Licensing of Daniel Bocchetti as Vicar of St Mark’s Woodthorpe
Monday evening marked a joyful and Spirit-filled occasion at St Mark’s Woodthorpe as the Revd Daniel Bocchetti was licensed as Vicar of the Benefice of Woodthorpe. The service was led by Bishop Paul, and the church was filled with members of the congregation, visiting clergy, community representatives and friends who gathered to welcome Daniel and his family.
Bishop Paul preached on the story of The Road to Emmaus from Luke 24:13–35, reflecting on the moments when Jesus opens the eyes of his followers to recognise him. He spoke of the unfolding story of God’s work through his church from its earliest days to the present, noting the special blessing of having several previous vicars of St Mark’s in attendance, and of a church full of many gifted and prayerful people.
Bishop Paul shared two charges from the second reading (Philippians 4:4-8), one for Daniel, “Do not be anxious about anything”, and one for the people of St Mark’s, “rejoice in the Lord always”. He invited the whole congregation to join him in praying that God would go on opening eyes, like he did on the road to Emmaus, and that each of us would see an ever clearer vision of who Jesus is.
Daniel was also welcomed by various representatives from the church and local community.
Daniel was born in Naples, southern Italy and studied Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. He moved to England in 2013, where he met his wife, Angelika. After living in Germany and the Pacific Northwest of the United States for two years, he returned to England and settled in Nottingham in 2020. There he completed an MA at St Mellitus College East Midlands, as part of his ordination training, while serving on placement at St Nic’s Church Nottingham. Daniel later joined a church graft from St Nic’s for his curacy at Holy Trinity Lenton, while also serving as the Anglican Chaplain at the University of Nottingham. In November 2023, Daniel and Angelika welcomed their daughter, Anna. Angelika is School of Discipleship Lead for the diocese. Daniel is looking forward to coming to Woodthorpe and leading St Mark’s alongside the people who have served and loved the church over many years. He is excited to see the church continue to grow as a community marked by the presence of the Holy Spirit and a passion for Jesus — to see lives transformed, the church renewed and hope overflow into the wider community through acts of love, justice and compassion.
We delighted for Daniel and for the community of Woodthorpe, as they begin this new phase of ministry together. Please join us in praying for Daniel, Angelika and Anna as they settle in to the role and new church, and for a fresh move of the Holy Spirit that will bring an overflow of God’s blessing to these churches and communities.
