2 March 2026
On Saturday 28 February, hundreds of people from church communities across Chelmsford Diocese, gathered at Chelmsford Cathedral to celebrate those who have completed the Chelmsford Diocese Course in Christian Studies and recipients of the Pastoral Care Part One Course.
The Rt Rev'd Roger Morris, Bishop of Colchester led the service and presented certificates to more than 120 people who had completed diocesan training courses.
The Course in Christian Studies (CCS) is made up of two years of study, the first is a foundational year in Theology and the second a foundational year in ministry, giving students the opportunity to explore a variety of vocations and ministries within the church. Completion of the course leads to the Bishop’s Certificate. You can find out more about the Course in Christian Studies here.
The Pastoral Care Part 1 Course is for Lay people and provides an introduction to pastoral care skills rooted in a Christian context and is suitable for all who are in some way involved in caring informally for others and wish to develop their pastoral skills and grow their pastoral role within their church.This is the first of two pastoral courses leading to becoming an Authorised Pastoral Assistant in the Chelmsford Diocese. You can find out more here.
Course graduates are pictured below with Bishop Roger and Canon Caroline Harding, Chelmsford Diocese Warden of Readers and Lay Ministry Adviser, and their course tutors.
