In September 2022 we welcomed two new Ministry interns to Sheffield Cathedral.
Niall and Anjali joined through the Church of England Ministry Experience Scheme. The scheme explores all aspects of worship and work here, and gives people who are considering a vocation in the church the opportunity to experience life in a Cathedral.
Now that our interns have spent a few months with us and have been involved in different areas of worship from leading services, planning and organising events in Junior Church, and getting to know our congregation, we thought it was time to introduce them to the wider community.
So we spoke to Niall and Anjali to find out how they’ve been getting on:
Anjali, how did you find out about the role and what made you apply?
“It was Dean Abi who advised me to take up this role after seeing me volunteer on a few occasions here. I was surprised at first as I was not just new to the Cathedral but was only months into settling into the UK and in the process of getting accustomed to a new culture.”
Niall, what made you apply for an internship here?
“I am currently on the discernment process, looking at ordination to priesthood, so the knowledge and experience I can gain from the Cathedral is invaluable to that process. As a worshipper at the Cathedral before starting the scheme it is also amazing to be able to play a part in the worship here.”
During their time here both Niall and Anjali have been involved in many different groups at the Cathedral, and have been leading sessions in Junior Church and the children’s activities during our Christmas light show.
Niall – “I have been able to get involved in a range of things so far at the Cathedral, from leading morning and evening prayer to children’s activities. Alongside Anjali we set up and ran the children’s section at the light show, a wonderful (although sometimes hectic!) area where children dressed in nativity costumes!”
With both interns doing so much since their time here began, we didn’t think they’d be able to pick one thing out and while it was difficult there is one stand out aspect of the Ministry Experience at Sheffield Cathedral for Anjali…
“I always loved being part of the children’s ministries back in India and I was thrilled to join the Junior Church here as soon as I got the opportunity. I enjoy planning and leading the sessions and always look forward to the next Sunday when I can be one amongst the kids.”
It is this experience that is guiding Anjali on life after internship: “I am still not there yet (not decided exactly!) but I can definitely say, I would be happy to take up something involving children’s ministry or the counselling ministry or both together if an opportunity arises.”
Niall and Anjali have fitted perfectly into Cathedral life, and it’s safe to say everyone here is grateful to have such ambitious young people working within our team. We look forward to seeing what happens as they continue with the scheme and the leave the Cathedral to follow their vocation.