In a sincere and joyful service on Friday evening, 13th March, the people of the Parish of Ramsey and the North East gathered for the Institution and Induction of the new Rector, Rev Daniel Norris.
Daniel received a warm welcome from Bishop Tricia, Archdeacon Irene, and the many people there. All witnessed Daniel making his oaths and declarations to the Bishop, the Archdeacon and the Vicar General, having been presented to the Bishop by the Lt Governor representing King Charles III, joint Patron of the Parish.
Daniel being recognised for his compassionate care for all people and for nurture of members of the body of Christ, this was echoed in Bishop Tricia’s sermon. As we approach the Feast of St Patrick, Bishop Tricia included a reflection on the significant Celtic heritage in Manx Christian life. She inspired everyone with her reflection on the illuminated illustrations of Manx artist, Archibald Knox, created as a personal and spiritual exercise, and which include St Patrick’s prayer known as “The Deer’s Cry”. Bishop Tricia drew attention particularly to the depth of meaning for us all – both individually and collectively – in the words about Christ’s presence:
Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ within me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Daniel has had two decades in the teaching profession, following studies in Durham and Cambridge. For the last 10 years he was also an Anglican priest with St James’s Church, Piccadilly in London. Alongside his ministry with the church he has been a school leadership advisor with the Diocese of London and was the founding headteacher of Saint Jérôme School in London, the Church of England’s first English/French bilingual primary school.
Daniel is very pleased to be returning to the island to take up his ministry as Rector in the Diocese of Sodor and Man.
I am delighted to have accepted the Bishop of Sodor and Man’s invitation to serve as Rector of Ramsey and the North East. Having been educated on the Isle of Man and later at Durham and Cambridge Universities, this feels very much like a homecoming for me.
The service was attended by people from all the churches in the parish – Bride, Ramsey, Maughold and the Dhoon – and from the Northern Mission Partnership and further afield.
A special guest among the clergy was Rev Lucy Winkett, the Rector of St James’ Church Piccadilly, where Daniel had been Assistant Priest for 10 years.
The congregation included local ministers, ecumenical church representatives, Commissioners and Tynwald representatives, and St Paul’s Church Ramsey resounded with voices singing traditional and contemporary songs of worship accompanied by the organist, Linda Atkinson, who has also recently become an Isle of Man resident.
Following the service, delicious food and drinks were served in St Paul’s Church Hall by members of the parish and enjoyed by many.
On Sunday 15th March Daniel leads his first Communion service in the parish – at the All Parish Eucharist Service St. Olave’s Church at 10.30am followed by a Buffet Lunch at 12.30 in the Church Hall.
It is Mothering Sunday – and here is Daniel with his mother, Linda, by the Mothers’ Union banner in St Paul’s Church.
Photo Album
Here is a selection of photos from this happy occasion. You are welcome to download photos from this gallery.
