A large gathering of friends, family, parishioners and guests joined Rev Fran Grasham in St Brigid’s Cathedral, Kildare on the evening of 19 January. The occasion was a Service of Introduction for her as an assistant Priest to the Newbridge and Kildare Unions. The Service was led by Bishop Pat Storey, who also preached.
As well as serving as a Non-Stipendiary-Minister (1½ days a week across the Kildare and Newbridge Group of Parishes) Rev Fran will also serve as a Church of Ireland Chaplain to the Curragh for ½ a day a week. She will be based in the Curragh in the DFTC.
Originally a primary school teacher she was previously a priest in the Church of England. Fran is married to Steve (CIYD Youth Ministry Development Officer for the South of Ireland). They have two children – Katherine (23) and Joseph (20).
Clergy from the dioceses of Meath and Kildare and beyond were present to welcome and support Rev Fran, as were senior members of the Defence Forces. She was joined at the Service by her husband Steve, as well as family and friends from England. Steve works with the Church of Ireland Youth Department as Youth Ministry Development Officer (Southern Region).
The organist was Mr. Peter Maxwell-Brown. The Service was followed by tea and refreshments.
