The Drabble Diary of a Parish Priest

By Christopher J. Andrew

So you thought that the life of a priest was dull? Prepare to board an emotional rollercoaster as we travel around the parish with Fr Chris. All life is there!
Chris Andrew was born and raised in rural Cheshire. He read Applied Social Studies at the University of Central Lancashire. He subsequently studied Theology at the University of Cardiff whilst training for ordination at St Michael’s College.
He is particularly interested in practical theology and is a keen practitioner of theological reflection. These, together with the breadth of his experience in ministry, were the motivation for this book. It is deliberately aimed at a broad readership (you don’t have to be ‘churchy’) and seeks not only to entertain, but to be the starting point for wider reflection and discussion about the issues raised.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Success Stories Publishing Ltd.
• Release date: Sep 23, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311116123

Book preview

The Rt Reverend William Alaha Pwaisiho, OBE

Hon. Asst Bishop of Chester

I have to admit that, prior to being asked to review this book, the concept of ‘Drabbles’ was unknown to me. This particular literary style finds the author having to adhere to disciplines which are unique to this genre of writing. There is a limit of exactly one hundred words per Drabble and the author must convey events, stories and reflections within that framework.

Through this medium, Fr Chris invites us to share his extensive experience of public ministry within the parish and beyond. He shares the delights and the dilemmas, the triumphs and the tribulations, the deeply personal and the shared intimacy. Above all, he highlights the sheer variety which is the lot of the parish priest and the privileges that such ministry brings with it in terms of lives shared.

I commend this book as both an insight into contemporary parish life and also as a basis from which to reflect more deeply on the experiences recounted.

Every blessing

+ William.

About the Author

So you thought that the life of a priest was dull? Prepare to board an emotional rollercoaster as we travel around the parish with Fr Chris. All life is there!

Chris Andrew was born and raised in rural Cheshire. He read Applied Social Studies at the University of Central Lancashire. He subsequently studied Theology at the University of Cardiff whilst training for ordination at St Michael’s College.

He is particularly interested in practical theology and is a keen practitioner of theological reflection. These, together with the breadth of his experience in ministry, were the motivation for this book. It is deliberately aimed at a broad readership (you don’t have to be ‘churchy’) and seeks not only to entertain, but to be the starting point for wider reflection and discussion about the issues raised.

Moorland Vicarage

Grey stones against the leaden sky, assailed by hail and gale. Inside, six large bedrooms are testimony to a different past. For now, in a solitary study, he sits with double woollies, beanie hat and twin-bar fire. Here, he eats and sleeps and prays and watches the X-Factor.

Beneath the house, the well. To tap its offering, crank up the Briggs and Stratton pump (dated 1928).

The Bishop arrives for lunch, retains his muffler.

‘Ah yes, the amenities in this place. But diocesan funds are tight. However, let me bless your pump.’

‘Too late, your Grace. I’ve already cursed it.’

Gypsies

It’s that time of year when I church-sit three rural churches while my colleague is away.

The morning silence is broken by the telephone bell. A churchwarden announces, ‘We’ve been robbed! Not a single candle left in the place.’

A distant memory stirs, and I tell him to do nothing until I arrive. The church is devoid of candles, but let’s just wait...

A week later and the discovery of a huge parcel; more candles than we shall ever need.

My assessment had been correct: a Gypsy death. The candles taken to place around the body. But always faithfully replaced.

9/11

Where were you when Elvis died or JFK or on 9/11…?

In rural bliss, I watch the television images as events unfold. The magnitude was clear but who could have foreseen the consequences?

As evening falls, I go to lock the church. Such a sight: the votive