Offaly parish warmly welcomes new priest to the community

THE Church of Ireland Shinrone Group of Parishes warmly welcomed a new Priest In Charge to its community during a ceremony in St Mary's Church Shinrone on Friday evening.

There was a great sense of energy and celebration during the evening, as well as carefully considered reflections on the nature of priestly ministry.

The new Priest In Charge is Reverend James Wallace who was praised during the service for his kindness and ability to listen patiently and attentively.

A thoughtful and honest Sermon was given by the Venerable John Godfrey, Archdeacon of Tuam and Killaloe, who began by saying that from the bottom of his heart he wanted to thank Bishop Michael Burrows for inviting him to give the Sermon. The Archdeacon said he was delighted when he learned that Rev. Wallace had been appointed the new Priest In Charge.
The Archdeacon reflected on the period years ago when he decided to become a priest. “At such a time one does a lot of soul searching about one's life. It takes a lot of courage to stand up and say I want to be a priest, because people might laugh at you.

“After I decided to become a priest I met Jim at a vocations retreat at a retreat centre in Newry. Jim was a good person to have around in the retreat centre because he had a good sense of fun, energy and creativity; he was kind and able to listen carefully (which is a rare gift). He tries to understand the heart of what you are and respond sensitively and carefully. There were over forty of us at the retreat; we were young, away from home; it was a huge change in our lives. Jim was the leader of our group, he was the glue that held our group together no matter how strange or gloomy we might have been feeling. Therefore in a time that could have been very rocky for us it was less so because of Jim's steadying presence.

“After all the soul searching some of us were finally ordained together in Christ Church, Dublin. I was ordained eleven years ago. The ordination ceremony was quite a wobbly moment! But it was a very special, beautiful moment in my life. Then we were scattered throughout the length and breadth of Ireland and it was harder to keep in touch. It was always good to meet up with Jim during the subsequent years. There are not many people in one's life who will listen to you and be kind and patient on your bad days; Jim is one of those.”

The Archdeacon added that during the previous week or so, Rev. Wallace had been settling into his new life in Shinrone. He replaces Reverend Charles McCartney.

Archdeacon Godfrey pointed out that Shinrone is a proud place which has a history of centuries of strong Christian communities and worship. He said the ideal which every Christian community should aspire to is that it's about the people of God and not the people who are in charge. “In the last few days I have been heartened to see the power of Christ lapping around Jim in his new role.”

The Right Reverend Michael Burrows, Bishop of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe said the Body of Christ “is so wonderfully expressed in this parish and in this diocese. Our priestly ministry is anchored in humility.” The Bishop was clearly delighted to be present and led the service of welcome with considerable enthusiasm.

The Archdeacon pointed out that a priest's role is a humble but special one. “All you can do as a priest, in a lot of situations, is try to be kind and loving and try to do some good in the world. We can only in truth properly fulfil our priestly duties through the grace of God; we also need help from friends and family.

“I think that you Jim are coming to the best diocese in the whole world! It has much to commend it.

“When as a clergyman or parishioner you are stretched and challenged in every direction the only way to survive is by supporting one another and by trusting in the grace of God. If we are to keep the flame of the Gospel lit we can only do it together.”

He said Rev. Wallace's family had influenced him. “His mother Ann was a Reader in church until the age of 65 when she became a priest. Her Dad (Cecil, Jim's grandad) was a reader and organist. One of Jim's fondest memories is of his grandad reading stories to him as a child before he went to sleep.”

The Archdeacon said he visited the Rectory in Birr during the week. “Rev Arthur is a wonderful artist. Above his fireplace there's a striking painting by another artist which depicts an organist playing the organ. There's a lot of darkness but there's a blazing out, a great light shining from this organist who is a small figure in the art work. Through his playing he is dispelling the darkness.

“Jim reactivates his ministry here this evening. I hope he helps dispel any darkness that he may experience while living and working here.”

Words of greeting were expressed by a number of people. Ray Dempsey on behalf of the parishioners extended a very warm welcome. “We are excited and look forward to your ministry amongst us. We are full of enthusiasm. We have a very strong community spirit. We wish you all of God's blessings every day.”

Rev Tom Kingston representing the Methodist Church said to Jim, “I know that you come amongst very welcoming, warm, engaging people.”

“Tá an áthas orm a bheith anseo”, said Fr Tom Hogan representing the Catholic Church, “to say a few words of welcome. I loved the Archdeacon's sermon and its message of togetherness and unity; there was a great sense of us all being in the same boat.

“I couldn't place Jim's accent so I asked him where he's from. He's from Cork. Cork people often have a great gift with their voice. Tús maith leath na hoibre agus ní neart go cur le chéile. You have our full support in the Catholic church.”
Bishop Michael thanked Fr Tom for his “warm words of commonality. Often in Ireland,” he joked, “everything seems to go back to Cork. There's an old joke which says, never ask an Irish man where he was born because if he's from Cork he will tell you; and if he's not from Cork you will only embarrass him!"

Cllr Peter Ormond welcomed Rev. Wallace on behalf of Birr Municipal District. “I want to thank you for your invite here this evening,” said Cllr Ormond. “This week we are lamenting the passing of David Wakefield. David was the first person to tell me of Jim's appointment. I have no doubt that Rev. Wallace will find lots of warmth and hospitality here. The people here have always enjoyed an excellent relationship across all the communities. I pay tribute to all of Rev. Wallace's predecessors especially Charles McCartney who worked very hard and conscientiously during his time in the group of parishes. I hope your time, Reverend, in Shinrone will be a happy time.”

Jim Feighery speaking on behalf of the wider community said Shinrone is steeped in history. For example, on January 10th, 1742, Edward Hand was baptised in Shinrone. Growing up, he trained as a doctor in Dublin then he emigrated to the US. He became friendly with George Washington, became a General and then a congressman. "You might also have noticed the headstone on the way into this church which states that the Kearney family lived in this area, the ancestors of the 44th US President.”

Jim said the community is not only proud of its history but also of its large, excellent community centre.

Jim said the Group of Parishes is a big area, “from the Slieve Bloom Mountains to Knockshegowna; from Birr Airfield to Moneygall; four parishes, four churches, in Aghancon, Dunkerrin, Kinnitty and Shinrone; it's a very big area and if Rev. Wallace wants any help all he has to do is ask.”

Jim said local parishioner Mabel Wallace is 99 years of age. “If he wants to know anything in the parish she will tell him better than any computer! Rev. James will be Mabel Wallace's 14th priest in charge in Shinrone during her lifetime.”

Ray Dempsey said during the Priest In Charge vacancy the parish greatly appreciated the help and support from Rev. Janet White Spunner, who regularly oversaw the services. He thanked Rev. Arthur Minion for his help and support. He thanked Marie Maher and her committee in Shinrone community centre. He also thanked Marjorie McCorduck, the organist from Roscrea, who played the organ during the service of welcome. He also thanked the Parish Readers - Alan Algeo, Alan Armstrong, David Meredith and John Reid.

The large gathering then adjourned to the Community Centre for refreshments.