Licensing of the Revd Marilyn Zipfel as Chaplain Team Leader

 

On Tuesday 26^th July 2011, the new Chaplain Team Leader for the James Paget Hospital, Marilyn Zipfel, made her Declaration

and Oath in order to receive her License. Marilyn warmly greeted everyone at the Chapel entrance. The Chapel was filled to capacity with friends and well wishers and many of them had to stand. Also present was, Canon Ian Bently, who is Marilyn’s Vicar from her home church in Oulton. The organist was accompanied by Gemma; her playing of the horn was really very good it was clear to see that Marilyn had done a wonderful job in training her. Marilyn is a member of a brass band and plays the horn also.

 

 

The Rt Revd Alan Winton, Bishop of Thetford, welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming. He spoke about the Sermon on the Mount and how Jesus always focused on those who were in need and those who needed uplift and healing. 

 

 

The Bishop spoke about the importance of healthcare and how we have been blessed, in this country, with people who devote their time and energy to the sick. He pointed out that this is a time when we can celebrate their work and to pray for them. Marilyn has chosen to give her time and support not only to the sick but also to the staff in the hospital. James Paget is a hospital that is concerned with the whole person and recognises the fact that people sometimes need to have spiritual support as well as physical.

 

 

He said that Priests have to be licensed to work as a hospital chaplain and they have to make a declaration. Marilyn represents the wider church and she has to make an oath and declaration to the Bishop of Norwich. 

 

 

Marilyn made her oath to the Venerable John Ashe, Archdeacon of Lynn, who was standing in for the Bishop of Norwich. She made an oath of obedience to the Queen and then turned from the Bishop of Thetford to face the audience. This gesture was an act of respect to the Queen.

 

 

After the service everyone gathered in the meeting room for refreshment and a piece of cake which had been made to celebrate the occasion.