Our much loved Minor Canon Mike Reeder reflects with Dean Abi on his long service at Sheffield Cathedral.
Our good friend and long serving member at Sheffield Cathedral Mike Reeder has made the decision to retire as Minor Cannon – he will now be an Honorary Canon at Sheffield Cathedral. However, we look forward to Mike continuing to visit to the Cathedral in his role as Liturgical Chaplain to the Rt Revd Sophie Jelley, Bishop of Doncaster.
Dean Abi spoke to Mike reflecting on his long period of service at the Cathedral.
“In 2006 Bishop Jack appointed me to the College of Canons as a Lay Canon. At the same time Canon Paul Shackerley, the then Vice Dean, asked me to become Chaplain to the Cathedral staff, a post I have loved doing throughout my 16 years at the Cathedral. The work of the Chaplain was to pastorally support the staff though the ups and downs of Cathedral life, and it has been a privilege to work with such a dedicated and resourceful team. I am very grateful to the staff, past and present for their kindness to me.”
Mike has held many positions within the Diocese, and has been a welcomING and warming face to everyone who has had the pleasure of working with him.
“In 2009 I was Ordained to the Priesthood by Bishop Cyril and made Chaplain to the College of Canons. Canon Simon Cowling, the then Precentor, was my training incumbent and on completion of my curacy at the Cathedral Dean Peter invited me to become the first Minor Canon, a post I have held until November 2022, when Bishop Pete appointed me an Honorary Canon of Sheffield Cathedral. I am immensely grateful to the whole Cathedral community for the opportunity to journey with you and to celebrate the many achievements that we have all seen: refurbishment of the Cathedral and the Cathedral Centre, the exciting opportunities of hosting numerous liturgical services, the BBC broadcast services and many other events, including the two visits of H.M The Queen to Sheffield and the Cathedral.”
During his time at the Cathedral, Mike was made Liturgical Chaplain to three Bishops of Doncaster and worked as Senior Chaplain at St Luke’s Hospice where he formed many links between St Luke’s and Sheffield Cathedral producing incredibly meaningful work.
“I am deeply thankful to God for his goodness and the opportunity to serve in such a variety of ministries and I know that there is a new adventure beginning in 2023. Thank you for helping me to fulfil my calling and be assured of my thoughts and prayers for the whole community of Sheffield Cathedral. I look forward to catching up with folks on my visit to the Cathedral in my capacity as Liturgical Chaplain to Bishop Sophie.”
We would like to wish Mike well in all that he does following on from his service, and thank him for all the lives he has touched through his work within the Cathedral and St Luke’s.
There will be an opportunity to say thank you and celebrate with Mike - details of this will be confirmed and shared through our social channels.