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Search forFirst female curate seeks pastures new
Sunday, August 17, 2008, 00:00
Rev Juliet Stephenson will hold her last service at St Michael's Church on Sunday (August 17).
Juliet came to the Retford Team Ministry having never heard of the town following her priesthood training at Durham University.
Curates always move on after three years, and Juliet's move will see her take up a position overseeing three parishes in Gloucestershire, on the edge of the Forest of Dean, continuing the work she has always loved.
"I've always wanted to be a vicar," said Juliet.
"I just liked going to church - I even wanted to be an undertaker because they are always in church."
"If I wasn't a vicar I think I would have been something like an actor or stand-up comedian,"
And Juliet says she will leave Retford with many memories.
"During my time here I've camped on the church tower with five other ladies dressed as Rapunzel to raise money for Bassetlaw Breastcare and the church, assisted the Archbishop of York at York Minster for the consecration of The Bishop of Sherwood, appeared in a book with Hector my dog.
"Weddings and baptisms are always special, and being with people through the sadness of funerals has also been a privilege."
As part of the Retford Team Ministry, throughout her stay Juliet has worked closely with Canon Tony Walker and Father Mark Stafford.
Canon Walker said: "One of Juliet's strengths has been the ways she has got to know and worked with groups and organisations outside the church.
"Juliet has been a superb colleague, full of life and enthusiasm."
Juliet, who moves to her new role in Gloucestershire with husband Phill, and children Dan and Ellie, said she is sad to be leaving, but will have fond memories of her time in Retford.
"It will be sad to leave so many good friends behind, but after the warm welcome I have had from the people of the Retford churches and the town, I'm sure when the new curate comes he or she will be welcomed just as much as I have been."
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