Please pray for Fr. Philip Gray and the people of the parish of St Margaret’s, Ilkley, where (God-willing) I am to serve as Assistant Curate.
I’m really excited to be able to announce this at last: there’s been a lot of patient waiting for the various processes to work out. There is still quite a bit of waiting to do, and details such as housing, schools for the children, and so on have to be worked out.
Assuming all goes according to plan, I will be ordained deacon by the Bishop of Bradford on Sunday 30th June, in Bradford Cathedral. Ordination day feels like a long way off, with many “firm expectations” between now and then: but it also feels much more as though the end of our sojourn in Oxfordshire is in sight. The more observant among you will have noticed that Ilkley is in Bradford Diocese, and not Durham. I do feel some sadness at not returning to be ordained in Durham Cathedral – my sending church. I owe a great deal to the Diocese and Cathedral, and we have many happy family memories of the North East. However, there is a very strong sense of rightness about the coming move to Wharfedale.
There are now 131 days until the leavers’ service, and much to do in the mean time. Best get on with it, really.
I love the fact that today’s newsheet at St Margaret’s actually says you are going there ‘primarily to continue your formation’. That says to me that Fr is putting down a clear marker right from the start that you are not there to be loaded with all the things others can’t or won’t do for whatever reasons, and you are to be nurtured and supported!
I’ve been in a multi-congregational mixed-style parish where the curate was assumed to be there to take the strain of an overworked vicar, at least by some people. It wasn’t pretty, it wasn’t helpful, and it didn’t work for anyone. I am so glad you’ve got someone as a TI who looks like he’s laying the ground rules quite clearly from the word go.
Every blessing as the Diocese seek housing for you, and you and your family plan for an exciting if rather exhausting summer.
Oh dear, it’s taken me rather a while to reply to this, sorry! I agree, it’s a very good signal – and while I’ve no doubt I will be busy, I’m confident that this will be a really good few years for my growth into ordained life…I just can’t wait to get on with it!
Thanks for your good wishes, they are very much appreciated. Looking forward to seeing you around college soon.