Edenderry welcomes new rector

The parishioners of Edenderry Union have welcomed the Rev Sarah Marry as their new rector. She was instituted by Bishop Pat Storey in Castro Petre Church in Edenderry on August 15.

The Rectory of Edenderry Union of Parishes includes Edenderry, Carbury, Clonbullogue and Rathangan, a change from her last post as priest–in–charge of Saint Anne’s, Shandon, Cork, since 2015. This week the Offaly Independent talked to the new Reverend about receiving God’s call, raising a family, and the challenges of a new ministry.
“Myself, my husband and our two daughters are settling into our new surroundings and getting to know our way round bit by bit! We are delighted to begin a new adventure in ministry in this beautiful part of the country,” begins Rev Sarah.
Originally from the UK, Rev Sarah has lived in Ireland for 22 years, firstly in Dublin where she worked in human resources before “sensing” an unexpected vocation to ordained ministry, which has eventually led her to Edenderry by way of Cork.
“Looking back I can see life was leading a particular direction – my last role in HR was for Concern Worldwide which I found really fulfilling and faith and church had gradually become more important in my life,” she explains.
“It was however not a direction I expected life to head in! After much wrestling and discerning, I felt sure that this was God’s call on my life and so began training for ministry at the Church of Ireland Theological Institute in Dublin.
“After a break from training when the girls were small I completed my training and was ordained deacon in 2011 in Christchurch Cathedral in Dublin to serve in Booterstown and Mount Merrion. A year later I was appointed as Curate to Douglas Union of Parishes with Frankfield and ordained priest so we moved down to Cork.”
A two and a half year curacy then followed four years of fulfilling ministry in Cork city centre at St Anne’s, home to the famous Shandon Bells, which was combined with Chaplaincy to St Luke’s Home, a large residential nursing home.
“Earlier this year, we experienced a new sense of call this time to Edenderry, and through a time of prayer and discernment it became clear that this was we were to begin a new chapter in life and in ministry,” Rev Sarah continues. 
The role of a rector is very broad but two key areas is pastoral care of parishioners and leading worship, says Rev Sarah. 
“I am particularly delighted to be Chaplain to Monasteroris National School but my role involves getting to know and walking alongside people at every age and stage of life.
“While Edenderry is a different context to Cork city, my role in many ways is the same and people’s lives, loves and losses are brought to God in the same way no matter where or how they live. We have received such a warm welcome to Edenderry and I look forward to getting to know people and place as together we seek to proclaim God’s love,” she enthuses.