Big gathering for Order of St Richard awards tomorrow
The annual Order of St Richard Awards Service takes place tomorrow (Sat 20 Sept, 3pm) at Chichester Cathedral led by Bishop Martin
The Order of St Richard is an award for lay people which recognises and celebrates exceptional service to the parish, the local community and the Diocese.
A number of people from each archdeaconry are awarded the Order of St Richard every year. Tomorrow's recipients travel to the Cathedral from across the Diocese with family, friends and supporters from their churches.
The archdeacons announce the name and parish of each recipient, who are invested into The Order of St Richard by the Bishop, assisted by members of the Panel of The Order of St Richard.
They receive a badge bearing the episcopal coat of arms of St Richard attached to a ribbon. The recipients will also receive a certificate signed by the bishop. Those who receive the award are those who, in the words of St Richard, know, love and follow Jesus, and as such they are an inspiration to all.
The Order of St Richard Awards were launched in 2019 by Bishop Martin to recognise exceptional Christian service in deaneries, parishes and communities. Each recipient is nominated by their parish clergy and one other supporting person.
Attending the service tomorrow will be HM Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, Mr Andrew Blackman, and the High Sheriff of West Sussex, Dr Timothy Fooks.
You can catch up on some of their stories in the latest edition of Faith in Sussex pages 12-16 here.