At the end of June I will be stepping down as
Diocesan Director of Ordinands – a post that
I have held alongside my cathedral role for six
years. It has been a privilege to share the lives
of people who have, often to their great surprise,
found themselves drawn to serve God as ordained
priests. Nowhere has that privilege felt greater than
during the ordination services that take place each
summer in the cathedral.
A full congregation, stunning architecture and
beautiful music greet the candidates. With all the
majesty and ceremony we can muster, we surround
them in prayer and joyful blessing. At the end we heave open the west doors and send
them out into the world to share the good news of Christ.
Each candidate carries his or her own quiet story into the cathedral. There are stories
of pain, of doubt, of sadness, along with the joy. It has been my special delight to know
those stories, to hold much in confidence, and to see each person grow in faith and
courage.
We have our own unique story. God invites each of us to offer our gifts – and our
weakness –in his service. We come into the building to be blessed; we leave it in order
to be a blessing for others, wherever we travel.
Please pray for Georgina as she leaves as Director of Ordinands to focus on her family
and work as a Cathedral Residentiary Canon. And for John Fitzmaurice, our new
Director of Ordinands and Vocation.
Kidderminster Deanery – Rural Dean: Hugh Burton; Lay Chair: June Thomas
Diocese of Olympia (USA): Bishop Gregory Rickel
Diocese of Argyll and the Isles (Scotland): Bishop Kevin Pearson
Diocese of Connor (Ireland): Bishop Alan Abernethy
Diocese of Lolland-Falster (Denmark): Bishop Steen Skovsgaard
