The aim of the Council is to actively encourage churches to take initiatives in the healing ministry and offers advice, resources and training to parish ministry teams.

Training Courses
The Council, in conjunction with the Diocesan Training Department, run a two-day course on the healing ministry entitled "Introduction to Healing and Wholeness".  The next course will run on Saturday 23 January 2010 and again on Saturday 27 February 2010 at St Paul's Church, Parkwood, Gillingham. 

For further details on future courses, please contact the Diocesan Training Department on 01634-560000 or email chris.dench@rochester.anglican.org

A day conference entitled “Refreshment and Resurrection”
to be held at Burrswood, Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells Kent, TN3 9PY

on Wednesday 14^th April from 10am to 3.30pm. 

The speaker is Canon Mark Pearson, who is a dynamic and inspirational speaker who has led many conferences and training days on spiritual growth and Christian healing.  He is the author of four books and numerous articles on the Christian healing and teaches Church History and Systematic Theology at a satellite campus of St Michael's seminary.  Mark is also President and co-founder of the Institute for Christian Renewal based in New Hampshire, USA.

The cost for the day is £20.00, including lunch.

To book your place on this exciting day, please send cheque made payable to Rochester Diocesan Board of Finance to Sally Forward at 2 Park Crescent, Chatham ME4 6NR.

Healing Services
The Council hold an annual service of healing in October at Rochester Cathedral as well as healing services at other times during the year in different parts of the diocese.  Details of these services are sent out with the clergy mailing as well as emailed to church parish offices and to those who have attended the training courses.

Past Events

Celebration of Healthcare 2008
We were delighted to celebrate with over 600 NHS Workers the Diamond Jubilee of the National Health Service on Sunday 6 July 2008 at Rochester Cathedral.

The congregation was welcomed by the Revd Canon Dr Philip Hesketh, Canon Pastor and Revd Gerald Hovenden gave a short talk on the work of the Diocesan Council for Health & Healing.  NHS workers took part in the service, reading the lessons, giving their testimonies as well leading prayers. 

An act of commissioning where everyone held a lighted candle was led by the Rt. Revd Dr Brian Castle, Bishop of Tonbridge.  The speaker was the Revd Dr Bill Dolman, GP and consultant for 20 years and recently ordained.

The service was followed by a reception in the south transept for people to chat and catch up with old friends and included a glass of wine and a huge cake made by Beaney Bakeries of Rochester which featured a large NHS logo. The Bishop of Tonbridge can be seen here cutting the cake with a member of the congregation who had worked for the NHS since its inception in 1948. 

There was also the opportunity for individuals to receive prayer and the laying on of hands at the High Altar.

Many people have said how much they enjoyed the service and found it very affirming.  Comments have also been received on the beautiful music and the excellent singing from the Cathedral choir.

Healing Service 2008
The Council for Health & Healing held an annual Healing Service and this year the service was held at Rochester Cathedral on Saturday 13 September at 6.00pm.  The speaker was Revd Dr Nick Read, Priest in Charge at Holy Trinity, Beckenham and who is a member of the Council for Health & Healing.  He spoke on the healing at the pool of Bethsaida (John 1.1-18). 

Healing Service 2007
This was held on Saturday 15 September at 6.00pm at St John's Church, Eden Park
251 Eden Park Avenue, Beckenham BR3 3JN.  The speaker was Julie Sheldon talking on the subject of 'Patience, Endurance and Perseverance'. 

Healing Service at Rochester Cathedral on Saturday 14 October 2006 at 6.00pm
This is an annual event and many healings and answers to prayer have taken place.  The keynote speaker was Revd Eric Delve of St Luke's Church, Maidstone who spoke on the healing of the man at the Beautiful Gate (Acts 2.43 - 3.11) and included a time of worship with the opportunity for prayer and the laying-on of hands.

Rochester Diocesan Training Courses
Pastoral Care in a Palliative Care Context held on Wednesday 15 November 2006.
This course was run by the Diocesan Training Department.  For more details phone 01634-560000 or email theresa.harrison@rochester.anglican.org

Clergy Days 2006
Held on Friday 10 March 2006 at St Justus Church Rochester.
Presentations on incorporating the healing ministry into parish life, a question time, seminars/workshops on clergy marriage (Yvonne Warren), spiritual gifts for beginners/listening/ministering healing in the parish, and opportunity to receive prayer ministry.

Healing Service Rochester Cathedral on Saturday 22 October 2005
The speaker was Dr Gareth Tuckwell former Director of Burrswood and now Medical Director of the Hospice in the Weald speaking on the subject of "Health and Healing Today". The service included prayer and the laying on of hands.
Sermon   "Health and Healing Today" by Dr Gareth Tuckwell
READING : Luke Ch1 v57-66 and v80
 

Healing Day at Rochester Cathedral on Saturday 6 November 2004  The keynote speaker was Elizabeth Brazell, Director of Word for Life Trust and Arts in Mission from the House of Bread in Christchurch, Gloucestershire.
 Word for Life Trust