Diocesan News
Ordination of Catherine Simpson
Samuel Simpson (dad), Vida Simpson (mum), Revd Catherine Simpson, Sarah Simpson (sister), Bishop Ken Good – Bishop of Derry and Raphoe
Around 400 people gathered in St Columb’s Cathedral in Londonderry on Sunday 31 August for the ordination into the priesthood of Catherine Simpson.
Catherine is a 3rd year student with the Theological Institute in Dublin and will spend this year as a deacon intern with Revd Colin Welsh in Castledawson. Alongside completing her studies, Catherine will write a dissertation and assist in all areas of ministry in preparation for her life as a parish priest.
Catherine was joined by her parents Samuel and Vida, sister Sarah, extended family and many friends. There was a strong representation from her home church of Portglenone and St Colmannels, Ahoghill and many well wishers from the diocese of Derry and Raphoe.
The Revd Gary Miller (Portglenone parish), Bishop Pat Storey (Bishop of Meath and Kildare), Mr Samuel Simpson (father) and Mr Alan Williamson (friend) undertook the role of sponsors during the service as they had played a key role in encouraging and supporting Catherine to make this decision.
Revd Colin Welsh (Castledawson), Ven Barry Dodds (retired Archdeacon of Belfast) and Sarah Simpson (sister) read the Bible passages, and the preacher at the service was Revd Diane Matchett (rector of Castlerock) who challenged those present that the service was a reminder that everyone had a role to play in the body of Christ, not just clergy. Following the installation there were refreshments and speeches of welcome in the St Augustine’s parish hall.
Over the last 12 years Catherine has been a teacher in Lisburn, Ballymena and most recently McKinney Primary School in Dundrod where she was vice principle.
St Columb’s Cathedral, (also known as Derry Cathedral), is one of two cathedral churches of the United dioceses of Derry and Raphoe in the Church of Ireland. It is located in Londonderry, Co Londonderry and is dedicated to Saint Columba.
For photos of the service and Revd Catherine, please download the following file
http://www.derryandraphoe.org/files/SimpsonOrdination.zip.
For further enquiries and photos, please contact:
Martin Montgomery (Derry and Raphoe Communications). Tel 0044 28 71 262770.
Email: [email protected]