Dictionary

Words on this page

Anglican

Anglicans form the family of Christians closely related to the Archbishop of Canterbury. Whilst tracing their inheritance back to Christ and the earliest Christians and to the ancient Roman Catholic church, the sixteenth century Reformation was a crucial moment for Anglicanism.

Bishop

‘Bishop’ comes from the Greek word for ‘overseer’. So a bishop is a senior Christian minister authorised to have oversight for God’s people. As well as duties given to deacons and priests, bishops confirm and ordain.

Diocese

‘Diocese’ refers to the geographical territory in which a bishop exercises oversight. The Church in Wales is divided into six dioceses each with its own cathedral in which is housed the cathedra (the bishop’s ‘chair’ or ‘throne’).

Holy Communion

At Holy Communion blessed bread and wine is shared, by which we receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The congregation gives thanks for Jesus’ life, his death and resurrection and his continuing presence. See also Eucharist.

Prayer

Prayer sustains our human relationship with God and may involve words (formal or informal) or be silent. Prayer can involve adoration (‘I love you’), confession (‘sorry’), thanksgiving and supplication (‘please’).

Home Pobl Dewi: September 2024 Holy Listening

Holy Listening

In June, the Bishop commissioned a new group of Spiritual Directors (also known as Spiritual Accompaniers) for the Diocese. How can they help?

Spiritual Direction has been defined as the art of holy listening. It offers a safe and sacred space in which a person can explore prayer and the call of God with the help of another person on the same journey. It leads to a deeper awareness of the self and of God in all parts of life. It can be offered in many different ways, and elements of it will be found in house groups, reflective practice cells, relationships with wise friends and the normal life and worship of the church.

However, some individuals and people at certain stages of their life may wish a more individual and disciplined approach to spiritual direction than everyday church life can afford them. This is particularly true for those exploring a vocation, those in public ministry and those who offer spiritual direction to others.

The Diocese of St Davids has a community of spiritual directors, offering this kind of holy listening. The service they offer is freely given, they do not ask for and will not accept payment. It is confidential and Christian, although not necessarily Anglican. It is designed so that most of the power in the relationship remains with the person seeking direction. They can end the relationship at any time. Those offering direction through the Diocese abide by a code of practice that is recognised at a Provincial as well as a Diocesan level.

If you would like the services of a Spiritual Director then please contact Fr Andrew Johnson on frandrewj@outlook.com. This is also the address to use if you are interested in offering your services as a spiritual director in this way.