St Mary The Virgin, Diss, Norfolk (Diocese of Norwich
My ministry in St Mary’s, Diss is wide, varied, and fulfils my calling as a Distinctive Deacon in many ways. Although I have many duties within the church of St Mary the Virgin (where my wife is Rector), I have a number of duties which take me outside the Parish, and even outside the Diocese. Aside from performing the role of Deacon at Sunday Holy Communion services, I also take a regular turn at preaching at both the Sunday and Wednesday services. I also lead a regular morning assembly in the local Church of England High School. This gets me out into the lives of the local community, and often gets me a good natured ‘Hi Reverend!’ from school children shouted at me across the street.
One of the highlights of my day is conducting regular services at two of the local retirement homes, where we sing hymns and share communion together. Doing this and the school services, serves as a constant reminder that there is much wisdom that can be learned from anyone, regardless of age or experience.
In my local area, there are a number of vacant priest jobs, and to help out, I have supported various neighbouring parishes in conducting occasional offices such as baptisms and funerals. (Although I have yet to perform a marriage, I am booked in to do one next year!) Both these occasional offices are times when I feel that I can ‘be there’ for those in need at a vulnerable time in their lives. I have also recently started leading a midweek Holy Communion by extension while the appointment of a new priest is pending. Although leading such services is more geared towards the priestly role, I feel that my being able to step up and assist in the temporary situation of a parish being between priests is very diaconal.
One of the activities that I found greatly fulfilling in my curacy was that of Cathedral chaplain. So, since moving to Diss, I have become chaplain in both Norwich and Bury St Edmunds Cathedrals, and I find that this role, of being able to walk with people in that holy space and just being there for them keeps me grounded in my Diaconal calling.
For me, my calling to the Diaconate was a special time and the duties which I perform serve to remind me that I am a servant for anyone who is in need. As far as I know, I am currently the only Distinctive Deacon in Norwich Diocese, but feel that part of who I am in my calling, is to be vocal about it and tell others. After all, ‘gospel’ means ‘good news’, not ‘good secret!’ I am really pleased to be part of CENDD and look forward to being part of what I know is a mustard seed in the Church of England!