Licensing of Mark Fraser as Rector of St Leonard’s Wollaton

Last Sunday evening was a wonderful service at St Leonard’s Wollaton, where Mark Fraser was licensed by Bishop Paul and inducted and installed as Rector by Archdeacon Phil Williams.

It was wonderful to be joined by many people from Mark’s previous parish, St Luke’s Gamston, to celebrate and recognise the continuation of Mark’s ministry in a new parish.

Archdeacon Phil Williams spoke on Philippians 3:4b–14 and highlighted the importance of knowing Christ above any other credentials. He focused particularly on verses 10–11: “I want to know Christ, yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” Phil emphasised the value of knowing Christ above all else, while recognising that to know Christ also means sharing in his sufferings as we bring his hope to places of hurt and pain. He reminded the congregation that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to equip and empower us as we share in God’s mission in Wollaton and beyond. 

Mark was ordained in the Diocese of Manchester in 2005 and served a curacy in Bolton before moving to St Luke’s, Gamston and Bridgford in 2008. He enjoys helping people explore the Bible, leading worship, and supporting those discovering faith for the first time. Originally from Surrey, Mark is married to Catherine and they have three children, Joel, who is married to Tasha, Cam and Milly, as well as a dog called Rufus.

Mark and Catherine are excited to be joining St Leonard’s, getting to know the church family and the wider community, and discovering the new adventure that God has in store.

We are delighted for Mark and for the parish of St Leonard’s, Wollaton, as they begin this new phase of ministry together. Please join us in praying for Mark as he settles into his new 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 the wider community.