Clergy widows treated to afternoon tea in Broughshane

Wednesday July 16th 2008

The Bishop of Connor, Dean John Bond and Canon Kathleen Brown with clergy widows and helpers at the afternoon tea in Broughshane. Photo courtesy of the Ballymena Times. More than a dozen clergy widows hailing from all parts of Connor Diocese were guests of the Bishop of Connor in St Patrick’s, Broughshane, on July 9.

The ladies were treated to afternoon tea in the parish hall, followed by a Service of Holy Communion in the Church.

This is the first such event for clergy widows, and was instigated by Bishop Alan Abernethy, who recently appointed the Rev Canon Kathleen Brown as Chaplain to clergy widows and the Rev Canon Jack Patterson as Chaplain to retired clergy. Both are new positions in Connor.

Canon Brown said there were 32 clergy widows living in Connor Diocese. Those who had been able to attend the afternoon tea had enjoyed themselves, she added.

“The excellent catering at Broughshane was appreciated by all. This was a time for people who probably once had quite a lot to do with each other to come back together to chat and catch up on the news,” Canon Brown said. “It was a lovely afternoon and we hope to repeat it next year.”

Holy Communion was celebrated by Bishop Abernethy, assisted by Dean John Bond, Dean of Connor. Canon Brown read the lessons.