Licensing of Rachael Burn as Priest-In-Charge of the Benefice of St Peter and St Paul West Hucknall
Tuesday evening was a special service of celebration at St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Hucknall, where Rachael Burn was licensed by Bishop Andy and inducted and installed as priest by Archdeacon, Tors Ramsey.
The congregation was joined by many supporters from Newstead deanery and from St Mary’s Church, Hucknall, where Rachael served her curacy. Some of the children helped lead the congregation in actions to one of the songs.
During the service, Bishop Andy read from the Gospel of Matthew 11:1–10 and delivered a powerful sermon, reminding the congregation that there is no greater calling than following Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit to the glory of God the Father. Archdeacon Tors Ramsey encouraged everyone to renew their commitment to the ministry and mission of the Parish of West Hucknall and beyond.
Rachael spent the first 28 years of her life in West Hucknall before working for 20 years at E.ON Energy, where she first began sensing a call to ordained ministry. While working at E.ON, she met and married her husband, Michael. After five years living in Langley Mill, they returned to West Hucknall to make their home on Whyburn Lane.
Rachael came to faith in 2012 following the birth of her son and began training for priesthood at St Mellitus East Midlands in 2020. She later served her curacy at the Church of St Mary Magdalene with St John the Evangelist in Hucknall. At the start of her journey towards priesthood, Rachael felt a career change was unlikely and was uncertain about training and supporting her family. However, when voluntary redundancy became available at work, she saw it as a sign to step forward in response to her calling.
Rachael shared:
“Jesus has transformed my life. He has made real the incredible love that God has for me and for every person — without exception. I love the way God works through the ordinary, taking the small, everyday acts of goodness and magnifying them beyond our imagination. It is a true privilege to be called to serve the community that has given me so much, and I am delighted to be ministering in West Hucknall.”
Rachael serves in West Hucknall with her husband Michael, their sons Henry and Samuel, and her niece Meabh and are excited to share in the life of the parish, and play their part in helping the church to grow in numbers, in spiritual commitment, and in service to the local community.
We delighted for Rachael and for the parish of St St Peter and St Paul’s , as they begin this new phase of ministry together. Please join us in praying for Rachael as she settles into the role and community, and for a fresh move of the Holy Spirit that will bring an overflow of God’s blessing to the church and community..