Rev. Canon Dr. Helen Van Koevering
The Rev. Canon Dr. Helen Van Koevering, recently of Charleston, West Virginia accepted the call to be our Rector. Rev. Helen holds a Doctorate of Ministry from the Virginia Theological Seminary; a Masters of Philosophy: Theological Studies from Trinity College, Bristol, UK, and was ordained a Priest in June of 2003.
From 1985-2015 she served in various positions in the Diocese of Niassa, Mozambique. Her last position prior to moving to the US was serving as Rector of the Parish of Sanjala, building the church literally from the ground up to 800 members. She was instrumental in developing curriculum for children, youth and families; not only for this parish, but for the entire Diocese of Niassa. Rev. Helen speaks English and Portuguese.
She most recently has been serving parishes in Charleston, WV as a supply priest since returning from Mozambique. Her husband, the Rt Rev Mark Van Koevering serves as Bishop Provisional of the Diocese of Lexington from the Standing Committee. The Van Koeverings have three adult children; Jake, Matt and Kylie.
Clif Cason
Clif Cason is St. Raphael’s Choir and Music Director.
Clif Cason has had a wide variety of experiences with church music including positions in the Presbyterian Church (USA), Disciples of Christ, Lutheran, Congregationalist, and Episcopal traditions. He has a Masters in Music from the University of Illinois, has studied at the Conservatoire National de Musique in France. He has also served as a Church Music Lecturer, Choir Director and Organist at the Lexington Theological Seminary. He holds a Masters Degree in Library Science.
Clif is eager to lead St. Raphael through this time of changing constraints due to Covid. He welcomes all to sing with the choir, and is eager to encourage congregational singing, focusing initially on the Psalms.