Rt Revd John Prichard, Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Durham, led the Service of Confirmation in St Michael's Church on Thursday, 5th March 2026.Eight pupils from Year 5 and one from Year 6 in Heighington Primary School, and one adult member of St Michael's congregation, were confirmed.This is a significant moment in a person's journey of faith and is one they have been preparing for over a number of months.Thank you to all those who came to support the confirmation candidates, and to those who have helped them on their way.We pray for the newly confirmed, as they step forward into a new chapter in their Christian life 🙏
In St Michael's Church, Heighingtonon Thursday 12th, 19th & 26 Marchfrom 12 noonHomemade soup & bread roll, Cheese & biscuits, Selection of fruitTea or CoffeeAll welcome£7 per person
Rick will succeed the Right Reverend Paul Butler who retired from the role in February 2024. We give thanks to the Right Reverend Sarah Clark, Bishop of Jarrow, for her service as Acting Bishop of Durham in the interim; last month Bishop Sarah was announced as the next Bishop of Ely.Reacting to his appointment, Archdeacon Rick said: “I am humbled and delighted to have been called to be the Bishop of this diocese, which I love. My deepest hope is to be able to walk alongside and encourage our local Christian communities as they seek to both show God’s love in action and help people to come to life-changing faith in Christ – and through this see our churches grow. It is also an honour to be tasked with representing the needs and voices of people in this region in the national church and the House of Lords.”Rick has served in the Diocese of Durham since 2006 when he came to be Priest in Charge of St Brandon’s, Brancepeth, helping the church to thrive and develop its mission and the Initial Ministerial Education (IME, Phase 2) Officer for both Newcastle and Durham, supporting curates and training incumbents. He became Archdeacon of Auckland in February 2018. He was a member of the Wilkinson-Jay Response Group, advising on the development of Church of England safeguarding. He served previously in the Diocese of Newcastle where, as Vicar of Holy Trinity Jesmond, he saw the church grow strongly in number and discipleship over ten years.The installation of Rick as Bishop of Durham will take place at Durham Cathedral in the summer. Episcopal arrangements for the short interim period between Bishop Sarah’s confirmation of election to Ely and Archdeacon Rick’s confirmation of election to Durham and consecration are in hand and details will follow shortly.
Are you able to spend a couple of hours a month in support of St Michael's church community this summer?We are seeking volunteers to join our rota to mow the grass in the churchyard during the grass-growing season.We would welcome a few extra pairs of hands to help us maintain our churchyard, making it a peaceful and welcoming place for all who visit.If you are interested in volunteering, or would like further information, please contact one of the Church Wardens on:07410 583 920.
