Page 7 - LUDLOW TOWER FEB 22 (WEBSITE)
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INTRODUCING ...
Please tell us about yourself. on for half an
My name is Pat Helm. I grew up in hour’s silent
Worcester but went to London for meditation on a
(primary) teacher training. I was passage, with the
teaching in the East End when my opportunity to
husband Nick recognised his calling for stay for a cup of
the ministry so we spent three years in tea or coffee.
Nottingham while he trained at St John’s, More recently
and I had our daughter. After a curacy Helen and I
back in the East End at Bow, where our launched Celtic
son was born, came a first incumbency Prayer – a simple
in Sheffield. After that, with the children monthly half-hour service of peaceful,
at university, we took a ‘mid-life gap led reflection which attracts an average
year’ spending six months in South of 20-25 people, from all churches and
Africa, where Nick was brought up. none.
We had both found ourselves drawn, I have now taken on the new role of
early on, towards spirituality, retreats pastoral care coordinator, aiming to
and contemplation. I trained as a build up a more structured pastoral care
spiritual director as well as working with team to support the clergy in their
Sure Start which I found very fulfilling. pastoral work (visiting people in their
The roles are very similar – supporting own homes, or care homes, and, again,
people by being alongside them, giving listening and giving them space) took a
them the space to tell their story and knock when Covid struck but is
listening to them and for God’s voice in resuming. It is find it very rewarding and
whatever is going on for them. would encourage anyone interested to
dip a toe in to see if you have a place in
What brought you to Ludlow? the work.
When we returned from Cape Town
Nick was appointed Diocesan How do you spend any spare time?
Ministerial Development Officer and is I have a newly-acquired love of creative
now Diocesan Advisor for Spirituality in machine embroidery as well as circle
Hereford. We knew and liked Ludlow. dancing and I sing with the Larks Choir.
And to St Laurence's? A memorable holiday experience?
It is a wonderful space of prayer and A magical hot air balloon ride at dawn
peace. I attended a Lenten meditation over the South African Winelands – even
group led by Helen Blyth which really though I am scared of heights!
resonated with me. What might we be surprised to
What is your role at St Laurence's? know about you?
I help run the weekly contemplation I have walked the whole length of Offa’s
group which grew out of that Lent Dyke, in monthly instalments. It took a
course, and continues to meet, 10 years year, and the scenery was stunning.
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