The Rev. Sheelagh Clarke, Class of 2005, has been appointed to the position of Interim Coordinator for Youth & Young Adult Ministries on the diocesan staff of the Diocese of Newark, according to an announcement from the Diocese. Effective August 6 she is stepping down as Rector of St. Stephen’s, Millburn, NJ, where she has served for the past six years. She will assume her new role on September 1.
Clarke is currently on the steering committee of Diocesan Council, and serves as a coach for a clergy cohort involved in Joining God in Shaping Our Future. She will bring to the position her background in family and organizational systems, as well as youth and young adult ministry. Her responsibilities will include assisting in the establishment of a “Youth Council” of diocesan youth leaders and facilitating relationships with other church youth-related entities; visiting congregations, listening to youth and young adults and helping them engage in the ongoing journey of Joining God in Shaping Our Future; and providing resources and connections to support an energize congregation youth ministries.
Originally from England, Clarke came to the US with her husband Michael and daughter Jessica in 1997. Prior to her call to ordained ministry, she was a high school educator and Inspector of schools in the UK. She has previously served the Diocese of Newark at St. Luke’s In Gladstone, St. Paul’s in Westfield, and St. Barnabas in Monmouth Junction. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and Psychology and a Master degree in Education as well as Divinity.