Diocesan News
Bishop Robert Begins a Series of Parish Visits
Friday 3rd February 2012
Bishop Robert has begun a series of visits to each of the parishes in the diocese following up on a previous series not long after being appointed.
The first of these visits was to the lively suburban Douglas parish of Saint Ninian's where following Morning Prayer The Reverend John Coldwell and a good number of parishioners shared some of the vision of the parish and its progress so far. It wa a lively and fruitful discussion and in which the Bishop shared his vision for the church and its place within the diocese.
Following a simple lunch the Bishop went to visit one of the local schools in the parish at Willaston. He was warmly welcomed by the Headteacher, Mr Keith Hardisty who talked about the life, times and challenges the school faces before leading the Bishop to meet some of the children beginning with the Reception group.
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The Bishop then continued around the school sharing his knowledge of the Diocese, teaching a geography lesson including why the diocese is called Sodor and Man, why Bishop's wear purple and why they also wear a mitre and cope. Many were fascinated by the Bishop's crosier or staff and what it symbolised.
Following the visit a series of meetings with the ministry team at Saint Ninian's took place and the day visit ended with the Bishop presiding and preaching at Holy Communion as the Eastern Mission Partnership gathered in celebration of the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Candlemas).
Further visits to the other parishes are planned throughout the coming year.