Ambrose Mason leaves the diocese
From The Bishop
24th June
Dear Colleague
An announcement was made last Sunday (22 June) that Canon Ambrose Mason, Diocesan Director of Ministry, has been appointed Rector of the Grosmont group of parishes (Grosmont with Skenfrith, Llangattock Lingoed and Llanfair Cilcoed) in the Diocese of Monmouth. Ambrose has served the Diocese with energy and pastoral concern for ordinands, Readers and lay ministries for 8 years as Director of Ministry and for a total of 9 years in the Diocese and we shall miss his indefatigable and cheerful presence. Ambrose has been ably supported by his wife, Pixie.
He will be finishing in his current position at the end of July, which will be followed by taking a short sabbatical before taking up his new post on 20th October.
Bishop David will have responsibility for the oversight of ordinands following Ambrose's departure until we can see how best the various responsibilities Ambrose had may be taken forward. Bishop David is of course already Warden of Readers. Inevitably with the loss of a key member of the ministry team, there will be some delay in the processing of requests and we ask for your understanding. We hope that where there are archdeaconry vocations advisers, they will be used during this time.
I am sure you will keep Ambrose and Pixie in your prayers as they prepare to move to the Welsh marches and that you will also pray for wise discernment in any future appointment in the area of Director of Ordinands and ministry development.
With all good wishes and every blessing to you in your ministry.
From The Director of Ministry
Dear Friends,
The last nine years of service in ministry in the Diocese in Europe have been an extraordinary privilege. Pixie and I have made more friends than we could have imagined. I do hope therefore that you will forgive the measure of formality in writing to you to let you have news of moving on to a new post as personally and quickly as we can.
In October I shall be Instituted and Inducted as the Rector of the Grosmont Group of parishes, in the Diocese of Monmouth. Before that, from the end of July, I shall be on Sabbatical - much of which will be spent preparing for a new and very different way of life.
Grosmont is situated in north Monmouthshire just yards from the English border south of Hereford, east of Abergavenny and west of Monmouth. There are four parishes in the benefice, St Nicholas, Grosmont; St Bridgets, Skenfrith; St. Cadoc's, Llangattock Lingoed and St. Mary, Llanfair Cilcoed . The extent of the benefice is about eleven miles east to west and 7 miles south to north. Some 550 households live in this area, about 1300 people, and they are served already by an active and extraordinarily capable Ministry Team. There is much energy and growth and I am very pleased to have been invited to participate in it.
The area is outstandingly beautiful as well. Two Medieval Castles attract visitors, The Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons guard it from the west and The Wye Valley from the east. The Offa's Dyke Path passes through. Agriculture is the main activity. Three of the churches are Thirteenth Century and the fourth early Victorian.
There is no part of the Anglican Communion to compare with the Diocese in Europe. To have walked with you through these recent years of growth and deepening of faith and commitment has taught me much, exhilarated me constantly and humbled me frequently.
I very much hope that we shall not lose touch entirely. I shall continue to pray for and with you. Would you pray for me, especially that I shall be able to meet the challenges of this new post and apply some of all that I have learned, as I seek to serve in this new area of ministry?
Blessings and Peace,
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