Words of Grace: Living Hope in the Diocese of Sheffield

We’re joined today by a group of Centenary Project workers for this special episode of Words of Grace:·      Bec Ackroyd, St Polycarp’s Malin Bridge·      Siân John at Attercliffe and Darnall Centre of Mission·      Lynne Noble, St Leonard’s in Arbourthorne and Norfolk Park·      Laura Passo, Heeley Parish ChurchHear the group talk to Ben and Paul about:✝️ Sharing challenges and joys on their faith journeys✝️ The faith stories inspiring them from the young people they work with✝️ Why people should consider joining the Centenary Project

Revd Susan Bedford, Associate Priest at Doncaster Minster, is on the Words of Grace podcast today.Susan talks about:✝️ The Sheffield Chapter of the Society of Catholic Priests✝️ Her Anglo-Catholic upbringing and knowing at 13 she wanted to be a priest✝️ The origins of the SCP and its inclusive roots✝️ The style of worship at Doncaster Minster ✝️ Encouraging others to explore Anglo-Catholicism The SCP, in conjunction with Dean Abi and Sheffield Cathedral, are having a Modern Anglo-Catholic awareness day on Saturday 31st May at 11.30am – there’s no need to book!Susan has also produced a list of book recommendations:Not just for people preparing for confirmation, but basic teaching for all Christians who resonate with Anglo-Catholic spirituality and practice Faith Confirmed: preparing for confirmation by Peter Jackson and Chris Wright. Pub SPCK More in-depth Pursuing the Mystery: worship and daily life as presences of God by George Guiver CR. Published by Mirfield Publications, available from the shop at the Community of the Resurrection, Mirfield. Another book by a Roman Catholic Religious, Sister Wendy Beckett Sister Wendy on Prayer published by Continuum A Glimpsed-at Reality, a priest's diary in lockdown and beyond, by Susan Bedford, published by Pendlebury Press.

Our Words of Grace episode today highlights the 10th anniversary of the Centenary Project in the Diocese of Sheffield.Ben and Paul are joined by Sarah Beardsmore, Centenary Project Manager, and Helen Cockayne, her predecessor in the role and one of the driving forces of CP getting started.Sarah and Helen talk about:✝️ How CP started and its initial aims✝️ How the project has grown and drawn people to faith✝️ The initial £1 million investment that Helen helped to oversee to start up CP✝️ Sarah taking over management and transition to a new team✝️ Hopes for future expansion

Cory Lovell, Director of Music at St Alban’s Wickersley, is today’s guest on Words of Grace.Cory talks about:✝️ How he started playing the piano at 10 from memory✝️ Growing up across Catholic and Church of England traditions✝️ Becoming Director of Music at the age of 19✝️ Forming his own ‘Coryllion Choir’✝️ Exploring his calling and vocations for the years ahead

We’ve reached 100 episodes on the Words of Grace podcast! A big thank you to everyone who has been listening and supporting us. Today’s episode features the Bishop of Sheffield, the Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox, talking to Ben and Paul about:✝️ The successful SMMIB (Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board) bid and what it means for the Diocese✝️ The process for appointing the next Bishop of Doncaster✝️ Reflecting on 8 years as Bishop of Sheffield✝️ The importance of prayer and mission✝️ His recent film recommendations

Reader and Focal Minister Peter Rainford is on the Words of Grace podcast today. Peter talks about:✝️ The church move as a child that helped to define his faith journey✝️ His passion for serving on different working groups from a young age✝️How a life-changing move to Sheffield nearly didn’t happen✝️ Being part of the Kimberworth Park congregation✝️ Focal Ministry and being re-authorised