Bishop of Burnley supports '˜Thank Your Vicar Week'

All Deacons and Priests with Bishops on retreat at Whalley Abbey, with Philip North front right.

All Church of England parishes and primary schools in Lancashire are encouraged to think of ways to thank their vicar during the celebratory week, which takes place from 16-23 October.

'Thank Your Vicar Week' gives parishes the opportunity to thank their vicar or curate for their sterling work and effort in the community, and is being promoted by St Luke’s Healthcare for the Clergy, a charity which cares for the health and well-being of Anglican clergy and their families.

Philip North said: “I am delighted to support this new initiative. Our clergy are a vital part of the work of the Church. They bear the privilege and responsibility of being servants and leaders in the ministry of the Church; key representatives of the Christian faith in their communities.

“I hope many in our parishes and schools will make an effort to thank their own vicar in some way. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture – a simple card can often mean just as much as something more elaborate.”

CEO Claire Walker added: "We know how hard clergy work for the people they serve, and what a difference to clergy well-being it makes when parishes and schools show their appreciation. Let’s make Thank Your Vicar Week an event your clergy will remember!”

The Bishop of Lancaster, Rt Rev. Geoff Pearson, said: “Our Diocesan Vision 2026: Healthy Churches Transforming Communities emphasises the importance of making disciples, being witnesses and growing leaders for Jesus Christ.

“Thank Your Vicar Week is a great idea as our hard-working clergy are a key part of the Vision work and we should honour them for the important role they have in building up their church families in faith to reach out and to serve their communities.”