Pat O’Malley

Parish Reader

I started studying “Ministry and Mission in the Local Church” in 2006 under the tutorship of Archdeacon Ricky Rountree and Archdeacon David Pierpoint. We emailed all our assignments to St John’s Nottingham and they were assessed by their tutors. We also had lecture week-ends over the course of the 2 years in the Theological Institute, and were Commissioned on Easter Thursday 2008 in Christchurch Cathedral by Archbishop John Neill.

During those two years I had great guidance and support from the rector of the Arklow Group of Parishes, Canon Nigel Sherwood. He encouraged me to join him in taking services, and, after being commissioned, I took services on my own. I felt that my calling was in our local Group of Parishes, where I was needed most, so I did not continue with further studies.

Mary Dillon

Parish Reader

I became a parish reader in 2016 and am based in Kilbride but take services in the other churches when needed.

I became a parish reader as I wanted to be involved in the church in an active way and felt I wanted to lead. Being a parish reader has enabled me to get to know many, many people in the parish and to serve them in a way which I find personally fulfilling and which also helps the parish. As well as taking services in church I have deputised for the rector on occasion, taking part in the August bank holiday blessing of the fleet service and the annual Memorial service for those lost at sea. I have a close association through my family with the Lifeboat service and really enjoy bringing my ministry to work in this way.

I live in Arklow town, enjoy singing and music. I love to cook and bake but don’t find I have as much time as I would like to do either.