Press Releases11 Jan 04

Archbishop Neill's address at the retirement presentation for Dean Paterson

ADDRESS AT THE RETIREMENT PRESENTATION FOR THE VERY REVD JOHN PATERSON
by The Most Revd Dr John Neill, Archbishop of Dublin and Bishop of Glendalough
Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin

Sunday 11th January 2004

Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Some years ago, a small parish in the West of Ireland decided to totally refurbish their church. They responded very promptly to my request that they invite John Paterson to come and look at the building and see how it could be made more suitable for worship at the end of the twentieth century. He came and made suggestions that were enthusiastically followed, simple and yet imaginative, aesthetically pleasing but very practical for the celebration of the liturgy. This is just one tiny example of the sort of influence that our Dean in Christ Church has had throughout the Church of Ireland.

John stands within the Catholic tradition within Anglicanism, but in such a non-partisan way that he is not only respected, but his help sought, by those of other traditions as much as his own. In fact John has a great sensitivity towards the Church of Ireland in all its traditions. Over a quarter of a century ago I followed him as incumbent in Christ Church Leeson Park and St.Bartholomew?s, and as the first incumbent of that grouping, he established, maintained and developed a policy and a pattern of worship that was quite different in each parish. This same spirit has furthered John?s ecumenical commitment ? an appreciation of the richness of differing Christian traditions, and an ability to perceive what is special and valuable in each. There is in John, as we well know a deep spirituality, a sensitivity to the presence of God, which actually enables others to feel God very close as we worship. There is with John a clarity of preaching, and an assurance that there is good news to be shared.

John?s ministry in this diocese has centred on the city ? as already mentioned just beyond the canal in St.Bartholomew?s and Leeson Park, but here in the centre, first in St.Mark?s and Trinity College, and for the last fifteen years as Dean in the Cathedral. We must not forget those important years in Kildare where he had a remarkable ministry both as Army Chaplain and as Dean of Kildare, translating to a small congregation the simple splendour that beautiful Cathedral could present. John has taught our theological students, he has led conferences and retreats throughout the land, he has lectured widely at home and abroad. Liturgy, spirituality and ecumenism have been constantly recurring themes of this ministry.

But it is not the public face of John that I want to emphasize in isolation. For John has a network of friends around the world. Many a time when I have been abroad and recognised as an Irish Anglican, somebody will draw me aside and ask me if I know their good friend, John Paterson!

John has faced health problems with the courage borne of a deep trust in God, and we have been very proud of the encouragement that he has given to many other heart transplant patients.

But John has not been alone of recent years, for he and Pat have been a partnership that has brought great delight to their many friends. We have all been warmed by their happiness together, and theirs has been a truly hospitable home, always a place of warmth and humour.

What we want to say to John and Pat today is ?Thank you?. Others will speak of what has been done in the Cathedral, but this place has been the crowning achievement of John?s ministry. Like all Christian ministry, it has been a building on what has gone before, and a preparation for what is to come as John pointed out in his sermon on the Feast of Epiphany. But it has been a time of growth, of development and of outreach in one way and another. The Cathedral belongs to the people of Dublin and of Glendalough, and John?s ministry has been very much geared to the whole diocese ? he is the only priest, beside myself as Archbishop, who belongs to both dioceses. He has carried two episcopal vacancies and done so with great ability. John, you have served God?s people in the Church of Ireland and beyond, in the diocese and beyond, in the Cathedral and beyond, in the Cathedral parish and beyond in this city.

And so you take a step into the future with Pat. I do not need to tell you that you are still a priest as much as the day that you were ordained ? and so your ministry enters a new stage ? free of administrative and leadership responsibilities ? free of pastoral charge ? but still a ministry of Word and of Sacrament. We want that ministry ? but first you must have rest ? you both deserve it, we want you both to enjoy it. And so our thanks is coupled with our prayer that God will give you the health to enjoy much time together ? and that you will have the time to do all those things that you always wanted to do, and for which you never had time! I believe Pat will have a list drawn up for you of the things that await your attention!