We share the news that the Revd Canon Nick Smeeton, Director of Vocations and Director of Strategy (Mission), has been appointed as Strategy Programme Director in the Diocese of Lichfield.
Nick has served in Manchester Diocese for two decades, preparing for ordination at Ripon College Cuddesdon and being ordained at Manchester Cathedral in 2004. Nick took on the role of Director of Vocations in 2017, and has been overseeing the encouragement and nurturing of vocations to all kinds of Christian ministry since. He will be leaving us at the end of July.
Bishop David has paid tribute to all that Nick has contributed to the diocese, “It has been a delight to work with Nick. Under his leadership we have seen a great flourishing of vocations, from very diverse backgrounds. This assures us of a strong pipeline of clergy, stipendiary and self-supporting, for years to come. We hope and pray that his ministry in Lichfield will be similarly blessed.”
Reflecting on his time in our diocese, Nick said, “I've had a wonderful 20 years in Manchester, the last seven of them in the Diocesan Board of Finance working with great friends and colleagues. I will miss the diocese a lot but am very excited about what the future in Lichfield might hold. We're not moving away from Rochdale, so no doubt I will bump into people from time to time!”
Nick is married to Revd Canon Karen Smeeton, who will continue in her role as Area Dean of Rochdale.
Nick leaves Manchester Diocese with our thanks for all he has contributed to the diocese and our very best wishes for the future.