Our Diocesan interns gathered to celebrate their achievements recently, as their year of service ends.
23 interns and their families and supporters came together at St Luke’s Holbeck for an evening of fellowship, fun and food.
The Revd Joanna Seabourne, Diocesan Director of Interns, hosted the evening, which included worship, thank yous and hearing from our interns about what they have been up to this year.
Livvy, who has been serving at Lighthouse in Leeds, said: “It’s been incredible. 
“At the start it felt a bit like being thrown in at the deep end, but our whole team were in it together.
“It’s been great to get stuck in and learn as I’ve gone on.
“It’s also been humbling seeing the team love those we serve where they are, not forcing change on them.
“I’ve loved it and learned so much, it’s been an absolute joy!”
Some of our interns have been taking part in the Ministry Experience Scheme, which aims to give people an opportunity to explore their calling whilst gaining experience of Christian ministry and developing leadership skills.
James, who has been taking part in the Scheme and has been based at St Augustine’s Wrangthorn, said: “It’s been so good to be able to get stuck into the whole life of the church, getting to know our community and those we serve.
“I’ve had such an exciting time, with things staying fresh and me being surprised by God in unexpected ways.”
Not all of our interns have come from our diocese.
Sam and Nick have spent the year in churches in the Diocese of Sheffield, and have been taking part in the training and community building of the Diocesan Internship Year.
Sam, who has been at St Gabriel’s Greystone, said: “Our Monday teaching sessions have been great; it’s been a joy to be together in community with people from this diocese, where we can grow together and build each other up in faith.”
Nick, who has been at St Timothy’s Sheffield, added: “The teaching has been deep, allowing us to dive into big issues and explore our faiths together.”
The evening ended with the Bishop of Leeds, the Rt Revd Nick Baines, presenting each intern with a certificate and blessing them as they head out into the world.
Bishop Nick said: “I’m proud of what we do with interns in this diocese, and grateful to Joanna for her hard work in running our programme. 
“To our interns: you will never forget this year.
“What you have done will shape you and never leave you as you go into the next stages of your lives.
“You have been a fantastic gift to us in the diocese.
“God bless you, and don’t forget us here in Leeds!”
A gallery of images from the evening can be found here.
Many thanks to Rachel Berry for the photos.
The Diocesan Internship Programme is recruiting for our September 2022 intake.
If you would like to know more, are interested in applying or know someone who might be, please click here.