The Gallagher family has worshipped at St Mark's since 1994. Over the years, each member of the family has contributed to the life of St Mark's, though in 2011 only Tim remains at home with parents Kevin and Margaret.

During the diocesan Certificate in Christian Discipleship course, Margaret felt a strong call to the priesthood and, having given up her job as a midwife, has spent two years training for the ministry at Westcott House, Cambridge.

Towards the end of June 2011, the family moved from Mansfield to the curate's house of the Parish Church of St John, Carrington in the City of Nottingham. On 3 July at Southwell Minster, Margaret was ordained deacon by the Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham and was now ready to take up her position at St John's under the guidance of Fr Jonathan MacGillivray.

The pictures below show highlights from this busy fortnight.

1. On Trinity Sunday 2011, churchwarden Michael brings the Gallagher family to the front during mass to say farewell.

2. Tim has been a member of the Young Lions throughout his life and recently has proved a great help with the younger ones with whom he is a big hit. He is presented with his favourite chocolates. Note the feast on the table.

3. On 21 June 2011, the Gallaghers leave their Mansfield home after 17 years . . .

4. . . . and move in to St John's House in Sherwood, Nottingham.

5. Margaret in St John's, Carrington with Fr Jonathan on 23 June 2011.

6. During a magnificent service in Southwell Minster on 3 July (Feast of St Thomas) Margaret is one of twelve to be ordained deacon by the Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham. Here is the Rev'd Margaret Gallagher with the Bishop after the service.

7. These are just some of the family members and folk from St Mark's who came to support Margaret.

8. The Family Gallagher. Ruth, Joe, Margaret, Kevin, Tim, Fran.

9. Churchwarden Michael presented Margaret with a cheque from donations made by the people of St Mark's.

10. Margaret with the Archdeacon of Newark, the Venerable Nigel Peyton (soon to move to Scotland as a Bishop) and Fr Jonathan MacGillivray, Parish Priest of St John's, Carrington.

11. Kevin, Margaret and Fr Jonathan.

12. A large gathering celebrated in the Saracen's Head with a splendid buffet. Here are Kevin and Margaret.

13. That evening, Rev'd Margaret Gallagher deaconed her first mass at St John's Carrington. Several members of St Mark's were present, and enjoyed yet another feed afterwards! Here, Fr Jonathan presents Margaret with a welcome present from the people of St John's.