ODDI WRTH YR ESGOB...
FROM THE BISHOP...
On this page you can read an edited version of Bishop Gregory's letter to the clergy of the diocese.
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Ad Clerum * 2nd June 2010
Saint Blandina and her Companions
Dyrchefwch eich calonnau!
Lift up your hearts!
Dear Friends,
Blandina and her companions are hardly the most notable of the saints, especially when it comes to remembering them in north east and central Wales. These second century martyrs of Lyon in France bear witness to the intolerance of Imperial Rome towards dissent, and urge us to two things – an appreciation of the heroic and early nature of female witness to Christian faith, and the dangers of a society which becomes intolerant of diversity. I sincerely hope that, in the Diocese of St Asaph, we can be a family which affirms the equality of dignity to be accorded to all disciples of Jesus, and that we will lead the way in showing compassion and goodwill as a community as a part of our living witness to the love of God revealed in Christ.
I am enjoying the beginnings of my second Summer in the diocese. It is hard to believe that a year has passed. This month there are two especially important occasions: the Diocesan Conference on 13th June, and the Ordination on 26th. I hope that both these occasions will have your full support, and that you will keep both events in your prayers. More is written about each below. As we approach these occasions, I am thankful for the life of the diocese. I believe that we have a good diocese in good heart. Financially we are in a reasonably good and stable situation, even if the demands of finance remain challenging. I am grateful for a college of clergy who are dedicated and caring, as well as one which takes spirituality and the good news of the Gospel seriously, and for a diocesan family which is looking towards the future in creative and committed ways.
Ave atque Vale
The Chancellor of the Diocese, His Honour Judge John Rogers QC, has given me notice that he intends to retire in the near future. John has been a faithful servant of the diocese during his tenure of this office, and has discharged his duties with efficiency, grace and aplomb. We owe him a debt of gratitude. I have invited His Honour Judge Roger Dutton QC to be his successor. The date when Roger will assume duties as Chancellor has not been finalised as I write this letter, but he will be formally installed as Diocesan Chancellor in the Cathedral in the course of Evensong on Sunday, 26th September at 3.30pm.
I have also appointed Llyr Williams to assist the Registrar in the office of Deputy Registrar. Llyr is a member of the legal team at Swayne Johnson in St Asaph, and a member of the Cathedral Choir. All the legal officers are essential to the organised life of our diocese, and I am delighted to announce the appointment of two talented individuals who will bring many gifts to our common life. I hope that you will uphold their ministries in your prayers.
I am also pleased to announce that Sarah Errington has been appointed as a Vicar in the Rectorial Benefice of Wrexham. Sarah comes to us from the Diocese of Liverpool, where she currently serves as Team Vicar in the Benefice of Halewood. A date has not yet been fixed for her Licensing, but we look forward to welcoming her and her family to the Teulu Asaff.
I am grateful, with many others, for the faithful stewardship that June Scott has exercised in her work as Secretary to the Diocesan Advisory Committee. We wish June well as she retires. She has been succeeded by Jan Williams, who has been appointed with the title Church Conservation & Development Officer.
Dates for the Diary
I should be grateful if you could make a note of the following dates:
13th June – The Diocesan Conference from 1430hr – 1800hr in the Cathedral. The theme of this year’s Conference is “Lift Up Your Hearts” and particular attention will be paid to the first of the diocesan priorities. I see the Diocesan Conference as a key moment in the life of the Diocese for accountability for the work of all aspects of the diocesan life, and for the discernment of the future. The Standing Committee has worked hard to make this year’s conference an interesting and dynamic occasion, and I trust that all members of the Conference will endeavour to be there. The keynote address will be given by Canon Sue Jones from the Diocese of Bangor, who has done much in that diocese to develop the life and contribution of the laity to the diocese.
19th June – The Induction of the Revd Susan Blagden as Rector of Bangor Is y Coed will take place in St Dunawd’s Church at 1500hr. This has been arranged for a Saturday afternoon in order to allow friends of Susan to attend. Support from the clergy would also be welcome.
21st June – Malcolm Squires will be collated and installed as a Cursal Canon in the Cathedral in the course of Evensong at 1800hr. I am sure that Malcolm would welcome the support of colleagues at this formal act which marks the latest transition in his ministry.
26th June – The Petertide Ordination will be held at 1000hr in the Cathedral. There are three candidates for ordination to the diaconate. Deborah Kelly will be serving her title in the Parish of Gwersyllt. Neil Kelly (who happens to be married to Debs) will serve his title in the Parish of Llangollen. Adam Pawley will serve his title in the Parish of Newtown. Please keep these, their families, and all our other ordinands and postulants, in your prayers. Diocesan Ordinations of this kind are an occasion when I trust as many of the clergy as possible will endeavour to join together in support as we set apart members of our family for ordained service in the Church, and we welcome these three to our team.
27th June – Confirmation at 3pm at St Giles Church in Wrexham.
28th June – Tony Dilworth will be licensed as Priest in Charge of the Llansilin group of parishes in
St Cedwin Church, Llangedwin at 1900hr.
30th June – Confirmation at 7.30pm at All Saints Church, Newtown.
4th July – The Visitation to Rhos Deanery. The Visitation will begin with a Celebration of the Holy Eucharist in St Paul’s, Colwyn Bay, will be followed by lunch in either the Church or the Hall, with the formal business of the Visitation being conducted at 1400hr.
Confirmations will be held on 5th July in Llandegla at 7.00pm, and on 11th July in Hawarden Deanery at 6.00pm at St Matthew’s, Buckley.
13th July – Open House Eucharist. Glan Conwy. 0930hr-12 noon as usual.
This particular Ad Clerum seems brief and focussed, and that may be no bad thing! I look forward to seeing you at some of the events listed in this letter in due course. Let us continue to uphold one another in prayer.
