13th October 2017

Diocesan Bishop's call on parishes and schools to remember: 'Thank Your Vicar'!

The Diocesan Bishop of The Church of England in Lancashire today encourages parishes and schools across the County to remember to thank their vicar …

Parishes and schools are being encouraged to think of ways to thank their vicar for the annual ‘Thank Your Vicar Week’ which takes place this year between October 15 and 22.

The week celebrates the vital contribution clergy make to their communities, and gives parishes the opportunity to say a big thank you to their vicar and/or curate.

It is promoted by St Luke’s Healthcare for the Clergy, a charity which cares for the health and wellbeing of Anglican clergy and their families. 

The Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev Julian Henderson, said: "Our clergy are a vital part of our Vision 2026 work and the work of the Church across the Diocese.

“They bear the privilege and responsibility of being servants and leaders in the ministry of the Church; key representatives of the Christian faith in their communities.

“I hope many in our parishes and schools will make an effort to thank their own vicar in some way. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture – a simple card can often mean so much.”

Meanwhile, the Bishop of Burnley, Rt Rev. Philip North, who also backs the special week, will be talking about the importance of 'thanking your vicar' on Premier Christian Radio on Monday, October 16 at 7.50am. You can listen live here.

St Luke’s boss Claire Walker added: ‘We know how hard clergy work for the people they serve, and what a difference to clergy wellbeing it makes when parishes and schools show their appreciation. Let’s make Thank Your Vicar Week an event your clergy will remember!”

Schools are invited to hold a special Thank Your Vicar assembly, using free downloadable resources from the St Luke’s website. These have been designed to enhance the primary RE curriculum.

Meanwhile Parishes can hold a Thank Your Vicar Week service on Sunday 22 October, and/or make a donation to the work of St Luke’s Healthcare for the Clergy.

Suggested free Thank Your Vicar Week resource sheets and other materials for parishes are also available on the St Luke’s website.