Special Announcement

Special Announcement

We are delighted to announce that Mike Fitzsimmons will be coming to work with us as a Curate (trainee priest) from 27th June 2021 when he will be ordained Deacon at Derby Cathedral. Mike will live in the benefice and will be working alongside the Rector for three years.

Here is a short video interview with Mike to introduce him to our parishes:

Here is a letter to us from Mike:

Picture of Mike with his dog
Mike and his dog Lucy

Hello everyone!

My name’s Mike Fitzsimmons and I am really looking forward to coming to Barlborough and Clowne in June to serve my curacy with you. I am excited to be learning from Rev Bryony and hopefully to learn from all of you.

I am looking forward to meeting you and getting to know the parishes and to begin to feel part of the community.

I currently live in Walsall where I am working in three churches as part of my training with St Mellitus College. I live with my dog, Lucy – a friendly and fun-loving 2-year old cockapoo. 

Before I started training for ordination I was Warden of a retreat house in Staffordshire for three years, leading quiet days and welcoming guests who came to pause, rest or seek refreshment from God. I loved seeing how God would meet with people in quiet and gentle ways and how God can always show people something new.

Before that I worked for quite a while in the voluntary sector for organisations who supported charities working with young people.

My journey to Christian faith took a long time – I will gladly share my story with you! I found a home in the Church of England in 2007 in a lovely, down-to-earth congregation in Birmingham who encouraged me and helped me to grow in faith and relationship with God. I had a growing sense of calling to ordination which took a few years to work through with the help of others. I am excited to see people grow in the knowledge of God’s love for them – God’s unconditional and transforming love.

I will be seeking out places to go for walks with the dog, and (when we’re not in lockdown) I enjoy playing badminton, table-tennis or a game of snooker if I can find people who want to play. I also like to do a bit of painting if I get the chance.

I look forward to joining you in what is likely to be a time of transition for all of us – adjusting to wherever we find ourselves in June and beyond, seeking to encourage each other in the light and hope of Christ.

God bless you and I’ll see you soon,

Mike

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