0:00:02 > 0:00:05CHOIR: "The Lord Is My Shepherd"
0:00:05 > 0:00:08The Church in Wales, a traditional institution of hymns,
0:00:08 > 0:00:09prayers and communion.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11Business has been good for millennia
0:00:11 > 0:00:13but with ageing congregations, falling numbers,
0:00:13 > 0:00:15and abandoned buildings,
0:00:15 > 0:00:18the church is facing a serious religious receission.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22So does the answer lie within these walls
0:00:22 > 0:00:24at St Michael's College Cardiff?
0:00:24 > 0:00:27A new generation of priests is being prepared for a life
0:00:27 > 0:00:31that is as likely to include the prison cell as the pulpit.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34And they're taking their message to the most unlikely places.
0:00:34 > 0:00:36Still got to write my sermon for tomorrow.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40But what will congregations make of the young upstarts?
0:00:40 > 0:00:41She was very confident.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45And what will their reactions the when they try to mash up the mass?
0:00:47 > 0:00:51In the 21st century, the clergy have to get out there.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54This is a fully working embalming theatre.
0:00:54 > 0:00:58But will be new kids at the altar get their dog collars?
0:00:58 > 0:01:01I talked about leaving. Yeah, itchy feet.
0:01:03 > 0:01:08Tonight, Roz makes a final decision over her future at the college.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11I don't think this is necessarily the wrong or the right thing
0:01:11 > 0:01:12but it's a decision.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16The third years finally get to try on their dog collars.
0:01:16 > 0:01:18I can't get away with bad behaviour now in public.
0:01:18 > 0:01:23And a few weeks into a new job, Alex learns the tricks of the trade...
0:01:23 > 0:01:24This is our secret tap.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27..but will it be a baptism of fire?
0:01:28 > 0:01:30This is the rollercoaster ride of...
0:01:34 > 0:01:38It's the end of the summer term at St Michael's College Cardiff,
0:01:38 > 0:01:40and it's been a busy time.
0:01:40 > 0:01:42From the daily routine of morning prayer,
0:01:42 > 0:01:45to placements at hospitals and care homes,
0:01:45 > 0:01:49and of course, the students' social calendar.
0:01:49 > 0:01:50At times it's hard to fit it all in.
0:01:50 > 0:01:55But these students are being prepared for one of the biggest challenges of their lives.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59The Church in Wales is in the midst of great change.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02A third of the clergy are about to retire,
0:02:02 > 0:02:04a quarter of members have gone in a decade
0:02:04 > 0:02:08and over 80 churches have recently closed.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10But there are promising signs of change,
0:02:10 > 0:02:14and at the college it's the bottom line that's been the saviour.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17It's dramatically different now compared to where it was.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21It was a good college before but it was a traditional college.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25It only trained men and women for full-time ministry
0:02:25 > 0:02:31and our turnover, just to give you one figure, was 440,000.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35If I say we are now pushing 1.2 million, so we have trebled.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41The students are sent to Cardiff from the different dioces
0:02:41 > 0:02:44accross Wales, and the bishops that run these diocess keep a close eye
0:02:44 > 0:02:48on the individuals who will one day be ministering on their patch.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52When students are close to ordination,
0:02:52 > 0:02:55it's the bishop who decides to which parishes they'll be sent
0:02:55 > 0:02:59for an initial three years, to work with an experienced vicar.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02Third year Steven Bunting is eagerly awaiting a letter
0:03:02 > 0:03:06from his bishop that will map out the next three years of his life.
0:03:08 > 0:03:13In his former life as a banker Steve was more interested in spreadsheets
0:03:13 > 0:03:17and statements than letters from the clergy.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20But now the single dad of three has more pressing thoughts on his mind.
0:03:20 > 0:03:25He could be sent to anywhere in the diocess of Swansea and Brecon by the bishop,
0:03:25 > 0:03:28creating chaos in his family life if he's not close to his kids.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32Today is post day.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35Yesterday was post day but unfortunately, not my post today.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38Everybody else's post day across Wales.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41Anybody waiting for post got their post yesterday, but not me,
0:03:41 > 0:03:44so today is post day. The postman will be due soon,
0:03:44 > 0:03:46hopefully with a letter from the Bishop.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49Here he comes.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51I can't see my letter, can't see my letter.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53DOORBELL BUZZES
0:03:53 > 0:03:54Good morning.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57- Hopefully, you have got a letter for me.- Hello. Something for everybody.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00- Thank you.- There you go. Thanks very much. Bye.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03There it is. Letter's here, letter's here.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06Right, I'm going to go to my room. See you later, Jones.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12Let's open the letter.
