First lay person to be diocesan secretary a 'historic moment'
Sheila Lewis, a Kilworth native, has been afforded a first in the Diocese of Cork and Ross as she has become the first lay woman appointed to serve as diocesan secretary in a ‘historic moment’ for the diocese.
With a full and varied background in industry and the voluntary sector, Ms Lewis will begin her full-time role in the diocesan office on 1st February.
Former parish priest of Kilworth, Canon Donal Leahy, worked with Sheila for about 28 years, beginning when he moved to Fermoy. Furthermore, when he moved to the parish of Kilworth in 2000 he worked with her in the Red Cross and in other endeavours. Speaking with TheAvondhu this week, Canon Leahy said she would be ‘a valuable asset’ to the diocese.
“I knew her right throughout and she would help with the parish accounts, as well as on the board of St Martin’s school. She is a hard worker and it is certainly a change of role but she brings a lot of expertise and knowledge of property and finance from working in various places and businesses. I wish her the very best of luck in her new role”.
The diocesan secretary has responsibility for the day-to-day administration of the diocesan office which includes coordinating the provision of a wide range of services to the parishes, families of parishes, priests, religious and faith communities of the diocese.
Fr Michael Keohane, Co-PP, who has served until now as diocesan secretary and as diocesan education secretary, will continue as education secretary in the Diocese of Cork and Ross. Bishop Fintan Gavin said that he was grateful for the selfless and generous service provided by Fr Keohane since his appointment as diocesan secretary, while welcoming Ms Lewis into the fold.
“I also warmly welcome Sheila and I am confident that she will receive support and kindness from the whole diocese as she begins this work, which is a historic moment for our diocese,”
As part of the reorganisation, Monsignor Gearóid Dullea will continue as diocesan chancellor, where his role includes dealing with matters relating to marriage documentation and the granting of faculties to priests, including religious and visiting priests and other related matters.