We may have been without a priest since October 2026, but our christian light is very much ON!
We are blessed with the stream of wonderful priests taking our services since we went into 'vacancy'. However our eyes are still very much on how Donnington will be served on a more permanent basis. The PCC has:-
- appointed Jane Ambrose and Jim McAuslan as our representatives in the selection of a new incumbent
- agreed a Parish Profile that describes who we are and the sort of person we would like to have as a priest - key attributes are experience, confidence, humility, being personable and visible.
- that we would like a meeting with the Bishop to discuss this.
Running alongside this is the bigger question of finding new solutions as to how small Parishes, like Donnington, are served by priests. We may soon see the Vicarage up for rent and conclude that this is a sign that Donnington won't have a priest. That is not the case; the Church of England sticks to the aim of 'a christian presence in every community' and Donnington will be no different. But the form that will take may well change. So the vicarage being temporarily rented out is financial prudence, making sure an asset generates income and caring for the building through habitation rather than any sign of things to come.