We are delighted to share that Kathryn Graham has been selected for training for ordained ministry within the Church of England and has started her training this Autumn.
Kathryn has been part of the Cathedral community for many years, starting in 2017 when her son joined the choir, to most recently being part of Nurture Team and leading our All Age Celebration.
We asked Kathryn some important questions as she begins this new chapter:
🌟Kathryn, you have been a member of the cathedral community for the last eight or so years. What have you appreciated about your time here? 🌟
There are so many things that I have appreciated about my time at the Cathedral. My husband, Stephen and I received such a wonderful welcome when our son, Samuel was recruited as a chorister in 2017. Samuel received excellent tuition from Mark Duthie and his team, so we’re grateful for the fantastic ministry of the whole music department. I also appreciate the encouragement given to me by The Revd Canon Michael Manley, The Revd Canon Ruth Crossley and The Reverend Dr Belinda Stanley, together with the opportunities that they provided, as I tested out my vocation. We’re blessed with such beautiful buildings and various styles of worship where I feel I can connect with God easily, so I am grateful for those. I really appreciate all of the hard work of the Cathedral’s paid staff and volunteers, as well as the many wonderful professional and personal relationships that I have been blessed with during my time at the Cathedral.
🌟 You were recently selected for ordained ministry in the Church of England. What was that process like? 🌟
I would say that the discernment process for ordained ministry in the Church of England is rigorous, involving discussions locally, as well as national assessment panels. A lot of prayer, effort and discernment goes into the work of deciding whether a candidate is being called to ordained ministry, as it has to be right for the wider church as well as the candidate. The process delved deeply into all aspects of my life and discernment will continue through training. Nevertheless, I would encourage anyone with a sense of God’s call to ministry within the church to go and talk it through with clergy or a vocations advisor. Despite the challenges it will be worthwhile
🌟 You have recently begun training. How has life changed and how can we be praying for you? 🌟
I am finding that I am having to let go of some roles and responsibilities to make time for study and practical experience within my placements. This next phase in my life is exciting, but I would appreciate prayers around balancing my time, so that I can rest, as well as serve God in my call to ministry and mission with the involvement of family and friends.
I won’t be seeing some people as much as I used to, which might be hard, but I won’t be too far away at St Cuthbert’s and St Aidan’s. I am looking forward to getting to know people there and working with The Revd Canon Angela Whittaker. I would appreciate prayers for all of those involved in the next part of my journey.
We wish Kathryn all the very best in her training.
