George Quinn, a Diocesan Reader for the past nearly 33 years in the United Dioceses of Cork, Cloyne and Ross has indicated to the Bishop, Dr Paul Colton, his decision to retire from Reader ministry.

George was licensed as a Reader on the 18th December 1988 by Bishop Roy Warke in Saint Peter’s Church, Carrigrohane, then in County Cork, now in Cork City. 

George recalls that he was the only one studying for the office at the time which in turn, at times, left him feeling isolated.  George continues:

There, was always a warm welcome at each church and by the necessity of time constraints some all too brief chats with the churchwardens and members of the congregations which often showed their depth of faith as well as their care for one another and love of place.  Over the years came a welcome change in worship when members of the congregation and particularly younger folk began to take the readings and intercessions.  

George, who was a serving member of An Garda Síochána when he was licensed was, naturally, working shifts, so at the start of each year he forwarded the Sundays he would be available to take a Service to the Archdeacon of the day.  George’s records show that he has taken Services in 65 churches in the Diocese including St Luke’s Home Chapel. 

Thanking George, Bishop Paul Colton said:

I warmly thank George Quinn for his quiet and faithful ministry in the Diocese as a Reader for more than three decades. In thanking him I also thank Olive for her support of George in this voluntary work. It is thanks to the partnership of lay people like George that, together with the clergy of the Diocese, we are able to offer (in normal times) 65 Church Services, on average, every Sunday in Cork, Cloyne and Ross. This ministry is invaluable. I also take this opportunity to thank everyone who is involved in lay ministry in the Diocese.