Reverend Stephen May is looking forward to getting to know the hills community.By Casey Neill
THE Anglican Parish of Mt Dandenong has welcomed a new vicar.
The Reverend Stephen May was previously the vicar of Eaglehawk in the Diocese of Bendigo.
Having come from such a drought-stricken region, Mr May is enjoying the rain and the scenery.
“I’m enjoying the hills,” he said.
The reverend was formally inducted into his new position on 29 January before fellow clergy, civic leaders and parishioners in a twilight ceremony led by Bishop Stephen Hale.
Mr May started his ministry with Ash Wednesday services last Wednesday (6 February).
He told the Mail last Thursday that he was looking forward to his first Sunday service.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know the community on the mountains,” he said.
The reverend is excited by the challenge of this new ministry.
“My plan is to start by listening,” he said.
“My big plan is to find a way that we as a church can make a real difference in the area.”
Mr May’s new post includes the role of Archdeacon for the Maroondah region.
“My wife Kathryn and I have a real passion and love to share the love and joy of God with people and we’re looking forward to doing that here,” he said.
Visitors and new parishioners are invited to meet the new vicar at St Matthew’s Autumn Fair on Labour Day, 10 March.
Mr May will deliver 8am and 11am Sunday services at St Michael and All Angels, Mt Dandenong Road, Kalorama, and Sunday 9.30am and Wednesday 10am services at St Matthew’s in Monash Avenue, Olinda.
