalm 121, “I lift up my eyes to the hills” as well as singing the anthem, “Still my soul, be still.” The organist was Mr. Glenn Moore.
The readings were by Miss Isobel Stewart, Diocesan Pastoral Assistant; Mrs Georgina Wallace, a sister of Revd Olivia and Dean Kenneth Hall.
Archdeacon Brian Harper presented Revd Olivia to the Bishop for the institution followed by the Commission when the Bishop accompanied Revd Olivia to the door, the Font, the Prayer Desk, the Pulpit and the Lord’s Table where representatives from each of the parishes in the group were waiting.
The offertory was taken up for the Clogher Ministry Fund.
The greetings and speeches welcoming Revd Olivia to the group as Rector, took place in the Cathedral, introduced by the Rural Dean, Canon Maurice Armstrong.
These included Karen Clyde from Enniskillen Cathedral, where Revd Olivia was leaving as assistant curate; Ivan Domer, People’s Churchwarden, Clogher Cathedral, welcoming her in her new role; William Armstrong on behalf of the Augher congregation; Yolande Johnston from Errigal Portclare; Stephen Bell, Newtownsaville; Fr. Noel McGahan, Parish Priest, Clogher and David Boyd on behalf of the Presbyterian congregations of Glenhoy and Carntall; Canon Armstrong, Rural Dean and the Bishop of Clogher.
Revd Olivia thanked the people of the Clogher Group of Parishes for putting their support in her and everyone who had made the evening special to her, particularly members of her family; her brothers, Nigel and Lester and sister, Georgina.
Following the services and speeches, everyone shared in the tea served in thee British Legion Hall, Clogher.