PARISHIONERS in Catshill and Dodford welcomed their new vicar at a special church service yesterday evening (Tuesday).
The Bishop of Worcester, the Rt Rev Dr Peter Selby, inducted Rev Craig Smith as the new vicar at Christ Church, Catshill and St Mary's Church in Dodford. The induction ceremony took place at Christ Church in Stourbridge Road.
Mr Smith, aged 42, has moved from his position as team vicar of Gainsborough and Morton in Lincoln.
He studied at Huddersfield Polytechnic and Sheffield University, and worked for British Gas in London before training for ordination at St John's College in Nottingham.
He was ordained deacon in 1993 and priested the following year. He served a curacy in Sheffield Diocese and Chelmsford Diocese before moving to Lincoln.
His particular interest is work amongst those who do not normally attend church. In his last post, in Lincoln, he set up a men's fellowship in the local pub. He is also qualified in first aid.
In his spare time, Mr Smith enjoys swimming, walking, aviation and parachute jumping. He is married to Sheila and they have three young children.
"I am relishing the challenges ahead. I welcome the opportunities for working with the local community and bringing the church to the people," said Mr Smith.
As part of the Bishop of Worcester's diary of events for September, he will be visiting St Godwald's Church in Finstall to conduct the morning Eucharist on the 21st.
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