Earlier in September, the Revd Rhianne O’Rourke was licensed as Minster Community Growing Faith Minister and Associate Priest in the Benefice of Coalville with Bardon Hill and Ravenstone.
The licensing was conducted by the Rt Revd Martyn Snow, Bishop of Leicester, alongside the Venerable Claire Wood, Archdeacon of Loughborough and the Revd Darren Walker, Area Dean.
We spoke to Revd Rhi about her journey to this point, and her joy in taking on the role.
Tell us about the licensing and service
My licensing service was a wonderful celebration of all that has been and all that will be in the Coalville Benefice and Beacon in the Forest Minster Community. I was blown away by how many people came to be a part of it, especially because there was such a varied range of people from all sorts of communities and places.
Including children in the service in the songs and in the presentation of gifts was a joy, and those involved are still talking about it now.
How does the Growing Faith role reflect your calling?
Since I was young I’ve always loved working with children and families. As an adult I discovered my calling to Priesthood. The Growing Faith role reflects the two things that God has given me a passion for - equipping families and schools to encounter God, and walking with people in their discipleship journey. I’ve now got the continued opportunity to join in with what God is doing in our schools, churches and parishes to help people grow in faith.
What work have you been doing, particularly with schools and children and young people?
I’ve been a part of the Coalville Benefice for the last five years as a pioneer curate. During this time I’ve been so blessed to be able to work with a variety of young people. A particular highlight has been the work at All Saints Primary School. Here we run a group called Shine Squad - a lunchtime club for key stage 2 children, that explores the Christian faith, asks big life questions and gives kids the tools they need to talk about faith in their school. (Read a story about Rhi and Shine Squad.)
What are your hopes for ministry in the parish and wider Beacon in the Forest Minster Community?
I hope to join in with what God is already doing in the Parish and Minster Community. I’d love to keep seeing those with a passion for sharing faith equipped and encouraged. I’d love to see young people thrive, and have the courage to be leaders, and for the churches in our Minster to have the courage to let them.
I want to see parents and carers confident to be the primary disciplers of their children, and for the churches to recognise their role in supporting a family to do this.