The second Auxiliary Pathway cohort started in September 2024. This group includes people who are training to be Licensed Lay Ministers (Readers) alongside those who are exploring a vocation to ordained ministry.
The Auxiliary Pathway was launched in 2022 and is designed for those pursuing non-stipendiary (voluntary) ordained ministry in their local communities. The second cohort includes seven ordinands training alongside five people who are training to be Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs).
John Fitzmaurice, Director of Ordinands and Vocation, who leads the training said:
"The Auxiliary Pathway offers a two-year course to explore ordained and licensed lay ministry and to deepen ministry and community engagement through flexible, practical and supportive training. It has proven effective for local ministry, and some find it better suited to their circumstances. We hope by opening up training in this way to those interested in exploring ordained and licensed lay ministry, more people will feel able to take on these roles in their communities."
Brother Michael from Mucknall Abbey is a ordinand on the pathway. He is looking forward to exercising a priestly ministry at the Abbey. Everyone on 
this pathway completes the national Shared Discernment Process, and he shared the good news he has passed this stage and hopes to be ordained this autumn!
Michael is from France originally but was introduced to the Anglican church by a friend in Switzerland.
Br Michael said:
“I felt called to the Benedictine way of life and the only other Benedictine monastery that is not Catholic is in Sweden. I thought English easier to learn than Swedish though so I moved here in 2013. I took my final vows in 2018. I was encouraged by Bishop John to consider ordinations and he then discussed with me the mechanics of how I would study as going away to college is not really an option when it’s such a small community at the Abbey. Bishop John recommended the flexibility of the Auxiliary Pathway and thought it would also offer opportunities to learn about British parish life from those who have already experienced it.”
Barbara Adams from St Andrew’s Church in Netherton, is training to be an LLM. She will serve with The Forge Group once licensed.
Barbara said:
“I was raised a Methodist but stopped going as a teenager. I stayed with a family in France as part of my degree and they took me to the Versailles Anglican church which felt like a more all-encompassing faith. They lived like they meant it! Once I moved home, I carried on going to a C of E church and have ever since.”
“I originally thought I’d be going to Queen’s Theological College to do Reader training, but they changed it and were only offering it on Zoom. Training alongside those on the Auxiliary Pathway to ordination is a good alternative for me as it’s in person. I think this helps with feeling well supported and generating good, insightful discussions, and it’s given us the chance to get to know each other; it’s a really friendly group. For the LLMs the assignments focus on the practical things that we’ll need to do like creating a pastoral care system or a service plan. I’m quite academic so I think I would’ve enjoyed Queens, but this feels a lot less pressured which, given my family and other commitments, suits me really well.”
Brother Michael continued:
“The course has been great. It offers a taster of lots of things alongside the motivation and the tools to continue to explore some aspects at a deeper level.”
“John Fitzmaurice and Doug Chaplin are doing a fantastic job and it’s good of Bishop Martin to give us his time too. I feel driven by the course, believed in by the Diocese and blessed by the journey.”
Barbara Adams added:
“The course is equipping us to do a better job as we share God’s word with our congregations.”
“It’s a really positive and nurturing environment that allows us to explore what we think without any judgement. John and Doug are so knowledgeable, and you really do feel like you can ask them anything! They’re giving us the tools we need so that we can provide more depth to our arguments and make sure they are grounded, but we are free to hold our different opinions and disagree well!”
“I’ve really valued spending time exploring and discussing the bible with other people who are also passionate about God! It’s been a real privilege!”
Those on the Auxiliary Pathway to ordination are due to be ordained deacon either in September this year or June next year, while the LLM candidates will be licenced in September 2026.
If you are interested in joining the next cohort please speak to John Fitzmaurice. You can find his email address here: John Fitzmaurice email address.
