Diocesan News
Abigail Sines installed as Rector of the Trim and Athboy Union and Dean of Clonmacnoise
Congratulations to Dean Abigail Sines as she begins a new chapter of her ministry as the Rector of the Trim and Athboy Union and the Dean of Clonmacnoise. The service of institution and installation took place on Thursday (29th January) in the historic site of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Trim. Friends, family, representatives of the local community and parishioners old and new gathered for a wonderful service marking the start of an exciting new chapter for Dean Abigail and the diocese as a whole.
Dean Abigail has come to the Trim and Athboy Union from the Carrigrohane Union of Parishes in Co. Cork and is married to Karl Tyrell.
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The readings for the service were from Ephesians 4:1–16 (read by Elliot Potterton) and Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23 and 44–46 (read by Abigail’s husband, Karl). The address was given by the Revd Robert Ferris, Rector of the Carrigrohane Union. In his sermon, Robert said that a service such as this was a great opportunity for welcome but also a reminder to pause and reflect about what we are doing as church. He said the passage from the letter to the Ephesians speaks about unity in the church, being equipped for service and a calling to maturity in the faith, with clear challenges and helpful encouragement for us all today. He commended Dean Abigail as a servant of the Servant King and encouraged the faithful, supportive prayers of all present.
Following the service, the Act of institution was read by Bishop Pat Storey along with the Venerable Katharine Poulton and Dean Isobel Jackson after which Abigail was installed as Dean. During the commissioning the congregation were asked to affirm their commitment to be a witness to the love of Christ and to serve others in the name of Christ. Gifts of a Bible, water (representing baptism), the Book of Common Prayer, bread and wine, a key to the door of the church and a towel (reminding us of the calling to serve) were presented to Dean Abigail as symbols of her commitment to guiding, nurturing and strengthening our faith.
Following the service there were four speeches. The first was from Jane Moffatt representing the Carrigrohane Union of Parishes who spoke of Dean Abigail as a welcoming, inspiring leader who had a wonderful way of including all. She also thanked Karl for his own ministry as Diocesan Reader.
After this Thomas Potterton said words of welcome from the Trim and Athboy Union of Parishes. He said that Abigail was a name of Hebrew origin which meant ‘joy’ and was associated with wisdom. He said that they looked forward with joy to Dean Abigail’s time as Rector. He thanked Canon John Clarke and all who had served the group so ably during the vacancy.
Following this Dean Abigail said a few words about her ‘surprising and unlikely’ journey to this point. She said she was honoured to be taking up this new role and is sure that God has more surprises yet to come.
Finally, Bishop Pat extended a very warm welcome to Abigail and Karl on behalf of the clergy of the diocese. The service was followed by a beautiful reception in the church hall with a wonderful opportunity to welcome Dean Abigail and Karl to their new ministry.
Mrs Jenny Horner
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