Choral Evensong and Installation of the Rev’d Canon Helen Oxley as Prebendary of Blackrath

On a sunny afternoon on Sunday 6th April St. Canice’s Cathedral in Kilkenny welcomed the Rev’d Helen Oxley as she was installed as the new Prebendary of Blackrath. The service of Choral Evensong marked a joyful moment in her ministry.

The Bishop of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory welcomed the congregation to the service and offered his congratulations to Canon Oxley on her appointment. He refered to the fact that Canon Oxley combines her role as a principal in a primary school alongside that of a priest serving in the non stipendiary ministry. He also noted the presence of some Diocesan Readers at the service and thanked Helen for all she does to encourage this ministry as Warden of Readers.

Following the Bishop’s words the  Assistant Registrar, Sean Rafter BL, read the Bishop’s Licence. Canon Oxley subscribed to the Declarations and signed both the Diocesan Roll and the Chapter Book, affirming her commitment as a member of the Chapter of St Canice’s Cathedral. The Canon Precentor, the Very Rev’d Dr. Paul Mooney, then led Canon Oxley to her stall.

The service of Choral Evensong that followed was led by St Canice’s Cathedral Choir, under the direction of Dr. Harry Meehan FRCO. The service included music by Philip Radcliffe and Orlando Gibbons and the anthem was a setting of Lord Tennyson’s poem ‘Crossing the Bar’ by George Hewson.

The Rev’d Nancy Gillespie and Canon Oxley’s son, Jonathan read the lessons and Canon Oxley offered a thoughtful reflection on the appointed readings in her sermon.

After the service the congregation gathered outside the west end of the cathedral for photographs in the glorious sunshine.

This joyful service marked not only a milestone in Canon Oxley’s ministry but also now provides her with an opporunity to bring her committment to education into the life of the cathedral.