What do vicars do the rest of the week? Part 2: Dogs and dog collars

Rumour has it, that vicars may only work on Sundays, with the occasional wedding thrown in for good measure.

How wrong could that be?!

So here’s the second myth-busting instalment giving an insight into parish life at Great Malvern Priory.

What may look like a rather nice tea party with an excellent selection of biscuits, delicious coffee, tea and a canine friend, is actually the equivalent of coffee after the service at 10.30 on Sunday mornings. Because, in the photo above, we see Rod just after he’s celebrated Holy Communion at the home of one of the congregation who is currently unable to attend services in the Priory.

Following the Book of Common Prayer and with a tiny silver chalice and paten, the service brings sacred space into the home. A time to hear the words of the liturgy and scripture, literally in a new light, it harks back to the early church when two or three gathered together to ‘do this in remembrance of me’.

And afterwards there’s a chance to catch up, share hopes and fears and understand where prayer would be appreciated before the next visit in about five weeks time.

If the visit’s on a Tuesday, then it’s a training opportunity, too, as Rod will usually be accompanied by Adam, the Priory curate, who’s learning first hand that vicars definitely don’t only work on Sundays.

Keep an eye out for the next instalment here on the Priory Blog.