FAREWELL TO THE KELLY-MOORE'S - 11 DECEMBER 2016

Dean Jo Kelly-Moore will end her 16 years of ordained ministry in New Zealand on Christmas Day. A service of thanksgiving to celebrate ministry was held at Holy Trinity Cathedral on Sunday to officially farewell Dean Jo and her family. Dean Jo was joined by colleagues including Deans from Taranaki, Wellington and Dunedin, as well as representatives of the Province and Diocese of Auckland.

The service took place in the Cathedral which is now ready for consecration in October next year. That achievement, to finish what history had started, with the Selwyns Vision project, was described as an achievement that Dean Jo will always be remembered for. Each speaker though, spoke first of a priest that has been in the midst of parish, diocesan and provincial life.

Archbishop Philip Richardson sent a greeting that expressed thanks for what the 'Kelly-Moore team-effort as a family had given to the life of the Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia. Archbishop Philip acknowledged a godliness and a deep spirituality that characterised and shaped Jo as a witness in what she knew to be her call.

Bishop Ross Bay implored the congregation to place kindness as a priority in life as one of the gifts of the spirit and thanked Jo for her kindness in ministry as well as acknowledging the ongoing powerhouse of support for Jo from Paul her husband and their children Adam and Nathan. Dean Trevor James thanked Jo for being a leader of the Deans with her willingness to always get on the phone and place the role of Deans in a sociological and political context.

Dean Jo and each of her family spoke and all referred to the excitement of the next chapter, but also the sadness at leaving in what is ultimately responding to a call from God. Dean Jo will return to take part in the consecration celebrations in 2017, and will be presented with a cope from the Cathedral community that features New Zealand imagery as well as the Canterbury Cross. Her last service in the Cathedral will be on Christmas Day, before the family leaves for England to begin her new role as Archdeacon of Canterbury.