The Diocese of Carlisle’s Director of Ordinands is set to retire after nearly 10 years in the role.

The Rev Canon Peter Clement has supported scores of people as they explored their journey to ordained ministry, helping them discern God’s call to their vocation.

He came to the role in September 2015, having previously started as part of the DDO team in the Diocese of Bradford in 2004. He then served for eight and a half years as Director of Ordinands in the Dioceses of Ripon and Leeds.

Peter said: “It has been both a joy and privilege to walk with so many people over the years, as they looked to faithfully discern God’s call to ordained ministry.

“Such a calling is not to be taken lightly and so it is vital that candidates feel they have all the necessary help, advice and prayerful support as they step out in faith. Over the years it has been wonderful to see so many lives transformed by God’s guiding hand.

“It has also been particularly uplifting to see so many people ordained as self-supporting ministers in recent years, with them often holding down a salaried job elsewhere whilst fully committing to their ordained ministry, too. My prayers will remain with all those who I have had the joy to help.”

Though Peter is to retire on Easter Sunday, he will still attend this year’s Petertide ordination service at Carlisle Cathedral on Saturday 28 June from 11am, at which both Deacons and Priests will be welcomed into ministry. He has decided to retire earlier than expected due to long Covid.

Peter, who is a Third Order Franciscan, was born in south London where he lived until he went to the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology to study construction management.

He was a trainee quantity surveyor but felt a calling to ministry and was ordained at the age of 27. He worked in five dioceses prior to moving to the Diocese of Carlisle.

The Acting Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh, said: “I want to register my thanks for all that Peter has done to nurture and grow the vocations of so many people and support them on their journey to ordained ministry.

“A Director of Ordinands is a specialist role and requires someone who can readily identify what ministry God may be calling a person to. They must possess the skill to gently nudge people along the way whilst being a constant support. Peter has done both so well.

“My prayers will be with him and all his family as he prepares to step back from full-time ministry, and I give thanks for all he has brought to our Diocese.”

Following Peter’s retirement, the Rev Canon Jane Maycock will take on the role of Acting Diocesan Director of Ordinands until a full-time replacement is recruited.

ENDS

For further information contact Dave Roberts, Diocesan Head of Communications, on 07469 153658 or at communications@carlislediocese.org.uk.