Introduction
After Meeting Stephanie at one of 'The Redeeming Our Communities' discussions in Darlington, I took the opportunity to go and catch up with her at St. Cuthbert's Church in Darlington and find out more about her role as a Pioneer Priest. Stephanie was really engaging and gave a vibe of tremendous warmth and compassion.
What happened?
I went across to Darlington to meet with Stephanie. She is the Pioneer Priest for St Cuthberts Church. St Cuthbert's is the historic church right in the centre of Darlington. It comprises the church and a more recently built church hall and stands across the road from the Horse Market and Civic Building. The de-consecrated Grave Yard provide a welcome bit of green space and tree cover and bird song in an otherwise hard landscaped town centre.
I found out more about the role of a Pioneer Priest and the work that St.Cuthberts are doing to support local people.
As I understand it a Pioneer Priest works beyond the reaches of the existing Church congregation; though they are able to do so , they are not regularly involved with marriages and christenings or traditional services. Stephanie is finding out about the needs of the local people and will try to support this through provision in the church hall. This may Parent and Toddler groups, it may be clothing bank provision, consultation and research will dictate. As I visited the church its facilities were being used by the NHS for a weight management clinic. They offer a quiet reflection space for office workers to destress. There is a prayer at the start and end of this otherwise quiet session, but participation in this element is optional. Stephanie's role is fairly new so she is in a consultation and development stage so a programme will emerge over the next few months. She is already in talks to host a HAF programme over the summer.
Stephanie told me about her interraction with some of the Darlington residents who make their way through the church grounds and are perhaps not 'living their best life'. She is there to support not judge. She also told how some local Asian children used a strip of the grave yard to play cricket together - it didn't matter that they were of a different faith, it was positive to see the church ground being used.
Who was involved?
Stephanie - Pioneer Priest St Cuthberts Church.
Lou from Tees Valley Sport
The added bonus of saying Hello to the Office Dog.
When?
An inital one off meeting, but I have been able to link Stephanie to other organisations and will continue to work wIth her through the ROC process.
Where?
St Cuthberts Church in Darlington.
Why?
This is another example of the breadth and depth of work which the faith groups in Darlington do to support people. As the reach of St. Cuthberts grows they will be a strong resource in the town centre.
Topics in this article