Revd Dr Claire Aylward is introduced in Kilmore and Inch
Revd Dr Claire Aylward was given a very warm welcome as she was introduced as Priest-in-charge of the Grouped Parishes of Kilmore and Inch last night (Thursday 10 October).
It is Claire’s first parish charge, and she moves there from the curacy of St James’ Thorley in the Diocese of St Alban’s. Claire’s training rector, Revd Gaz Tracey, gave the address and the congregation was joined online by viewers from St James’ and around the world.
Gaz encouraged the parishes to join Claire in the adventure of following Jesus. “It won’t always be easy,” he said, “but if we stay the same, we will see the same.”
Preaching on Acts 15:1-21 Gaz offered three lessons from the text: If we are going to follow Jesus, we have to embrace the challenge of change; we have to learn to seek God together and discern God’s heart on the matter; and we have to move forward in grace and freedom, being mindful of one another.
“It will be uncomfortable, but it will be worth it,” he said.
After being introduced, Bishop David invited Claire to speak. She said that she had experienced a very clear call to Northern Ireland and sensed that the Grouped Parishes of Kilmore and Inch were entering a new season of growth and flourishing.
Supper followed the service and speeches of welcome from the Select Vestries and the minister of Kilmore Presbyterian, Revd Mark Spratt. Max Street, deputy Churchwarden from St James’ Thorley also spoke on behalf of Claire’s former parish.
Meet Claire
I started university a firm atheist, convinced all that I needed to know in life could be found in science. Unexpectedly, my studies led me to rethink my atheism and by the time I completed my degree I believed that there was a creator God. At this time, I did not have a personal faith or see the need to explore one. However, two years later whilst studying graduate medicine I was invited to an Alpha Course at Holy Trinity Brompton (the home of Alpha).
In Matthew 5:16 it says, “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” and my Alpha small group leaders and helpers shone with the love and joy of God. I may not have had all my questions about Christianity answered, but I wanted to know the love of God and the gift of His joy for myself. So, on the Holy Spirit weekend away, I prayed, repented, and committed my life to Christ Jesus my Lord and saviour.
My faith has been truly transformational, affecting every aspect of my life and I hope my character. I have been truly blessed by those who have discipled and encouraged me in my faith.
I finished medical school and specialised in anaesthesia and intensive care medicine, working for the NHS for almost 9 years. Then I took a career break to explore a call to full-time ordained ministry and confirmed that was God’s call on my life.
Originally from Tipperary, I lived all my adult life in the southeast of England either in or close to London. I trained for ordination at St Mellitus College London, spending half my time on placement with One Church Harrow and the other half studying for a master’s in theology, ministry, and mission where my focus was on systematic theology, particularly the doctrine of the Trinity.
I served my curacy at St James Thorley, on the edge of Bishops Stortford (near Stansted airport) in the Diocese of St Alban’s in England. My curacy was an amazing blessing, full of joy and opportunities to equip me for my future ministry.
God has clearly called me to Northern Ireland, speaking through people in Chile, England, and Ireland and from Anglican, Pentecostal, and Catholic churches. I am excited to see what God’s vision and mission is for this next season in the life of the grouped parishes of Kilmore and Inch. My passions are evangelism, discipleship, and developing leaders and I look forward to how these will be used in Kilmore and Inch.
I am expectant that He who has called is faithful and has great things in store for us as we grow and work together for God’s glory.
