In a break from the usual tradition, one new Diocese of Norwich priest will be presiding over her first communion services on a pilgrimage around all the churches in her benefice, while they will also be welcoming cyclists taking part in the Norfolk Churches Trust Bike Ride.
The Revd Andrea Woods, curate of the Mattishall and Tudd Valley benefice was ordained priest in August at All Saints Mattishall. The benefice has churches in East Tuddenham, Hockering, Mattishall, North Tuddenham, Welborne and Yaxham.
“As we couldn’t do the first communion quite as we had originally planned, and because we are within a multi-parish benefice, we decided to combine Andrea’s first communion service in conjunction with the NCT sponsored bike ride, which we would normally do as a walked pilgrimage around the benefice in any case,” explains the Rector, the Revd Mark McGaghrey.
“So, on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13, we will be walking around the benefice from church to church, and at each church, Andrea will preside.
“The other lovely fact is that this will also be the first communion service in each church since lockdown enforced our buildings to be closed.”
It’s still not too late to sign-up for the NCT bike ride – you can find out more about it here.