Sunday celebrations in Dunnalong

Not only was it Father's Day, but the congregation recieved its new Rector, Rev Irene Lyttle, the church's first lady priest, and in addition, Kaye Nesbitt was commissioned as Diocesan Reader.

The call to gather was performed by Canon Derek Quinn, Diocesan Warden of Readers, and Deputy Registrar, who also performed the Sermon, but before the service of Installation and Commissioning took place, there were congratulations and applause for long-standing member of the congregation, Edyth Lovell, who was awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honors.

In his words of welcome, Bishop Ken Good, Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, said it was a day when fathers had to step aside as, although it was Fathers' Day, it was the ladies who were taking centre stage. Leading with prayer, the Bishop took his inspiration from Romans 12, 5-6, and it was a theme which radiated throughout the service of installation and Commissioning.

In his Sermon Canon Quinn said he was not too sure what St Paul would have made of a woman priest and female Diocesan Reader, but said that for his own part he was delighted to see how Irene and Kaye had answered the call of God.

He said it was an important day for Irene and Kaye, and said both women were also deeply involved in the WI, and reflected on how he and Irene had first met nine years ago, when Irene came forward for ordination. However, he said he had known Kaye since childhood and, indeed, it seemed that both had been in the same class at school. However, Canon Quinn confessed that he did not remember her and much to the myrth of the congregation, said he hoped Kaye would make a greater impression on the congregations of Leckpatrick and Dunnalong than she had on him.

The Certificate of Nomination was read by Canon Quinn, after which the Act of Institution took place, and Rev Lyttle was presented with the instruments of her Ministry, namely: A Bible was presented by Julie Kerr; water was presented by Tracey Culbert ; The Book of Common Prayer by Natasha Dinsmore; bread and wine by Mark Olphert and Jack Leckey ; a key by Church Wardens, Drew Downey, Adrian Shields, Catherine Culbert and Leonard Downey, and a towel, presented by Victor McKelvey. She was then ceremoniously led to her Stall by the Bishop.

Bouquets of flowers were presented to the newly installed Rector, Kaye and the Bishop's wife, Mary Good, by Tony Robb, Bobby Robinson and Conor Olphert, and cards were presented from the congregation to Rev Lyttle and Mrs Nesbitt by Sylvia Downey and Dawn Hume.

Facing her congregation for the first time as Rector, Rev Lyttle was acclaimed as Rector for the Parishes of Leckpatrick and Dunnalong by sustained applause.

The Commissioning of Mrs Nesbitt began with her being presented to the Bishop by Diocesan Warden Canon Quinn, and after the Examination, Bishop Good commended Kaye to the prayers of the congregation, who offered silent prayers for her. Mrs Nesbitt was then vested with an aquamarine stole by Canon Quinn signifying her authority of office.

As the service drew to a close Rev Irene Lyttle and her new Diocesan Reader, Kaye, led the congregation in prayer and after the recessional hymn the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe bestowed the Blessing.

Readings: Vickie Forbes, Exodus 18:5-6, 13-37; Krystina Nesbitt, 1 Corinthians 12: 12-31; Gospel reading, Noel McGarrigle, St Luke 10: 1-12.

The service was marked by the choice and number of hymns which not only reflected Father's Day, but were also reflective of the installation and commissiioning of Irene and Kaye, respectively. They were 'In Christ alone my hope is found', 'How Deep the Father's Love for Us', 'There is a Redeemer', 'Father, We love you', 'As the deer pants for water' and 'Be Thou my Vision'.

The organist was Edyth Lovell, MBE, and the flowers were organised by Ann McCurry.

The collection was taken up by the Church Wardens: Drew Downey, Adrian Shields, Catherine Culbert and Leonard Downey.

Following the service the congregation, guests and clergy and their families enjoyed tea in the Sollus Hall, opposite.