“I am completely new to this area, having lived all my life in Newtownards,” said Clare, “but so far I am enjoying living in Waringstown, particularly the spectacular scenery of the countryside.

“The main challenges I have faced so far must be dealing with the lack of a detailed road map - trying to find my way around small country lanes has been interesting. So too has been the unique country smells which fill the car as I drive!

“Over the next few years I look forward to getting to know the people of Waringstown and Donaghcloney, who have already been very friendly and welcoming.”



In her spare time Clare likes to relax by taking time out reading, listening to music, shopping and spending time with friends. “I'm a self confessed chocoholic, but also have a love for Italian, Chinese and Indian food,” she said.

Clare was ordained on June 24 after two years studying at the Church of Ireland Theological College in Dublin. Prior to that she worked as a Lay Pastoral Assistant in a church in Belfast.



“I am blessed to have grown up surrounded by a loving and supportive Christian family, “ she said. “Because I grew up within the church, I can’t say that I had a dramatic ‘conversion’ experience. However, I do recall the moment, 12 years ago, when I embarked upon a personal relationship with God, the moment when all my ‘head’ knowledge about God became ‘heart’ knowledge as well.”

If you could trade places with anyone else for the day who would it be and why?

I would love to trade places with a holiday/travel journalist. This way I could travel the world and experience different cultures with all my expenses paid!

Describe your perfect day...

Waking up to a view of the north coast on a bright sunny day, a relaxed morning followed by an Ulster fry, a hike through the Glens of Antrim, dinner and then watching the sunset over the sea...of course for it to be 'perfect', the people I love would have to be present with me.

Have you had any regrets in life?

We all have the choice to either live in the past, wishing things could be different, or to learn from our mistakes and move forward into the future. Even though there are things that I wish I had done better (or in some cases not done at all!) I choose not to hold onto such regrets - I know I'm a work-in-progress and God hasn't finished with me yet!

If you could change your job what would you do instead?

I'm extremely happy in the job that I do, I can't imagine myself doing anything different.

Party animal or slouch potato?

There's a time for both.

What do you see yourself doing in 10 years time?

If you had asked me five years ago where I would be today, I would not have seen myself as the curate of a country parish church, so who knows where God will lead me in the future.