‘Renewed interest in faith among our youth’

Ian Horner, new rector at Mullingar Union of Parishes, has been enjoying his first few months here in Westmeath, and says the area is a “Warm, welcoming and friendly place.”

Originally coming from Greystones, Ian was archdeacon for Bailieborough Group of parishes in Cavan for 11 years.

Church has always been a part of his life, and he was a regular in St Patrick’s Church in Greystones, before working for Christian organisations in his teens and 20s.

Being a minister wasn’t always on the cards for Ian, as he just loved helping people and has done so for much of his life.

Speaking on his early days, Ian said: “I was working for the Leprosy Mission for some time and from there I did youth work in Kill o’ the Grange in South Dublin for five years.

“While I was there, someone asked me if this was a step towards ordained ministry, and it wasn’t; it wasn’t on my radar at all.

“But one thing led to another, and the call came, and I just felt that I should knock on the doors of the church and see what happens, and I was accepted.”

Reverend Horner and his family have settled into their new life in Westmeath. He said he felt a strong push to come to Mullingar once he was approached.

“I was open to going anywhere, but we do feel blessed to be in this area now. The more we settle in, the more we see the blessing of it.

“Within five minutes, I felt comfortable, and truly believed that this is where I am meant to be, at home in all four churches.”

“I’m at home in front of the church already, and humbly at home. I feel I belong here, and I get the impression that the people feel the same.”

Ian has a busy period coming up over the coming months: “We are planning Harvest services in all four churches, and nearer to Christmas, we have lots of carols and things like that.

“But for me, I need to figure out what to do next, and that involves getting to know the people.”

Ian concluded, saying: “There’s a lot of young people about the place, and there is renewed interest in faith, with reports suggesting people are getting interested in the old Christian story once again.”

“A lot is going on in the churches, and with more young people around, it’s exciting times ahead.”