Meet Revd Rosie Diffin
Revd Rosie Diffin reflects on her year as a deacon intern…
My year as a Deacon Intern was served in Drumglass (Armagh Diocese). It was good to be part of a busy parish where my training rector, the Revd Andrew Forster, allowed me to experience all aspects of parish life.
I had the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of services, including several civic services which are attended by local and state representatives. I was struck by the vital role these services play in facilitating a process of healing for the wider community. I also saw the importance of relationship building, highlighted for me by the weekly shopper’s service in St Anne’s attended by a group of mostly retired folk from all sections of the community. This faithful group meet each week to worship and to build their relationship with Christ and with one another. I also really enjoyed getting to know the parish youth group as we explored how the living word of God can have a positive impact on their lives.
My year in Drumglass also reinforced my belief in the importance of pastoral care, particularly during times of illness and bereavement. It is an immense privilege to have been called by God to journey alongside people in His name.
As part of my training, I had to submit a 20,000 word dissertation, the title of which was: ‘Christian ministry with people who have Disabilities.’ I am grateful to Andrew Forster for helping me gain some practical experience of this vital aspect of ministry.
It is hard to believe that I have reached the end of the three year training course and will be ordained priest in September! As I reflect back over that time I am amazed at how God used it to prepare me to serve His church and I look forward with anticipation to my curacy in Seapatrick Parish.