A Morning at St Mary's
... and
Paula's Progress!
There were five Sundays in September, 2012, which
meant that it was time to schedule a United Benefice
'Liturgy and Lunch' occasion. It
was also Harvest Festival Sunday, and the first
Sunday as robed Reader for Paula O'Shaughnessy
of St Mary's - so it was something of a red letter
day
.
As at all joint service Sundays, there was one
service for both congregations, which incidentally
meant that the St Faith's
flower arrangers, freed from the need
to decorate their home church for harvest for once,
could stroll down the road
and admire, from St Mary's pews, the fine displays
in our sister church.
During the course of the joint liturgy, vested
for the first time in the traditional blue scarf of
a Reader, Paula
was officially welcomed to her new ministry by
our assistant priest, Revd Denise
McDougall, who presided
at the eucharist, and St Mary's warden Lynda Dixon.
After the service, the congregation moved into
the church hall, to enjoy a festive meal together.
As is the custom on these occasions, we all
bring specified offerings of food to be shared by
all, and their own drinks.
At the end of this page, Paula writes about her
experience at her recent Licensing in Liverpool
Cathedral, and her hopes
for the future. Read on for a message by fellow
Reader and friend Jacky Parry, and a photograph of
the event.
Everyone at St Faith's and St Mary's, who have
followed Paula's journey through acceptance and
training to final licensing,
congratulate her warmly and wish her every happiness
in her ongoing ministry
in the United Benefice.
We are truly fortunate to have the services of three
priests and, now, four Readers to
carry us onwards through the interregnum.
Paula's Progress
Messages from the latest addition to
the United Benefice Ministry Team -
and her friend and mentor, Reader
Jackie Parry
The Reader licensing service at
the cathedral was a very moving experience. I
had not anticipated the overwhelming nature of the
occasion. I was so glad that I had made the
journey, and it had not been alone. It was
wonderful to have so many friends from the United
Benefice there to share the day with me. I am
thankful to all the congregation and
Ministry Team, for their love and prayers - it truly
is a great privilege which has been granted to me.
The bishop's charisma and sincere spirituality
brought home the true meaning of the licensing - to
have received food and then to go out and feed
others. He reminded us all of this, in the
Chapter House, when we made our solemn declaration,
prior to the service. He asked us to call to
mind all those who had fed us and helped us on our
journey. I felt quite tearful, as I recalled
those special people.
I will endeavour to offer a heartfelt
commitment to all in the United Benefice, in my new
ministry as Reader.
With Love and Prayers,
Paula
Saturday 22nd September 2012 was a very special day
in Liverpool Cathedral, as 12 people were being
admitted and licensed to the office of Reader in the
Anglican Church, one of whom was our very own Paula
O’Shaugnessey.
It is always a joyous occasion to witness the
start of new ministry, but today I felt a little
‘extra-happy’, not only because it is evident that
Reader ministry is on the increase, but also because
Paula is both a friend and colleague, and I was her
mentor (or one of them!) for the past couple of
years, so it was especially good to be able to
attend the Reader Licensing Service.
Paula and I have shared many a discussion,
debate and quiet prayer-time together and I have
followed her spiritual journey since she began
attending St Mary’s a number of years ago, and it
was a privilege to be part of her special day.
Bishop James apparently spent the morning with
the prospective Readers, and he also presided over
the ceremony and preached an excellent sermon on new
ministry, and one could not but help but have
goose-bumps witnessing this special event, and my
prayers go out to all who were licensed that day,
both in the Liverpool Cathedral and throughout the
UK.
A prayer for new ministry....
Ever living God, strengthen and sustain all
newly licensed Readers, that with patience
and understanding all may love and care for
your people; and
grant that together they may follow Jesus
Christ, offering to
you their gifts and talents; through him who
lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever
and ever.
Amen.
We send our love and prayers to Paula and all
of the new Readers as they begin the next step in
their ministry.
With my love and prayers,
Jackie
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