Installation Service at Kilmore Cathedral offers timely reminder of the call to service as Advent nears

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St Fethlimidh’s Cathedral, Kilmore, was the setting for a Service of Installation on 23rd November 2025. The Venerable Ian Berry was installed as Archdeacon of Kilmore, and Canon Timothy Wright was installed as Prebendary of Triburnia and Canon Missioner. The service was led by Dean of Kilmore, Very Rev. Nigel Crossey and overseen by Rt Rev. Ferran Glenfield, Bishop of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh.

Before the service, clergy gathered next to a plaque lit up on for the Day of Prayer for Young People and Youth Ministry to commemorate 250 years of children’s and youth ministries in the Church of Ireland.

The Gospel reading (Mark 10:35-45) provided the foundation for a thought-provoking sermon delivered by Canon Gary McMurray, Rector of Richill. Canon Gary began by reflecting on his friendship with the newly installed Archdeacon before turning to the approaching Christmas season and posing a challenging question to the congregation: what type of people are we?

In the Gospel passage, James and John approach Jesus knowing exactly what they want—positions of power and privilege as key lieutenants when Christ rules as King. However, Canon Gary emphasized that they fundamentally misunderstood Jesus’ mission. The Apostles haven’t grasped yet what Jesus’ mission is about, he explained. Jesus is not about hierarchy and exercising power but about service.

The sermon highlighted Jesus’ teaching that the chief among the Disciples should be servants of all. The way of greatness taught by Christ is the way of service, as expressed in the words: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.” (Mark 10:45)

Canon Gary concluded by drawing a direct connection to the day’s installations. While the roles of Archdeacon and Cathedral Canon may appear to be lofty positions within the church hierarchy, they are fundamentally about service, just as Jesus taught.

Following the service, refreshments were served in the Cathedral Hall, allowing the congregation to offer their congratulations to Ian and Tim. We wish them well in their future ministry.