Bishops, Sam, Mark, and Julie with the Readers and Pastoral Workers
It was a glorious sunny day on 08 October when 16 men and women were licensed into lay ministry roles at Chester Cathedral. A further six Readers and Pastoral Workers transferred to or within the Diocese of Chester, and a group of ministers were given emeriti status. Please pray for them, as they begin or continue in their ministries, and for the parishes in which they will serve.
Director of Studies for Pastoral Workers, Revd Jenny Bridgman says: ”It was a joy to see these men and women licensed to their respective ministries as they took this next step on their journey of discipleship, and to celebrate the committed service of those who have served faithfully as Readers and Pastoral Workers and are now emeriti."
Director of Ministry, Simon Chesters, who was also at the service added: "It was a real joy and privilege to be part of the service at the Cathedral this Saturday. We prayed for and welcomed an impressive and hugely capable group of people as new Pastoral Workers and Readers, we prayed for the ministries of people licensed to new parishes in this diocese as well as celebrating and giving thanks for the faithful ministry of those becoming Reader or Pastoral Worker Emeritus. We are greatly blessed to have such committed sisters and brothers in lay ministry in this diocese - do continue to pray for them and their ministries."
Are you being called to be a Reader or Pastoral Worker?
Prior to the service, Bishop Mark challenged those to be licensed to view themselves as bridges between the Church and the world by sharing the good news of God’s love in their communities and workplaces.
Photos from the day can be viewed on our Facebook page here.
You can see the recording of the service below.
Are you being called by God?
The Director for Vocations in the Diocese of Chester has confirmed that the diocesan event, Called to Serve, will go ahead on Saturday 04 February 2023.
The flagship event will be held at Foxhill and is an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to consider what it is God might be calling them to be and do.
Director for Vocations, the Revd Canon Sarah Fenby, says: “I’m delighted that the event will take place. I will be working with my colleagues at Church House over the coming months to shape the day. We hope to offer a wide range of information sessions to reflect the broad and diverse ways in which Christians can give themselves to God and to others. Further details will be published in the E-Bulletin and on the diocesan website later in the year.”
Clergy and church leaders are encouraged to spend the next couple of months prayerfully considering who in their communities they might encourage to attend the day.