Work experience has been a spiritual affair for
Josh Dye. Instead of opting for a conventional placement, Josh, 15, who lives in
Stoke Ash near
Diss, opted to shadow
All Saints Church vicar
Rev Adrian Mason.
From Sunday service to wedding ceremony rehearsals and baptisms, he spent his time doing the everyday duties of the vicar.
"It went really well," said Josh. "It is quite a normal life and very down to earth. I was quite surprised at how hard they have to work – I thought it would be mainly work on Sundays."
Josh attended meetings or services at eight churches and met with the
Dean of St Edmundsbury, the
Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, and the
Bishop of Dunwich, to get a bigger picture of the role of a vicar.
The vicar, who was interested in the calling from the age of about 15, said: "I think it's brilliant. I don't know that this is what Josh will pursue but he's had a glimpse and knows that the classic idea that a vicar only works on Sundays is just not true."
He said he would consider taking on other work experience pupils but they have to be someone with an understanding of the Christian faith.
Josh said that although he had enjoyed the experience, he is thinking of pursing a career as a youth worker. He intends to take all three sciences for his A-levels, after he completes his GCSE exams next year, together with English and maths.
Pictured above is Josh Dye on work experience with Rev Adrian Mason in the South Hartismere Benefice.