On Sunday 10 March, nearly 200 people took part in a celebratory service for employed youth workers and volunteers in the Diocese of Rochester, at Rochester Cathedral.
Thirty people were Licensed or Commissioned, formally encouraging and affirming them in their ministry.
Candidates were supported by their families, along with incumbents from their parish.
Members of the Diocesan Youth Council also attended and led the prayers at the service.
In his address, Bishop Simon, who heads up the Children and Youth workstream, spoke about how valuable it is to work with children and young people, nurturing their talents and abilities, as well as the importance of being creative and innovative in this work and remembering never to give up on someone:
“Never give up on someone…We do not always see the people [the young people we minster to] become, living in a mobile world…you will shape the lives of many, sometimes in ways you won’t see, until the last day, when you will be filled with praise and wonder at what God has done through you.”
Read his address in full here
Cheryl Trice, Diocesan Team Lead Adviser Children and Young People’s Mission and Ministry Team, said:
“It was a great service to celebrate and affirm the work of the dedicated workers and volunteers who provide work to our 
children and young people in the Diocese. This service will become an annual event.”
Lynne Parkinson, Youth Worker at Christ Church, Dartford said: “It was a joy to celebrate the brilliant and varied youth and children’s work undertaken each week across the whole Diocese and it was an honour to be prayed for by our marvellous Diocesan Youth Council.
“I am really excited for the future as more workers and volunteers take these steps to formalise and recognise the gifts they have and ministries they serve in.”
See a full gallery of pictures here.