Bishop wishes Michael Leyden well in journey north

In the garden of Bishop's House Chester, Bishop Mark spoke with Michael about his time as Dean of Emmanuel. He described it as a place where people were shaped, encouraged to hear God’s call, and given the confidence to grow into their gifts. "I'm really going to miss the students, I'm going to miss my colleagues. This is always a team effort and we are a really solid team at Emmanuel, but I'm also going to miss the kind of energy and excitement that comes with investing in people who are on a journey of following Jesus"

When asked how he came to accept this new calling, Michael admitted it had been a slow and thoughtful journey. Encouraged by friends and guided by prayer, he gradually sensed that God was leading him beyond Emmanuel. The moment he learned about the needs of Penrith, something stirred within him, a deep alignment between the role and his own passions. What began as a small nudge grew into a clear and steady calling.

Michael asks for prayers for his family as they adjust to a new season of life, for wisdom as he prepares for his consecration, and for grace to leave Emmanuel well, ensuring a smooth and loving handover to the team he cherishes.

Bishop Mark presented Michael with a crosier, (staff), “It is a joy to bless Michael with the gift of this crosier, as he prepares to be Bishop of Penrith. We pray it will help him keep his eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. We trust that God will bless Michael and the people, parishes, schools, communities and places of Carlisle Diocese through him and send him with our love and prayers."