Charlie's White Paper

This afternoon at St Mary’s Slough, I was ordained priest by the Bishop of Buckingham together with five others curates from the deanery of Burnham and Slough.

It was a wonderful time as so many friends from St George’s Britwell gathered with my family to support and pray for me as I begin this new ministry.  I was particularly encouraged by my supporting clergy: Rev’d Peter Pickett (my grandfather), Rev’d John Chorlton (my incumbent), Rev’d Jan Cotman (a local colleague) and Father David Lawrence March (my school chaplain).

In the service the Bishop gave us this reminder:

In the name of our Lord we bid you remember the greatness of the trust that is now to be committed to your charge.  Remember always with thanksgiving that the treasure now to be entrusted to you is Christ’s own flock, bought by the shedding of his blood on the cross.  It is to him that you will render account for your stewardship of his people.

You cannot bear the weight of this calling in your own strength, but only by the grace and power of God.  Pray therefore that your heart may daily be enlarged and your understanding of the Scriptures enlightened.

Pray earnestly for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

What an awesome charge to be given at this significant point in my life.  Aged just 28 I am ordained priest and entrusted (with others) with “Christ’s own flock”. 

If nothing else, it will keep me on my knees!