September Blog 2024

I am really happy to be at St Mark’s as a part time curate. Many of you already know me. I was ordained Deacon at the end of June this summer. I am officially a part-time self-supporting assistant curate. The picture above is of my stole, red is for Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came.

I work part-time in a paid job whilst being a part time curate; I am not paid a salary for being a curate and I live in my own house. My paid work is a carer support worker. My job includes taking people out so that their loved ones can have a break from caring for them. This includes people with dementia, Parkinson’s, or other age-related conditions and I support autistic children. I also work in two dementia centres, running activities for those with dementia whilst their loved ones have a carer’s group to support each other.

My time here is varied. The Diocese have suggested that I get the breadth of everything rather than the depth of one or two things. I am visiting different groups, and people at home, gaining an understanding of the whole church, developing skills here on a Sunday and attending church meetings. I spend time at home preparing sermons and planning services, such as the outdoor service and picnic that we had the bank holiday Sunday, as part of our witness in Lache. I also have regular training sessions with the diocese. Due to my work, it is not possible for me to get to more things at church, as much as I would like to.

I live locally, with my husband and our two youngest children. One is our 16 year old son, and as many of you know, we have a daughter at home, with complex needs. She needs a lot of care, but her smile and interest in things that others do not notice brings joy. I have a heart for others in similar situations. There can be a lot of pushing and fighting to be heard and sometimes I help others to be heard, as not everyone can speak up. I have been on the Disability Forum for the Diocese for about six years. I also have 2 grandsons who I see or look after every week or two, another source of joy. My work has given me a greater understanding of dementia and age-related conditions, whilst my family life has taught me so much about the complexity of caring for others. My heart longs to reach out to those who find being a part of church difficult because of limitations such as access issues, or social communication and sensory needs such as autism.

I love conversations within small groups and sharing stories. Of course, I also love just being in the presence of God. Having a rhythm of prayer times/ quiet times, draws me close to God and sustains me. I always try and listen to what God is saying and where He is leading me. Each morning, I pray for God to lead me to the people and places that He wants me to go to. I don’t believe in coincidences but rather God ordained meetings.

Just to add, that outside of all this, I do enjoy musical theatre, West End shows, and classical music. Since starting study, I have grown to enjoy reading books that help me grow and open my mind.

Kathryn