Thank you, Walter!
A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to Canon Walter Laverty, who has recently stepped down as Chaplain to the Retired Clergy. Walter was appointed by Bishop Harold Miller and served in the role for 10 years. He is succeeded by the recently retired Archdeacon of Down, The Ven Ken Higgins.
Bishop David has offered his personal thanks and best wishes:
“I’m very grateful to Walter for his years as Chaplain to the Retired Clergy, a role in which he was ably supported by his wife Barbara. I’m particularly thankful for all that he did during the difficult days of Covid; the many phone calls and, when it was permitted, the doorstep visits. I wish Walter and Barbara God’s richest blessing as he retires for the second time.”
Looking back on his decade as chaplain, Walter reflects that it was a wonderful and rewarding experience.
“I spent all of my 40–year ordained ministry in the Diocese of Down and Dromore and knew all of the retired clergy,” he says. “It felt like a ministry among my clerical friends, and I counted it a privilege to visit them and their wives in their homes or if they were in hospital or a nursing home.
“I want to say thank you to Bishop Harold who appointed me and to Bishop David for allowing me to continue in the role. I am grateful to both for putting so much confidence and trust in me.
“I’d also like to wish Revd Ken Higgins God’s blessing in this very important and rewarding ministry.”