In Depth: Richard at Rochester
16 Sep 2009
As I'm sure you are already well aware, September has brought about a number of changes in the life of St.Matt's. One you may be less aware of is a change in my role.
For the next six months I have been seconded (I think that's a posh word for being on loan) to Rochester Diocese to the be Diocesan Advisor in Voluntary Education or, as the post is affectionately known in the Diocesan Office, DAVE!
The post is part time - two and a half days a week - and is based in Rochester in the Diocesan offices just next to the cathedral. The rest of the week I will be working at St.Matt's as normal. I am working in Rochester all on Monday and Tuesday, and on Wednesday afternoon. Consequently if you send me an e-mail on Monday, please forgive me if I don't get back to you til Thursday!
Being DAVE basically involves advising the Diocese and local parishes on all matters Youth and Children's work, supporting and networking with Youth and Children's workers as well as providing training for them. There are also a number of committees to attend and events to be involved in. I'm looking forward to getting alongside people and hopefully helping to get out and engage with the children and young people of their parishes and communities and share Jesus with them.
Some of the perks of the post include having a PA called Sarah who tells me what to do, ab official Cathedral parking space and a fantastic deli just round the corner. If any of you are passing through and fancy sampling the deli let me know and we can take a stroll by the river eating amazing food! The main drawback is getting to and from Rochester in rush hour; when I told my barber about the new job his next comment was... "I assume you get a company car" ... if only!