Rev. Murphy ordained priest in Tullamore service
Rev. Murphy took the final step towards full-time ministry in the Church of Ireland as he was ordained priest at a special service in St Catherine’s Church, Tullamore, on Wednesday, June 3.
Parishioners, colleagues, family members and friends gathered for the occasion, during which Rev. Murphy made the declarations of ordination and received the laying on of hands.
The preacher at the service was Canon Isaac Delamere, who paid tribute to Rev. Murphy’s ministry and spoke of his “signature blend of empathy and insight”.
Referring to the influence of former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams on Rev. Murphy’s approach to ministry, Canon Delamere reminded those present that priesthood is “not a promotion or a status symbol” but rather a calling to serve God and people.
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Canon Isaac Delamere and newly ordained Rev Seán Murphy, M, TH. enjoying a cuppa in the Charleville Centre after the Service. Photo: Ger RogersImage 2 of 2
Most Reverend Pat Storey Bishop of Meath and Kildare pictured with Rev. Seán Murphy, M, TH. and clergy after his ordination service in St. Catherine's Church, Hophill, Tullamore. Photo: Ger RogersHe also acknowledged the support of Rev. Murphy’s wife, Rachael, who serves as Children’s Ministry Coordinator for the Church of Ireland. The couple have five children.
Originally from Bunclody, Wexford, Rev. Murphy will continue to serve as curate of the Geashill Union of Parishes and will work alongside Canon Delamere in the Tullamore Union with Geashill Union.
His journey to ordained ministry began with his ordination as a deacon at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Trim, in June of last year.
The service was led by Bishop Pat Storey and assisted by Archdeacon Katharine Poulton, Canon John Clarke and Diocesan Registrar Karen Seaman.
On that occasion, the sermon was delivered by Rev. Trevor Holmes, a full-time healthcare chaplain overseeing ministry in Beaumont, Connolly and the Mater hospitals.
Reflecting on the path that led him to ordained ministry, Rev. Murphy described it as “a winding but purposeful road”.
Before answering his call to pastoral ministry, he worked in a variety of fields, including the military, policing, information technology and charity leadership.
“Though my accent may be a little patchworked these days, I am very much a country boy at heart, raised in the English shires and happiest when surrounded by fields, stone walls, and a kettle that is just boiled,” he said.