CAPTION: The St Boniface Awards honour lay people who have made an outstanding contribution to their church and community
Launch of St Boniface Awards for Coronation Year 2023
The St Boniface Awards 2023 are particularly relevant this Coronation year, the Bishop of Exeter has said.
The Company of St Boniface, named after Devon’s patron saint, was established by Bishop Robert to honour lay people who have made an outstanding contribution to the life of the Church of England in Devon.
Nominations are now open for this year’s awards. They close on Friday 21 April. Please click here to nominate someone.
Any regular attender of a CofE church in Devon is eligible, and there is a special category for 11 to 18-year-olds. People can be nominated for a range of different things, including making a significant different in their church or wider community, improving life for others, innovation and entrepreneurship and addressing climate change.
Jon Curtis interviews some of the award recipients in Exeter Cathedral
A new category this year is “Bringing communities together”.
“This year, I’m hoping to see some of our inspired young people rewarded for the energy and vitality that they bring to our congregations and communities with schemes and projects that serve the people of Devon with joy.” Dr Jon Curtis, Lay Discipleship Project Manager
The Rt. Rev’d Robert Atwell said “The Coronation of King Charles III this year reminds us of the importance of going ‘above and beyond’ in service to others as part of our Christian witness.
“The St Boniface Awards, now in their fourth year, are a great way to celebrate our Diocesan mission to “serve the people of Devon with joy”.
“Many of the criteria reflect causes that are close to the King’s heart, including: improving lives for people who are disadvantaged, addressing climate change and bringing communities together.
“Nominating someone for a St Boniface Award is a great way of recognising the people who are ‘salt and light’ in their communities across Devon.”
Dr Jon Curtis, Lay Discipleship Project Manager, helped present last year’s awards and said “It’s always a joyous occasion to see some of the wonderfully committed people of the church being recognised for their service.
“Our church is built on the work of lay people, and the enthusiasm that they have for their churches and the kingdom is wonderful to behold.
The Bishop of Exeter presenting the medals
“This year, I’m hoping to see some of our inspired young people rewarded for the energy and vitality that they bring to our congregations and communities with schemes and projects that serve the people of Devon with joy.”
The people chosen to receive an award will be invited to a special afternoon tea and service at Exeter Cathedral on Saturday 24 June, where they will be presented with a medal and admitted to the Company of St Boniface.
Annie Jeffries, herself a member of the Company of St Boniface and Chair of the Diocese House of Laity, encouraged churches to think who they can nominate: “The Bishop of Exeter established the Company of St Boniface as a way of honouring lay people across the County, who have made outstanding contributions to the life of the church in Devon.
“Please give consideration to people of all ages in your parishes and mission communities who should be recognised for their paid or voluntary work. ”
