The Archbishop of Canterbury comes to Hereford

During his visit to Hereford Diocese, we were delighted to welcome Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, to some of the Team churches and activities.

On Monday 14th October, Archbishop Justin visited All Saints Church and Cafe to meet with the city clergy and talk about the challenges and opportunities they face in their day to day ministry, as well as how the shape of ministry in Hereford city centre looks to change over the coming years.

After hearing the story of how All Saints turned from a church on the edge of closure, to a thriving church and cafe, Archbishop Justin asked to look around All Saints and was particularly interested to hear about the midweek services we hold in the Lady Chapel, whilst people enjoy their coffees and Chelsea Buns in the cafe: ministry in the midst of life.

Morning and Evening Prayer (10.00am and 3.30pm Monday-Friday), Midday Mass (12.10pm Tuesday-Thursday) and Rosary Group (12.10pm Monday) take place each week.

On Wednesday 16th October, he visited Horizon Training Centre with whom the Team works closely, supporting them through prayer, giving financial support, volunteering with students and holding lunch clubs there.

Horizon Training is a centre for young people who need some extra support in order to gain qualifications, much needed life skills, and encouragement that they can do it. ‘This is what really pushes my buttons’, said Archbishop Justin as he visited the centre.

The staff and students were forced to leave their premises last year and have worked under very difficult circumstances to renovate and open a new facility for the young people to train in. Archbishop Justin officially opened the centre and gave a blessing for the work taking place there, relating his prayer to Jesus, the son of a carpenter who had to learn the trade himself, and so ‘who gets this place’.

Thank you Archbishop Justin for taking the time to visit us, encourage us and pray for us.