13.07.2022
Dr Catherine Smith Appointed as CMH:I Operations Executive
The Church’s Ministry of Healing: Ireland has appointed Dr Catherine Smith as Operations Executive. This is a new position created with a view to implementing the strategies prioritised in a strategic development plan commissioned just prior to Covid restrictions.
The new Operations Executive will be responsible for the overall operational running of the charity, meeting charity and company regulations and leading implementation of the Board’s strategy and initiatives. She will be working closely with CMH:I’s Ministry Facilitator, Dr Iva Beranek to deliver the aims and objectives of the company which is a registered charity dedicated to bringing Christ’s healing and wholeness to all.
This year marks the 90th anniversary of the start of this ministry in Ireland, and the Archbishop of Dublin, The Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, recently preached at the annual Service of Thanksgiving which was held in Clontarf. One of the Board’s stated priorities going forward is increasing the presence of CMH:I outside of Dublin and it is hoped that the new role of Operations Executive will help bring this aspiration to fruition, especially as Dr Smith is based in Limerick and will be operating a hybrid model of working from home combined with working from the Dublin office situated in Egan House, at St Michan’s Church, Dublin 7.
Catherine said she is delighted to join the work of the Church’s Ministry of Healing: Ireland, and is greatly looking forward to taking on her new role. She brings seven years of experience in working for the Church of Ireland with her, having previously held the post of Synod Officer with the Representative Church Body. At a recent meeting of the Standing Committee of the General Synod, the Archbishop of Armagh, The Most Reverend John McDowell, thanked Dr Smith, for her tremendous grace and efficiency in the role of Synod Officer over the last seven years, and the Honorary Secretaries also expressed their gratitude on behalf of the Standing Committee.
Catherine has a doctorate in English Literature, and an MA in Irish Writing, as well as a post–graduation qualification in Mediation (Theory and Practice). Catherine is married to the Revd Dr Leonard Madden, who is curate–assistant in Limerick City Parish, where they have been living since September 2021. She will be taking up her new position with CMH:I in mid–August.
More information on the Church’s Ministry of Healing: Ireland can be found on its website ministryofhealing.ie and on Facebook.