Rev’d Philip appointed Rector of Howth

Dear friends and parishioners,

I have an announcement to make that may come as a surprise to some of you.

I’ve served as Rector of Naas Union since 2006. It has been a great privilege to work among you and there have been many highlights as we labour as workers in the vineyard of the Kingdom of God. To name but a few: the renovation of the side-chapel at St. Davids, the extensive conservation of St. Columcille’s church in Rathmore, the visits of Mission groups in St. Johns, the installation of PA systems in all of the churches, the Family Fun day, the building of the new School, the streaming and AV setup at St. Davids, the restoration of the Maudlin’s Pyramids, online lectures and most recently the disabled-access walkway. There have been numerous baptisms, weddings, confirmations, even an ordination and of course funerals. There have been immense moves forward in terms of opening up our churches to the wider community through concerts and drama, working with local community groups and representatives and also the joy of worshipping with other churches in our ecumenical initiatives.

However, Ministry is not something that is static. As has been said, “If you want to walk on water you’ve got to get out of the boat.” I’ve spent nearly 16 happy years in Naas Kill and Rathmore. I have grown to know you and love you as we journey together in Christ. It has been an honour to be your Rector but I have felt increasingly that God is calling me to get out of the boat.

I’ve been nominated to serve as Rector in Howth Parish in the Diocese of Dublin and I have accepted. Howth is a parish which offers many exciting opportunities and I pray that what I have learned from both my achievements and shortcomings will inform my next ventures in Ministry.

The date of institution is Wednesday 27th April and I look forward to celebrating Easter with you before moving on, as we have not had an “in-person” celebration for two years running.

As I said, it has been a privilege to serve as your Rector and thank you for all of your help, support, laughter, trust and friendship. There will be plenty of time to talk further, but for now please remember Christabel and me in your prayers as we prepare to make the move to the parish of Howth in the Archdiocese of Dublin and Glendalough.

With kind regards,

Rev’d Philip