Anglican Communion News Service - Digest News

The commissioning of Diocesan Pastoral Assistants (DPA's) is a new initiative spearheaded by the Church of Ireland's Diocese of Clogher to address the growing problem resulting from the general shortage of clergy, a challenge shared throughout many dioceses and denominations. Seven people, drawn from the ranks of ordinary church members, have been trained and authorised to assist in particular parishes across the diocese.

The seven were commissioned recently by Bishop Michael Jackson at a service in St Macartin's Cathedral, Enniskillen on Advent Sunday, December 3rd. Those commissioned were Eileen Cutler, Wendy Houston, Marie McCordick, Adele McElroy, Walter Pringle, Will Stevenson and Henrietta Wisbey. Captain Isaac Hanna of the Church Army who was the preacher for the service also provided the majority of training for the Pastoral Assistants over the past year.

A spokesman for the Diocese said: 'Before being commissioned, each DPA completed a course of study in pastoral work and biblical themes, and are now authorised by the diocese to exercise pastoral ministry under the care and supervision of a local cleric.

'They will ensure that parishioners in parishes without a rector receive the Church's care and contact, alongside the ministry of clergy and diocesan readers.'

The new DPA's will begin this new ministry at the start of January 2007 and will be based in parishes across the full breadth of the diocese. Their ministry will include visiting people in hospital and at home, organising Bible studies, helping those who are bereaved and preparing those whom seek baptism.

There is no doubt that the extra help and support that the DPA's can offer will be welcomed by parishioners.

News from the Diocese of Clogher