My Story: Garry McGlincy

Having the privilege of being raised in faith at St Mary’s, I can remember in each decade the individuals that created and carried the community, drawing others on to the path of faith. Garry McGlincy was one who stands out as a key figure for the formation and life of our community for many years.

The McGlincy family came to Crewe in January 1984. Settling into the parish whilst working fulltime for the Fire brigade Garry served as a reader. In the early 90s Father Dennis Connor our forward thinking Oblate, envisaged the running of the catechesis to be led by the lay men and women in the parish. A big change for the church at that time. He approached Garry about leading the RCIA alongside Angela Walker, Deacon Peter Bravey, Joan McGoldrick & Catherine Dykes. Parishioners also joined the sessions so the enquirers would get to know and feel part of the community. In all areas of his life Garry was authentic. He immediately sought to further his skills for this role and studied at Mary Vale Institute completing his degree in theology and religious studies in 1995 and also gained a catholic teaching certificate.

After he retired from the brigade Garry’s involvement in the life of the parish increased. He ran men’s evenings and retreats at Wistaston Hall. He became a Eucharistic minister always available to take communion to others. For just over 15 years many were catechised by Garry and his team, with him then passing on the reigns to Norman and Avis Carter in 2017.

After Covid our parish lost so many of our wise elders I felt like the pillars of our community had been robbed from us. I sat at Garry’s funeral thinking how does the church remain standing with such loss? I felt the spirit sooth my angry grief and a fresh hope began to stir in me and I heard - 'the church stands Marianna because it is full of all they brought through the doors and for all they passed on. Go and do the same!' On that day I understood that faith really is passed from generation to generation and prayed that the harvest would be rich! And then the Lord gave an image that I hold on to. I saw little shoots of trees growing in the spaces the pillars would have been.

Thank you, Garry, for teaching us that there are many ways to climb God’s mountain and for leaving us tools for the way ahead.

For on this mountain He will remove the veil of grief covering all people. They shall ascend - Isaiah 25.7

Written by Marianna Miller