On Saturday 15 May, 11 new Lay Ministers (LLMs), were welcomed into the Diocese.
The service took place in Rochester Cathedral and was live-streamed on Facebook.
Although ongoing Covid-19 restrictions meant the numbers of those who could attend was significantly reduced, it did not limit the joy of the occasion as those being licensed took their next step on their journey of faith.
A Lay Minister in the Diocese of Rochester, is a lay person who is authorised - given a license/permission - by the Bishop to undertake ministry in and on behalf of the Church.
The types of role, responsibility and duty of a LLM will vary according to the gifts and abilities of the individual, the needs of their parish or ministry setting, and the context of their life.
In his sermon, Bishop James reflected on the story and example of local Kentish saint, Queen Bertha, who is seen as one of the earliest Christian missionaries, and lay leader in England:
"These eleven [join] today, [in] the wider fellowship of those called to recognised lay ministries here in this Diocese and in the wider mission of the church.
"Their service and witness will, with Bertha, be expressed through their relationships and their lifestyles, through their learning and their reputations, as much as through the specifics of their teaching or their preaching, their pastoral caring or their community activity."
The readings were read by newly licensed Lay Ministers Sue Leather and George Johnson, and Pauline Foster, led the congregation in prayer.
Their licensing was met with warm applause from those present in the Cathedral, as well as messages of prayer and congratulations online:
"Congratulations to you all! May you each one of you amazing LLMs be a true blessing to the communities in which God has called you to serve" (Judi Hammill)
A beautiful service, thank you. Special prayers for all the new LLMs. thank you for enabling us to share in the service from home" (Mary Ninness)
- The Diocese has shared a series of welcome cards on social media to introduce the new LLMs to the whole diocesan family.