The MEC Board together with the staff of St Francis College are delighted to announce the appointment of the Venerable Dr Ruth Mathieson as the new Principal of St Francis College and Executive Director of the Ministry Education Commission. Ruth will commence in this new role on Friday 1 July 2022.
Ruth is currently Priest-in-Charge of St Bede’s Anglican Church, Semaphore, in the Diocese of Adelaide and Adjunct Lecturer in New Testament Studies St Barnabas College Adelaide.
Ruth’s obtained her Ph.D. from Charles Sturt University in 2019 and was awarded a University Medal. In addition to her doctoral studies, Ruth has a B.Sc.(Hons) 1987; a Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) 1988; a Diploma of Pastoral Studies 1995; a B.Th.(Hons) 1996 and a Master of Theology 2012.
Ruth was ordained Deacon in 1997 and Priest in 1998 in the Diocese of Adelaide. Since her ordination Ruth has served in the following ministry roles:
Anglican Parish of Glen Osmond, Diocese of Adelaide, Assistant Curate 1997–May 1999;
Parish of Parkside-Wayville, Diocese of Adelaide, Locum Tenens Sept–Dec 1999;
St Mary Magdalene, Moore St, Adelaide, Diocese of Adelaide, Assistant Priest 2000–2001;
Anglican Parish of Elizabeth, Diocese of Adelaide, Associate Priest 2002–2010;
St Columba College, Andrews Farm SA (Anglican – Catholic College) 2002–2008 Chaplain, Director of Spirituality (Liturgy, Prayer and Retreats) & RE Teacher;
Trinity College, Gawler, SA. Chaplain 2009–2018Co-ordinating Chaplain and Head of Religion and Values Education 2009–2014;
St Bede’s Anglican Church, Semaphore, Diocese of Adelaide, Priest-in-Charge 2018–current;
Archdeacon of the Para 2006 – 2010, Diocese of Adelaide; and
Archdeacon of the Sturt, 2018 – current, Diocese of Adelaide.
In addition to her academic, teaching, administrative and pastoral gifts, Ruth is committed to community engagement and to ministry that is inclusive and welcoming. These qualities are sure to serve the Diocese well as Ruth takes forward the ministry of theological education in the Diocese, and guides the staff and students of the College.
We warmly welcome Ruth to the Diocese and pray for her as she prepares to take up this important ministry in the Diocese.