Spirit-filled celebration at Cathedral

Saturday saw a joyful and Spirit-filled celebration of Reader and funeral ministry in Gloucester Cathedral.

Matthew Earl, newly licensed as a Funeral Minister said, “As we were called, and Bishop Rachel prayed over us, I felt an overwhelming presence of the Holy Spirit, to the point I almost lost my balance!”

This special occasion celebrated the calling and commitment of those stepping into lay ministry. Nick Partridge, Lay Reader and Gloucester Funerals Lead said; “What a wonderful celebration! Affirming people in their ministry as readers or licensed funeral ministers, and the vital role they play in the life of the Diocese.”

Helen Mann, who has also been newly licensed as a Funeral Minister, said, “I had not especially considered what the nature of the licensing service would be beyond the practicalities and therefore I was somewhat blown away by this most joyful and wonderful of occasions. Everyone was very welcoming and every effort was made to make it very special indeed. It gave a true sense of gravity to our respective ministries as they are about to unfold. I am so very grateful to all involved.”

Matthew Earl said, “I woke up at 4am on Saturday and could not get back to sleep. I was full of trepidation, questioning God if I was really ‘the man for the job’, but there was huge excitement too. Once I was robed and started rehearsal, I started to feel God’s calming presence — Bishop Rachel was also her reassuring self too. As we were called, and Bishop Rachel prayed over us, I felt an overwhelming presence of the Holy Spirit, to the point I almost lost my balance. It was affirmed, I was in the right place and the right person for the role.”

He continues, “The course, the service and now my interactions with the bereaved has only affirmed my calling to lead in this very special ministry.”

For anyone who may be interested in exploring more about their vocation, please visit our Lay Ministry page. If you’d like to learn more about becoming a licensed Funeral Minister, please contact Nick Partridge via: ku.gr1768311467o.coi1768311467dsolg1768311467@egdi1768311467rtrap1768311467n1768311467.