Annwyl Gyfeillion,

It has been quite a busy but uplifting few weeks.  A week last Saturday, we had the ordination of seven new deacons.  For each of these, the ordination was the culmination of a long journey of discipleship and discernment, and I delighted in their commitment and enthusiasm.  This last Saturday, we saw the ordination of four new priests, all filled with a joyful approach to their ministry.  Two great occasions, and two great sermons, both services were a blessing for all those of us who were able to attend.  Then yesterday, I had the privilege of confirming nineteen candidates from Estuary and Mountain Mission Area, and one from Borderlands.  Candidates came from a wide variety of backgrounds but shared in common the call of Jesus Christ upon their lives.  Of such things are the joys of episcopal ministry made.  To come are the licensing of two new Lay Licensed ministers, and two Spiritual Directors, the installation of five new canons, and the welcoming of the new Diocesan Secretary.  I’m feeling very positive about our common life.

Let me here record a warm welcome to Olwen Lintern Smyth as she takes up her post among us.  Olwen has such a knowledge of this part of the world from her upbringing in the Pool area, and a wealth of experience in the charity sector.  I am sure that we will be blessed by her work among us, and I hope that you are holding her in your prayers.

Asaph 1450

We are now halfway through our Year of Jubilee, and I hope that you availed yourself of the opportunity to lift your appreciation of your faith and of the great God who leads us into the future.  I’ve had some splendid reports of the Shared Ministry Team retreats that have been happening, and of other celebrations.  I hope that you have remembered that we requested all those able to find the inside of a week during the Kingdom season to put aside some time for Re-Creative Days, when we could give ourselves to activities that revive the soul.  I have put 1st-3^rd November, and the 5^th and 6^th down as my five creative days.  I’m not entirely sure how I’ll spend them yet, but I am keeping them firmly in the diary, without normal commitments, to ensure a time of refreshment and re-energising.  Archdeacon Barry is using July in this way, and Archdeacon Andy is taking a short sabbatical in August and September.  I hope that you will manage something appropriate.

The Autumn Clergy Synods: 20^th and 21^st September

The Autumn Clergy Synods will be held by archdeaconry this year, and the Bishop’s Staff have recently decided that we will hold these synods in person.  These dates should already be in your diaries, and further information of content will be forthcoming but please note all synods will be held at Emmanuel Church Hall Bistre.  I am profoundly conscious of the pressures we face in a busy post-Covid world, so we will be looking therefore at the question of “Caring for ourselves, and caring for one another.” The change of date for the Montgomery Synod has already been announced. Please note the Synods are for stipendiary and NSM clergy only.

• Wednesday, 20^th September, Montgomery Clergy Synod, 1000hr-1230hr
• Wednesday, 20^th September, St Asaph Clergy Synod, 1400hr-1630hr
• Thursday, 21^st September, Wrexham Clergy Synod, 1000hr-1230hr

Diary and Events                                    

This diary below includes dates for events that all clergy are warmly encouraged to attend, or required to attend as part of their professional commitment.  Please ensure that these dates are in your diary, even where the exact format may be open to change.

Events like the Chrism Eucharist and Ordinations are not listed as professional requirements, because I don’t believe in making worship mandatory.  However, I very much hope that our natural loyalty to support one another and our common life make these services a major priority in our diaries.

July

15 July                        Licensing of Lay Ministers, Cathedral, 1000hrs

16 July                        Evensong with the Installation of Canons and Commissioning of

Mrs Olwen Lintern-Smyth as Diocesan Secretary, Cathedral, 1530hr

18 July                        Licensing of Chris Lawton at Emmanuel Church, Bistre, 1900hr.

20 July                        Licensing of Jeanette Wilkes at Christ Church, Pontblyddyn, 1900hr

Later in 2023

20 & 21 Septr                Archdeaconry Clergy Synods, Emmanuel Church Hall, Bistre

27 & 30 Septr                Michaelmas Ember Days

12 October                    Diocesan Conference business meeting on Zoom 1900-2100hrs

14 October                    Diocesan Conference worship & addresses, Cathedral, 1400-1600hr

21 November                MAL training day (Please note this date is currently provisional)

6 December                  St Nicholastide Confirmation, Cathedral, 1900hr

13, 15 & 16 Dec            Advent Ember Days

Dates for 2024

30 January                     Clergy Synod

28 March                   Chrism Eucharist, Cathedral, 11.00hr

29 June                      Ordination of Deacons and Priests, Cathedral, 10.00hr

19 September               Clergy Synod

12 October                 Diocesan Conference

Hwyl a Helo

Sam Erlandson has tendered his resignation from the position of Priest in the Mission Area of Aberconwy and Mission Area Leader.  Sam has served with dedication in this post for just under three years but has decided to embark on ministry as a school chaplain, being appointed to St David’s College, Llandudno, from October.

I am sorry to report the death of the Revd. Gwyn Rees Jones, who passed away end of June.  We remember his faithful service to the diocese throughout his ordained ministry, including at Cefn, Llanfyllin, Bistre, & Flint.  His funeral service will take place at St Mary’s, Cefn, on Tuesday, July 11^th at 2 p.m.

Notes and Queries

Archdeacons

You will have noted earlier in this Ad Clerum that Archdeacon Barry will be on extended leave for July and Archdeacon Andy during August and September.  Those from their archdeaconries are invited to contact one of the other archdeacons when needed during their absences.

Diocesan Conference, 12^th and 14^th October

A fresh approach is being developed for the 2023 Diocesan Conference in October. The business elements of the conference will be split from the inspirational/keynote speaker. Please save the following two dates and more information will follow:

• Thursday 12 October: 7pm – 9pm: This will be an online meeting (via Zoom) to conduct the business of the diocesan conference. It will include items such as the budget, accounts and any amendments to the diocesan constitution.
• Saturday 14 October: 2pm – 4pm at the Cathedral. This will include worship, keynote addresses and speakers and will conclude with refreshments. Among the speakers this year will be the Archbishop of Wales, the Most Revd Andrew John, who will be speaking about the commitment of the Church in Wales to support evangelism.

The conference pages of the website at https://dioceseofstasaph.org.uk/diocesan-conference/ will be updated with further information in due course.

With all good wishes for the summer