by Alan Quick

THE Licensing of The Rev Paul Fillery as Priest at Sandford and Deanery Development Officer for Cadbury Deanery was performed by The Rt Rev Dame Sarah Mullally, the Bishop of Crediton at an Inauguration service held at the St Swithun’s Church, Sandford on Monday, November 14.

The parish church was full of parishioners from Sandford, Crediton and further afield.

Clergy from across the county also attended to support Paul for his licensing as Associate Priest within the United Benefice of Crediton, Shobrooke and Sandford with Upton Hellions.

During the service all those attending commit themselves to a shared vision and partnership in mission, ministry and worship.

The new Associate Priest is introduced to the church and wider community and oaths are made to give assurance that the priest believes, speaks and acts in a way a Christian minister should, and that he or she is committed to minister in the Church of England.

Just a few months ago Paul retired from osteopathy after 32 years in practice to pursue a post as a priest in the Church of England.

He was was ordained as a priest in 2011 and since that time has served in the Crediton benefice as a self-supporting minister.

Earlier this year when the church changed the job description for the role of parish priest at Sandford, it all fell into place for him.

Paul explained: "Doing two jobs was often quite challenging to say the least, but I find great fulfilment in both of my worlds.

"However, the chance to really focus my energies on my role as a priest at this time in my life is a wonderful privilege."

The service was led by the Rector, Preb Nigel Guthrie with support from the Archdeacon, Lay Chair of the Cadbury Deanery, Rural Dean and churchwardens from the benefice.

There were readings by members of the congregation and Sandford Church Choir also took part.

Following the service, refreshments were served at the back of the church.