FOR over two years the Anglican Parish of Central Goulburn consisting of St Paul's Avenel, St John's Nagambie and Christ Church Seymour have had Rev Richard Pennington as their licensed priest assisting in their parish part time.

Since November 2019 Reverend Richard Pennington has led the parish as their pastor, and has gotten to know his flock and become involved with district church and community life.

His role changed on Friday, January 28 when he was officially licensed to be the parish's priest in charge at a service of Induction and Licensing presided over by the Anglican bishop of Wangaratta, the Right Reverend Clarence Edgar Bester who led the service in front of fellow clergy, parishioners from the three centres, Rev Richard's family and parish friends from his past parishes.

The celebration was the occasion not only of the Induction, but recognition and welcome of the new priest in charge of the Anglican parish.

The area dean Reverend Andre' Du Plooy assisted the bishop in the ceremony and the dean of Wangaratta's Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Very Reverend Ken Goodger preached the sermon based on the day's Bible readings and also assisted the Bishop in his formal duties.

During the Eucharist service hymns of praise, prayers of significance, blessings and the Renewal of Baptismal vows were shared with the congregation to show support for their new priest and holy communion was served after the symbols of ministry were bestowed on Reverend Richard Pennington by the bishop.

Close to the end of the service the Area Dean Reverend Du Plooy welcomed Reverend Richard Pennington to the clergy as the new priest in charge of Central Goulburn parish, and church wardens Jenny Moran and Ernie Lewin representing the parish centres welcomed him and his wife Jen on behalf of the three centres.

Reverend Richard responded with his usual aplomb and thanked everyone for their ongoing support over the past two years and expressed his eagerness to embrace his new role as their priest in charge.

A fellowship dinner was held in the Christ Church hall after the Induction ceremony and guests were able to congratulate the newest Anglican priest in charge in the Anglican Diocese of Wangaratta and Reverend Richard was able to meet and greet the guests at his special occasion during this time.

Reverend Pennington can be contacted for church or parish matters on his mobile 0477 921 111.