Homecoming as Rev Wray introduced as priest-in-charge at Christ Church

THERE are homecomings and there are homecomings.

In Christ Church, Strabane, Rev Robert Wray was introduced as priest-in-charge of the church literally across the street from the home on Bowling Green where he spent much of his adolescence.

It was, the preacher, Ven Robert Miller, said, a case of “the right people meeting the right leader’.

The homely feeling of the Service of Introduction was enhanced by the presence of Rev Wray’s mother, Ruby, and his wife, Karen, who shared a pew with his sister, Naomi Kirkpatrick and niece, Catherine McDonald.

A number of clergy from surrounding churches were in church to formally welcome their colleague.

Also present were the retired Bishop of Mahajanga in Madagascar, Rev Hall Speers - a native of Urney and a former neighbour of Robert’s wife, Karen - and Father Declan Boland, priest-in-residence at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Strabane.

This service was led by the Bishop of Derry, Rev Andrew Forster, who welcomed the congregation to “a special night” for the Parish of Camus-Juxta-Mourne.

“I know that Robert has been in the parish, now, for a number of months,” Bishop Andrew said, “but we wanted to mark the beginning of this new chapter of ministry for Robert and for the parish by having this special Service of Introduction, this evening.

"And, Robert, it’s particularly great to see you sitting where you’re sitting.

"You’ve been familiar with that chair since you were a small boy coming to this church and God has led you on this wonderful journey that has brought you back to your home parish to serve him, to love the place that you grew up in – again, in a new way – as pastor for this parish.”

The sermon was delivered by Rev Robert's first Rector, the Archdeacon of Derry, Ven Robert Miller, who described it as a pleasure to be preaching on this occasion.

"There's a wonderful understanding in Scripture of the word blessing," he said, "as being the right person, in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing. And there certainly seems to be a sense that this evening has 'blessing' written all over it.

"The Reverend Robert is someone returning home to serve as Priest-in-charge of this parish and to serve the community where he grew up."

Archdeacon Miller said the message Rev Robert brought to his new parishioners as Priest-in-charge of Camus-Juxta-Mourne, and that he lived out in his life, was a message of grace and peace and hope.

"It's a message that we hold onto as individuals but also corporately - together - as the Church of Ireland,"" he said.

"In some sense, we're never simply 'a Christian' but rather we're a part of the wider family of God...This evening's an important one for this parish.

"The first page of a new chapter has been turned and tonight this family of faith commits to share together in ministry and mission."

The Archdeacon said there were deep hurts and traumas in this part of the world that still needed to find healing and peace.

"Robert, as someone who grew up here, understands the context, but the answers are to be found together with one another as a community of faith, and, of course, together with the Lord, trusting in the leadership and leading of his Holy Spirit.

"I believe that Robert is blessed to be in this parish and that you in turn will be blessed by him. It's the right people meeting the right leader."

Bishop Andrew was assisted during the Service of Introduction by Diocesan Registrar, Rev Jonathan Brown, who read the certificate of nomination.

The scriptural readings were delivered by the parish secretary, Jason Foy and parish treasurer, Philip Smith. Archdeacon Miller read the Gospel reading.

Musical worship was led by Elaine McKenna on the organ and guitarist Andrew White, and after the service, the congregation enjoyed refreshments and fellowship in the church hall.