FATHER John Ward from Saint James’ Church, Quedgeley, has been invited by the Bishop to become a Canon of Gloucester Cathedral and join the College of Canons.

Father John will be installed into that role on Thursday, October 4, in the Cathedral during Evensong at 5.30pm.

Father John came to Quedgeley in July 2012 and since then has transformed the workings of the church.

The church now provides two community groups, Chatterbox and Chit Chat.

They run each week and have proved very popular with the local community.

It has also opened its doors to other charitable events eg Macmillan Coffee Morning and Beat Cancer appeals.

Father John has always been keen to involve young families and so it was no surprise that within the first two years of his ministry, STJ Family Worship and Praise was launched.

This has proved very popular.

The service is held on the first Sunday of each month and numbers of young families are still growing.

A children’s play area, sometimes with craft activities, is now a regular feature at morning worship each Sunday.

As well as his church duties, Fr. John is an active School Governor at Field court Infants.

He also visits and takes assemblies in other schools within the parish, although Cedric his fox puppet, who the children adore, may be better recognised!

As Chaplain to the Sea Cadets, one of the shareholders of Quedgeley News and Patron of Help if we Can, Fr. John is very busy person.

It is hardly surprising with his great sense of humour, compassion and commitment to his vocation, that he has been asked by the Bishop to join the College of Canons.

Father John writing in St. James’ Parish Magazine said: “I feel very humbled and proud to have been asked to become a Canon and see it as recognition of my ministry and work carried out at Saint James and in this parish over the past six years. A ministry and work aided with your love and support, and for which I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I therefore see this appointment as recognition for the whole parish of Quedgeley and Kingsway and not just for myself”

A Canonry is given by the Bishop in recognition of significant service in the Diocese.

Canons become one of 24 members of the College of Canons who work to strengthen the links between the Bishop, the Cathedral and the parishes and to enrich the life of the Diocese.