A special service to say farewell to the Venerable Richard Worsfold, Archdeacon of Leicester, was held during choral evensong at Leicester Cathedral on Monday 15 September.
The congregation was filled with well-wishers, signifying the close friendships, connections and ministries that Richard and his wife Jenny have developed over the last 30 years in the diocese.
After three decades in Leicestershire, Richard is moving to the Diocese of Manchester, where he will become the full-time Area Dean of Salford and Leigh. Read about his appointment here.
The service was both solemn and celebratory, offering heartfelt thanks to God for Richard and his faithful ministry. This spirit was reflected in the carefully chosen liturgy and music, beautifully sung by the senior girls and songmen of the Cathedral Choir.
During a presentation of gifts, made possible by generous donations from people throughout the diocese, Bishop Martyn reflected on Richard’s ministry with warmth and gratitude, highlighting his humility, sense of humour, and the lasting impact he has had on many, including the Bishop himself.
Richard was called to ordained ministry in the early 90s, having first trained and worked as a commercial law solicitor while serving as a church warden in a small inner-city church in London.
He came to the Diocese of Leicester in 1995, fulfilling his curacy in Countesthorpe with Foston, Arnesby, Shearsby and Bruntingthorpe, before taking up the role of team vicar and then team rector in the Bradgate team (Ratby, Groby and Newtown Linford).
He later moved into the city as vicar of the Church of the Martyrs, combining this role with the positions of Area Dean of the City of Leicester and Diocesan Link Officer for the Dioceses of Mount Kilimanjaro and Kiteto. Richard became Archdeacon of Leicester in 2018.
Weaving in the themes of Holy Cross Day with the rich tapestry of his life and work in the diocese, Richard gave a particularly moving sermon.
A heartfelt farewell, expressing deep gratitude for the people and experiences in Leicestershire, his message centred on the wisdom of the cross, reminding us that true Christian ministry is rooted not in human knowledge, but in self-giving love. The call is to respond with thankfulness and to live out that love in everyday life, wherever God leads.
Read Richard’s farewell sermon in full here.
In a final poignant moment, Bishop Martyn led Richard through The Laying Down of Ministry, blessing him and saying:
We praise and thank you, God of the journey,
for Richard and his ministry amongst us.
We entrust him into your loving care,
knowing that you are always the faithful traveller
and companion on the Way.
Shelter and protect him from all harm and anxiety.
Grant him the courage to meet the future,
and grace to let go into new life;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen
Richard then took off his cope and stole as a sign of laying down the responsibilities of Archdeacon and Honorary Canon.
Following the service, and on his farewell, Richard said: “After being sent out amidst the beautifully led and sung worship in the cathedral, we are so thankful for the prayers, good wishes and very generous gifts that accompany us on our journeying to the North West. These are such an encouragement to us in our new beginnings in Leigh.
"The beautiful picture of Launde Abbey and welcoming Christ statuette will also help us in continuing prayerfully to remember the people and parishes of the diocese in days to come. Thank you.”
Richard’s service of welcome as Area Dean in Salford and Leigh will be on Wednesday 8 October, 7.30pm, at St. Thomas’ Church, Salford. Visitors from the Diocese of Leicester are very welcome to attend.
Please pray for Richard as he begins his new ministry in the Diocese of Manchester.
