Leatherhead Parish Church - Rev Mary Cruddas, NSM Curate
from the September 2005 Parish magazine
Ordinand in Training - There
are different ways of being trained and prepared for ordained
ministry. Some go away to college full time as others go to
university; some train whilst they continue in secular
employment, and a new way is by taking a 'mixed mode course'. The
Diocesan Director of Ordinands has asked me if our parish would
be happy to receive an ordinand who is being trained under this
relatively new approach.
I am delighted to do so. Her name is Mary Crudas and she is currently a member of the parish of Christ Church, Epsom. Under the scheme, Mary will be attached to our parish for at least four years. Much of her training will arise out of the way she is able to contribute to the life of the church here, as any curate would who has already been ordained. Mary will not be able to do this fully until after her ordination, which takes place after her first two years. She will then be ordained deacon and priested a year later.
Each year Mary will go to college
at St John's in Nottingham for two five-week study periods when
she will undertake her theological training. The rest of the time
she will be parish-based in Leatherhead. Mary will begin with us
in September and we look forward to meeting her then.
David Eaton
from the October 2005 Parish magazine
Let Me Introduce Myself -
Mary Cruddas
I am the new ordinand in training at St Mary and St Nicholas.
The Vicar has asked me to write a short introduction to myself.
As I sit down to write a few words of introduction I am reminded of a popular song, "What a difference a day makes".
It seems that after a long time of waiting, selection for ordination training and finding the right college course have brought me almost overnight to the warm welcome received on my first visit to St. Mary's.
I was brought up in another St. Mary's, a large Methodist church in Truro, Cornwall. As an only child my church functioned very much as extended family for me.
It was in my mid-twenties, married and living in Iran, that I next felt so completely at home in a congregation, this time an Episcopal church with a very ecumenical flavour.
I look forward to getting to know you, my new family in Leatherhead. The course of training on which I am embarking is a little unusual and I will be one of the first persons in our diocese to do it. It can best be seen as an apprenticeship or "on the job training".
I will be working with David and learning from him for the next four years and during this time will go to St John's College Nottingham, for blocks of five weeks study. My studies should influence my ministry among you, and sharing life with you will influence my studies. Prayer will complete the cycle of action, study and reflection.
Like all learners, constructive
criticism will aid my progress and I hope and pray that you will
feel very much involved in my ministerial development. Already I
am appreciating your kindness and patience as I slowly learn
names. I am excited at the prospect of serving you and sharing
our life in Christ.
Mary Cruddas
from the March 2006 Parish magazine
As many people know, Mary Cruddas is
preparing for ordination on a mixed mode training course. This
involves her in academic study on a block release basis at a
theological college, and also in onthe-job training here in this
parish. Mary will be ordained Deacon in the summer of next year
but has now been Licensed by The Bishop as an Accredited
Lay Worker. This gives Mary greater scope to minister in
the name of the church and recognises her ministry in its own
right as she moves towards ordination. We continue to pray for
her and wish her and her husband, Tony, as well in this time of
preparation. David Eaton
from the July 2007 magazine
Ordained and rejoicing! As mentioned in
last month's magazine, Mary Cruddas will be
ordained at Guildford Cathedral at 10.30am on Sunday July 1. We
wish her every blessing and thank her for her considerable
contribution already to church life. Please come and support Mary
at the Cathedral and the "Bring and Share" lunch
afterwards. If you have not yet received a ticket please speak to
one of the churchwardens. David Eaton
from the June 2008 magazine
Priesting. This month sees the ordination
as priests of Revd Mary Cruddas and Revd Mike Stewart who serve
in this Parish as non-stipendary ministers. We have every reason
to be grateful to both Mary and Mike for all they bring to Parish
life. Mary has over the last three years been much appreciated
for her warm hearted and dynamic ministry and Mike, although he
only joined us last year, has established himself as someone
bringing a great depth of biblical insight and understanding.
Mary and Mike will be ordained at 6.30 on Friday June 27 at Guildford Cathedral along with others being priested at the same time. All are welcome at this service and I hope you will want to support them on this special occasion. They will each celebrate for the first time on the Sunday June 29, Mike at 8 o'clock and Mary at 10.30. There will then be a Bring and Share Lunch with presentation after the 10.30 service. David Eaton