Installation, Institution, Induction and Licensing of Kate Stacey as Team Rector at St. Matthew’s Church, Stroud. Sunday 28th January 2018.
On a pleasant, late January Sunday afternoon; about 40-50 members of the Wychwood Benefice churches travelled into Gloucestershire to support Kate, Graham, Anna, Bethia and Daniel for Kate’s Licensing to her new priesthood life. How refreshing to find that the principals of the event: the Bishop, Archdeacon and new Rector are all women priests!
We gathered among some 250 persons in the late Victorian Church of St. Matthew, Cainscross. Like churches of the period, seated in pews and with unrestricted viewing.
Anne Hartley gave a lovely “Commendation” of Kate to the Stroud parishioners, outlining all her pastoral and organisational qualities we had come to take for granted. Then, how fitting that the Anthem sung by the choir of All Saint’s Uplands was “Be Thou my Vision” by Bob Chilcott. All through the ceremonies, Kate spoke and replied in her typical positive manner and showed outwardly her joy and excitement for the new tasks ahead of her. The whole Stacey family were included and obviously made most welcome to the community too.
A number of local representatives were invited to give their individual and collective welcomes. This was followed by a sharing of The Peace. It was notable how much warmth was extended by Stroud parishioners to the friends from the Wychwoods.
The service had commenced with the hymn “Great is thy faithfulness”. The Blessing of the New Ministry to “Just as I am, without one plea” and concluded to a wonderful rendering of “When I survey the wondrous Cross”. All indicative of Kate’s own Ministry.
We were provided with a sumptuous tea in a capacious Hall attached to the church. This rounded off a memorable, if emotional, event when we all wished Kate and the family our love and very best wishes for the future.
James Burgis
