Deacon Bill has just completed his eighth book in twelve years about St Marie’s, our cathedral. “It’s time to rest”, he says.
Starting with the large illustrated Guide Book to St Marie’s, he has also published three illustrated volumes of history covering Catholicism in Sheffield 1535-1850, the parish of St Maries 1850-1920, continuing into the third volume covering 1920-1980. Then came the book on the medieval and historic alabaster carvings at St Marie’s. A book of prayerful reflections on Mary followed, based on the many ways Our Lady is portrayed within St Marie’s. Then, in 2021, a book about 50 saints represented in the decoration of the cathedral. Now, as a finale, The Angels of St Maries goes on sale this month. Purchase at the cathedral anytime or directly from Deacon Bill ([email protected]).
The Angels of St Marie’s runs to 55 pages with 75 photographs. “I am really grateful to Bob Rae of St Maries parish for his photos. The clarity and detail help greatly in explaining the 200 or so beautiful angel images that can be found in St Marie’s and, importantly, what they mean and why they are there” says Deacon Bill.
“How I find time to do these books, I don’t know. But I value the beauty and visual messages of St Marie’s and love to share them”.
As a deacon, Bill is fully engaged at both St Mary’s parish, High Green and St Thomas More at Parson Cross. “Being a parish deacon, I have found, means deep commitment and lots of work to support, firstly, the people of each parish. Key to this is ‘being there’ for whatever people may need. Over the years I have found the gifts of empathy and deep knowledge of our faith are most called upon. I have been so proud of my parish and its direct help for migrant in a local hotel. My heart is calmed when visiting the nursing homes and housebound parishioners and by sharing the faith with adults, both as individuals and as parents during preparation for sacraments. Endless jobs come my way and a steady stream of people seek my help or advice. As an extra, I teach within the diocese’ CCRS religious studies programme. I am not, by ordination, simply a helper to the priest but a minister in my own right, focussed, as a deacon, on those in any form of inner need.
