The Church of Ireland has appointed Ms Rachael Murphy as its Children and Families Development Officer. Ms Murphy has worked in the youth and children’s sector for the past 27 years; in this role, which is a three-year appointment, she will be responsible for raising the profile of children and families ministry, training, supporting and developing resources.
Welcoming her appointment, Bishop George Davison remarked: “On behalf of the Church of Ireland Board for Ministry with Children and Families, I’m delighted to welcome Rachael Murphy to the role of Development Officer. Her warm personality and wealth of experience will be great assets as we seek to develop the work of this new Board to resource and support the Church in its ministry with children and families.”
Rachael says: “I am both humbled and excited by the appointment in equal measure, as it brings together my love for children’s ministry and my passion to see families equipped and empowered.
“The past two years in particular have seen our families and children’s ministry come under great strain; it has required the Church to look for new and innovative ways to engage. As the saying goes ‘necessity is the mother of invention’ and there have been some fantastic ideas and programmes that have come forward during this time, so it is exciting now to see how the Church can further develop this vital ministry for God’s glory.
“There are so many amazing, dedicated and talented people who have been working tirelessly for God through this period and long before, reaching out to children and their families. It is my hope to raise the profile of this amazing ministry, to highlight the huge impact it has on church life and to support those who have given, and continue to give, so much of their time, skills and energy across the island of Ireland.”
Find out more about Children and Families Ministry at www.ireland.anglican.org/CFM or on our social media channels – Facebook at @churchofirelandchildrensministry and Instagram @coficfm
ENDS
Captions for photos:
Rachael Murphy, the new Children and Families Development Officer with the Church of Ireland.
Rachael Murphy, the Church of Ireland’s new Children and Families Development Officer (centre) with members of the Board for Ministry with Children and Families (from left): Dr Peter Hamill, Bishop George Davison, the Revd Catherine Simpson, and Ms Julie Currie.
About the Board for Ministry with Children and Families
The Board for Ministry with Children and Families seeks to equip, resource and advocate for the increased welcome, enhanced inclusion and full participation of children and their families in the whole life of the Church. Its vision is that every Church of Ireland parish, no matter how big or small, is equipped to provide vibrant and engaging ministry with children and families. The Board is chaired by the Rt Revd George Davison, Bishop of Connor.