Fourteen volunteer Authorised Pastoral Assistants (APA’s) from different walks of life, have been commissioned by The Right Revd Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham to provide pastoral assistance caring for people at some of the most vulnerable times in their lives.
Picture: Tom Banks
APA’s commissioned by Bishop Paul
In a service in Durham Cathedral on 5th July, Bishop Paul recognised their often unseen work, saying: “APA’s are commissioned for a five-year period, following three years’ training, to work alongside clergy in caring for people, especially in times of particular need, such as old age, illness or bereavement. Their work is essential and much needed, I want to thank them for all their hard work. I would encourage anyone who thinks this kind of work might be for them to contact their local parish.”
Anyone interested in exploring becoming an APA should contact Pamela Wilson on 0191 374 6024 or pamela.wilson@durham.anglican.org.
Those newly commissioned:
- Wendy Broderick High Spen and Rowlands Gill
- Lilian Jordan Grangetown
- Jane Leak Hartlepool, Holy Trinity
- Margaret Linsley Cockfield, Lynesack and Evenwood
- Linda Matthews High Spen and Rowlands Gill
- Nora Scott Great Aycliffe
- Susan Sweeting Sunderland, St Mary and St Peter
Those newly re-commissioned:
- Jean Carter Castleside
- Jacki Dunn Jarrow
- Susan Hill Durham, St Nicholas
- Dorothy Kitching Hartlepool, St Hilda
- Kathy Nevin Burnopfield and Dipton
- Jenene Snowball Washington
- Pam Telfer Washington