• 05 September 2021

Revd Andy Hay is ordained presbyter

Congratulations to Revd Andy Hay who has been ordained presbyter for the curacy of St Finnian’s, Cregagh.

Bishop David ordained Andy along with Rodney Blair and Anna Williams at a service in Down Cathedral on Sunday 5 September. The preacher was our Bible Week speaker, Revd Mark Aldridge. Mark is Assistant National Leader for New Wine England. 

Andy reflects on his deacon year

Over the last year I have had the pleasure, and privilege, to serve in St Donard’s Parish, Bloomfield, as a deacon intern. I was made to feel welcome by members of the congregation and learned great deal from Archdeacon Ken Higgins.

St Donard’s is a very friendly place to be, and the congregation were encouraging. Restrictions were in place during my time there, but I was able to be involved in a weekly Late Evening Office service which incorporated a short Bible study and discussion. It was themed around the issues raised by the pandemic, and I was taken by the honesty and openness of the congregation.

Archdeacon Ken Higgins is a good example of a follower of Christ with a servant’s approach. I learned from his consistency and determination throughout the pandemic closures. Working closely with him were the Select Vestry and the technical team. The Vestry were dedicated to the wellbeing of the Church and the technical team were ever present as they recorded, edited, and uploaded the weekly content. Their dedication was inspiring.

The pandemic meant that the deacon year was a strange one. There were not the same opportunities with regards to assisting with funerals and home visitation. However, there were some good pastoral opportunities. Also the point, I suppose, of serving in a church is to serve where you find yourselves and meet the current need. For me it meant I was busy with liturgical preparation, preaching and recording. I also was able to put together online content aimed at children and families. It was all great experience.

I am, and always will be, very grateful to God for the time I had in St Donard’s Parish, and I am looking forward very much to be serving the Parish of St Finnian’s Cregagh, as a Curate.