Canon Mark Hayden celebrates silver jubilee
Wicklow native Canon Mark Hayden of Christ Church, Gorey celebrated his silver jubilee on Wednesday evening surrounded by his family and friends.
Canon Hayden, who now lives in Gorey, was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1993 in St Anthony’s Church, Kilcoole, Wicklow. He resigned from his position in the Catholic Church in 1997 to become a married Anglican rector.
Husband of Lorraine and father of Luke and Daniel, Canon Hayden was a curate at first for a total of seven years in Dublin, Wicklow and London. From there, he moved to Gorey and has served 17 years so far as an Anglican rector.
Following his resignation, he wrote a book called ‘Changing Collars’ to help answer those questions about his journey from celibate Catholic priest to married Anglican rector.
During his tenures in the various areas, Canon Hayden took part in a lot of work in prisons, schools, hospitals, and taught in the UN school in the Curragh.
Canon Hayden said he was very happy with the jubilee celebrations. ‘Bishop Michael Burrows was there for the celebrations, and Minister Michael D’Arcy, Fr Howell and Fr Lawless, it was a great evening,’ added Canon Hayden.
During the celebrations, church organist Henry Percival provided some nice background music. The ceremony was followed by some refreshments and cake in the old school.
He was joined on the night by his wife Lorraine and sons Luke and Daniel, family members, and friends. ‘I really enjoyed the evening,’ said Canon Hayden. ‘It was a great night.’