Angela is ordained at Leicester Cathedral
THERE’S a new priest on the block in Hinckley.
The Reverend Angela Tarry, 30, was ordained as a priest at Leicester Cathedral, having served as a full-time curate at St Mary’s Church for the past year.
She is now authorised to preside over the Eucharist at the Anglican church, and to perform marriages, bless people and proclaim God’s forgiveness.
Angela said of her new roles: “I’m excited about all of these, but they need to be learnt, so there is a sense that this is not yet the end of the story.
“I am still rooted in my call as a Christian to pray, and tell the story of God’s love.”
She will be in Hinckley for at least another couple of years, learning the tricks of the trade from The Reverend John Whittaker, vicar at St Mary’s.
Angela’s ministry involves pastoral visits across the borough, helping lead services and attending obligatory meetings.
A year ago she was ordained a deacon, allowing her to take funerals and baptise people. She studied theology for three years at Queen’s College in B i r mi n g h a m, and asked to stay in Leicestershire to begin her ministerial training. Angela said: “The last year has been something of a rollercoaster, and there has been a lot of change. “Moving to a new town always brings challenges: getting to know new people, places, and things.
“I have been struck by the gracious welcome I have received, and people’s willingness to be kind, helpful and supportive to one another.”
The church has three services on a Sunday and morning prayer services most days, as well as a daily coffee bar and secondhand book shop.
Angela said: “With the open church that we have at St Mary’s, there are always new people to meet, as well as existing relationships to build upon.
“God is never only found in church on a Sunday, but in the living of our lives day to day.”