Magheralin Parish welcomes a new rector
Congratulations to the Revd Simon Genoe who has become the new rector of Magheralin in Dromore Diocese.
Family, friends and colleagues joined parishioners at the service 29 September 2016 when Bishop Harold instituted the new incumbent and Dean Sam Wright, Simon’s rector in Lisburn Cathedral, gave the address.
Simon has just completed seven years as curate and then vicar at the Cathedral and whilst it is with a heavy heart that heand his wife Zara leave, they are tremendously excited about the prospect of joining Magheralin Parish.
“Myself and Zara have felt the Lord’s guidance in undeniable ways, and can’t wait to step into this new role to see exactly what He has for us. I am excited to see the villages of Magheralin and Dollingstown blessed abundantly and for every person in both to know the incredible love that the Father has for them.”
Introducing Simon
Simon Genoe grew up in Monaghan and attended St Patrick’s church with his family. While his family faithfully attended Sunday services weekly, his parents would not have claimed a commitment to Christ, but encouraged their children to attend all manner of Christian clubs and camps throughout their formative years. It was at a camp in Avoca, Wicklow, at the age of 13 years old, that Simon gave his life to Christ. One of the greatest blessings imaginable was, in the years that followed, under the ministry of (Canon) Mark Harvey, both his parents submitted their lives to the Lord.
On a mission trip to Kenya in the the year 2000, Simon discerned a call to the ministry and, after studying education in Stranmillis for 4 years, followed that path to the Church of Ireland Theological College in Dublin.
His time at Lisburn Cathedral has been more transformative than he could have imagined, as there he married the youth worker – the lovely Zara, and recently was blessed with baby Eliza. His seven years at the Cathedral, have given Simon, in his words “the best times of his life.”
“I have enjoyed deep, quality friendships that mean the world to me, and myself and Zara have been supported in ways that demonstrate the family of the Church at its very best. I have learned so much from my boss, Dean Sam and from the many talented and godly people that make up the Cathedral.”
Back row: Alan Turkington (Rector’s Churchwarden, Magheralin) Jackie Irvine (People’s Churchwarden, Magheralin) Michael Chapman (Rector’s Churchwarden, Dollingstown) and Stanley Murphy (People’s Churchwarden, Dollingstown).
Revd Simon Genoe, Bishop Harold Miller and Revd Gillian Withers (Bishop’s Chaplain).