We are pleased to share that Bishop Robert is announcing a new way to recognise the importance of lay people that work so tirelessly across our diocese.  Watch his announcement below:

As Bishop Robert explains;

"I'm delighted to have this opportunity to celebrate the work of lay people. The particular way in which we're celebrating that work is through the introduction of two awards. The first award, the St. Elizabeth Award, will be given every two years after a nominations process to recognise special achievements given by lay people according to the five marks of mission.

The second award, the St. Benedict Award, is for exceptional achievement over a long period of time, and I'm very pleased to say that the first of those awards is going to be given by me in St. Paul's, Valletta in Malta next month to Mr David Coulston to recognise his long-standing service to the diocese.

Our diocese is fuelled and powered by the energy and the dedication of wonderful lay people, and so it's really good to have an opportunity now formally to recognise the exceptional achievements of some of our lay people and to say a huge thank you to them and to all of our lay folk who serve and minister and work amongst us. Thank you."

You can find out more about these awards and ways in which you can be involved here:  Awards for Lay People

We look forward to sharing more about the St Elizabeth Award in due course.  In the meantime, please join us in thankfulness for the commitment of Mr David Coulston, the first recipient of the St Benedict Award, and remember him in the days leading up to the service (about which more information will follow).

Join us in a prayer for all of our lay people:  Diocesan Prayer for Lay People