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News
New Rector appointed to the Parish of Lisbellaw with Coolbuck
The Revd Stephanie Woods had been appointed as Rector of Lisbellaw Parish in the Diocese of Clogher. The vacancy arose during the summer when the previous incumbent, the Very Revd Bryan Kerr, took up the position of Dean of Dromore.
Commenting on Stephanie's appointment, the Bishop of Clogher, the Rt Revd John McDowell, said "I am delighted to be able to welcome Stephanie back to her home Diocese and to working with her in the future. Stephanie will bring many skills to her ministry in the parish and in the diocese, not least her strong work ethic and her pastoral warmth."
Stephanie comments: "I am thrilled and delighted to be appointed rector of Lisbellaw with Coolbuck and look forward to working closely with all the parishioners."
Since August 2012 Stephanie has served as Bishop's Curate in the Drung Group of Parishes, County Cavan, in the Diocese of Kilmore. Prior to this, she served her Deacon internship year in Rossorry Parish Church, Enniskillen, in the Diocese of Clogher. Stephanie is married to the Revd John Woods, who is Bishop's Curate currently serving in the Kildallon and Swanlinbar Group of Parishes in the Diocese of Kilmore. Stephanie's home parish is Drumkeeran Parish in the Diocese of Clogher, located near the village of Kesh in County Fermanagh.
Stephanie's training for ordination included a Masters of Theology through Trinity College, Dublin and the Church of Ireland Theological Institute, where she was awarded the Moncrieff Cox Prize for Preaching.
Prior to ordination she completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching Children with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties at the University of Birmingham, and a Bachelor of Education (Honours) with Theology at Westhill College, University of Birmingham.
From 2003 - 2009 Stephanie taught a composite class of 4-7 year olds at Belleek Controlled Primary School, where she also had responsibility for music and performing arts. From 1992 - 2003 she taught at various schools in Birmingham.
Stephanie is particularly interested in pastoral care, especially for the elderly and those in difficulty, and also has a special interest in children's ministry and youth work. Her vision for the church is a place where those of all age groups and backgrounds feel welcomed and cared for and where all are challenged and encouraged to become true disciples of Jesus Christ expressing itself in both an individual and corporate ministry response to the local community and beyond.
Revd Stephanie Woods