The Rev'd Canon Mary Florence
The Rev'd Canon Mary FlorenceI am glad for my early beginnings on the north-west coast of Tasmania, followed by life in several Victorian centres. My children grew up in Toowoomba, Q'land. I loved mothering and involvement in open house ministry providing education, counselling therapy and healing. Working as a nurse, community worker, counsellor and psychologist prepared me for fulfilling ministry in the nineties as Crisis Care Coordinator for ITIM (Interchurch Trade and Industry Mission) I enjoyed being chaplain and counsellor to diverse workplaces including Brisbane's cross river bridge workers, most areas of City Council, Telstra, Australia Post, oil refineries and many other places. I returned to Stafford as their Rector in 2004 having served there as assistant minister from 1999 to 2001 before leaving for a beautiful country parish. The model of shared ministry and teamwork at St Clements appeal to me.
Some of my interests include bushwalking, reading, family, social issues, responding to beauty, experiencing silence, adventuring in wild places, the consciousness that we are made of stardust and in the cosmologist, Brian Swimme's words "participating in a universe that shivers with wonder in the depths of the human."
The Rev'd Andrew CooperLike Rev'd Mary, I also originally come from North-West Tasmania but have lived up and down the eastern seaboard and in Queensland since 2001. The journey has included time in a religious order, the Passionists, and working as an educator in both Catholic and Anglican schools, most recently at St Aidan's School at Corinda. I have also worked in the community sector with the Volunteer Centre of NSW, St John Ambulance and Australian Red Cross. My entry point into the Anglican Communion was via the Anglican Benedictine Abbey in Camperdown Victoria. I became an Oblate of the Abbey in 2009 and am particularly interested in the conversation between the wisdom of the contemplative tradition and the realities of contemporary Australian life.A good meal and a glass of red wine after a day pottering in the garden or wandering in the great outdoors warms my heart and the company of the many remarkable men and women I have met along the way helps keep me sane and grounded.
The Rev'd Lee GauldI am a non-stipended priest ordained in 2002.I enjoy being part of the clergy team at St Clement's. I lead services, preach, visit parishioners at home and hospital, am involved with preparation for baptism, lead faith exploration groups, prepare children to receive communion. I am committed to Catechumenate - a faith formation journey and am exploring training as a Spiritual Director.I love reading, playing golf [badly], spending time with my two grandchildren, walking on the beach.
The Rev'd Jane NormanMy journey to Stafford has brought me from England via Sydney where I lived with my young family for five years, becoming involved with the local church and finding a place to belong. After visiting World Expo 88, we migrated north the following year, my pastoral role taking shape in two other parishes before coming here in 2000. At the time I was in my second year of formation to the Diaconate and was ordained Deacon the next year.
I enjoy the team environment here andsharing the journeywith others, especially in tough times.
The Rev'd Leisha Rule
I have worshipped with my husband and family at St Clement's on the Hill at Stafford for over 40 years. During that time I have grown to love and be loved by the people of the parish. There have been many roles for me over the years, but the pastoral care of parishioners has been a passion for me. For many years I have been involved with breast cancer support groups for women in the community, and for the past seven years have coordinated a Cancer Support Group at Stafford. This group is for people with all forms of cancer and their families. In my quieter times, I enjoy reading and cross-stitch as well as sharing time with my grand-children who range in age from 8yrs to 23yrs.
The Rev'd Keith FooteI am grateful and feel privileged to be asked to be an assisting priest at St Clement's. Prior to my retirement in 2004, I was a full-time Anglican chaplain at the Royal Brisbane, Women's and Children's Hospitals for almost eighteen years. It was a most rewarding ministry.
I am still engaged at the RBWH in a voluntary capacity two mornings a week with the Palliative Care Service.
On the occasions I have been asked to assist at St Clement's I have been most warmly welcomed. I enjoy ministry with the efficient and gifted clergy team who are ever ready for lively and informed discussions on liturgy, music, theology, spirituality, pastoral care and the many other aspects of parish outreach.
I relax with family and friends, enjoying opportunities of reading, listening to classical music and researching spiritual writers.