Revd Simon Richardson welcomed to Holywood
Vicar of Holywood Parish, Revd Roger Elks, has welcomed Revd Simon Richardson onto the staff as a part-time curate. Simon, previously the rector of Hillsborough, has chosen to reduce his responsibilities at this point in his vocation in order to study for a PhD.
Simon is 37 and has been married to Moyra for 13 years. They have two children, Erin (P7) and Patrick (Paddy) (P5). Simon Studied theology at Wycliffe Hall in Oxford and served a curacy in St George’s Folkstone in Kent before joining the Church of Ireland and serving in Hilsborough, first as curate and latterly as rector. Before going to theological college Simon was a nurse.
"Simon and Moyra bring many gifts to our church," said Roger. "Both are accomplished musicians and Moyra teaches English at Wallace High School. Simon’s interests lie mainly in music of all sorts, but especially classical music. He enjoys playing piano and organ, singing, reading and cooking."
Simon's duties in the parish will be combined with two days a week at Union Theological College in Belfast. The subject of his PhD will be in the wounds of Christ as a text for the nature of the church. He will shortly complete his MTh which focuses on the Temple in the OT, the NT and mission.
"We warmly welcome Simon and his family to the fellowship of St Philip & St James," continued Roger. We look forward to meeting and getting to know them all. It is an exciting time for them and us as we prepare for this next stage in Simon’s ministry and the life of his family in Holywood."