0:04:23 > 0:04:24Oh, it's great.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26Yes.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31The big relief for Steve is that he's being sent to a parish
0:04:31 > 0:04:35in Swansea and will be close to his three children.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40That's really good news. Really, really positive news. Oh, my gosh.
0:04:40 > 0:04:44That's so weird. And it's so real now, as well.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46Dear me, I might have to do this.
0:04:46 > 0:04:50Alex Grace is also on tenterhooks to find out where she
0:04:50 > 0:04:53and her two daughters are going to be moving soon.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57The single mother has made many sacrifices to be at the college,
0:04:57 > 0:05:00and she has no idea where in the diocese of St David's
0:05:00 > 0:05:03she's going to have to set up home
0:05:03 > 0:05:07an area that covers almost all of west Wales.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10I'm just so... I can't believe it
0:05:10 > 0:05:14because in there is the next three years of our lives and it just...
0:05:14 > 0:05:18I just can't believe it. So, shall I open it?
0:05:18 > 0:05:19Oh, gosh.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28We're going to Tenby.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30SHE LAUGHS
0:05:35 > 0:05:38My girls are going to be so pleased.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46I didn't want to sort of hope...
0:05:52 > 0:05:55It's brilliant. It's really, really good.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03We love Tenby. It's just such a great place.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06We go there sometimes for our holidays.
0:06:06 > 0:06:08Caldey Island is just across the water.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12When we had a really tough time as a family,
0:06:12 > 0:06:15we went there every two weeks to this island.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20It's brilliant.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22I'm so happy.
0:06:22 > 0:06:27Whilst Alex digests the good news, first year Roz is coming to terms
0:06:27 > 0:06:30with a different life-changing decision.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34The rugby fanatic, former bouncer and life model has been agonising
0:06:34 > 0:06:38throughout the year whether she should stay at the college.
0:06:38 > 0:06:42It would just be so much easier to do something different.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48For me, at the moment, rugby's kind of my staple, my reason to be here.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52It gives me a purpose. College doesn't do that for me.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56Now as the year comes to an end she's had to make a decision.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59It was probably wisest for me
0:06:59 > 0:07:02and the church if I withdrew from training at this point.
0:07:02 > 0:07:08More kind of putting a pause on it rather than...stopping completely.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11I don't think this is necessarily the wrong or the right thing
0:07:11 > 0:07:13but it's a decision.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16And I think it's just got to the point where, at Easter, I just...
0:07:19 > 0:07:22..I wasn't where I was the year before, or the year before that,
0:07:22 > 0:07:27and it just kind of became apparent in the conversations
0:07:27 > 0:07:30that I should do something about it.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34Roz has expressed some strongly held views throughout her time
0:07:34 > 0:07:37at the college, but many of the students don't agree with.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42I've got problems with things that don't show the most love
0:07:42 > 0:07:46in situations so I'm pro-choice when it comes to abortion
0:07:46 > 0:07:48and stuff like that.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51I'm pro-homosexuality because there is no need to be
0:07:51 > 0:07:56negative about it, so I'm also pro-gay marriage.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00One of her main frustrations is not with any arguments she's had,
0:08:00 > 0:08:03but a lack of debate over these dividing issues
0:08:03 > 0:08:05that would have helped her move on.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08I don't think an open conflict is a way ahead.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12I think an open forum is necessary but then
0:08:12 > 0:08:18I also think that you need to not focus on these ethical chit chats.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24Although one student is leaving the course, work at the college goes on.
0:08:24 > 0:08:29As the year draws to a close there are still some placements
0:08:29 > 0:08:32and visits that will give the students
0:08:32 > 0:08:35an insight into the different aspects of their ministry.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39Today they're visiting one of Cardiff's longest established funeral directors
0:08:39 > 0:08:42to understand some of the practicalities involved
0:08:42 > 0:08:44with bereavement.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47So when we meet a family, part of the funeral arrangements,
0:08:47 > 0:08:51obviously, have to come down to the coffin that they want us to provide.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54Coffins are very varied, as you can see in here,
0:08:54 > 0:08:57and this is only a tiny selection of what we can source.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59Environmental type coffins.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03So this is the type of coffin that would be buried in a woodland cemetery
0:09:03 > 0:09:05or the woodland section of a cemetery.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07That's made from banana leaf
0:09:07 > 0:09:11and we can also get that in water hyacinth as well.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13The two down the end look very grand.
0:09:13 > 0:09:19I would imagine they are probably for open casket use.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21They certainly are.
0:09:21 > 0:09:27The reason we have them is that Cardiff is a very big, multicultural area, we serve all different faiths,
0:09:27 > 0:09:32and typically, if we helped a Chinese family,
0:09:32 > 0:09:33they would have a casket.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37As well as gaining an understanding of the latest developments
0:09:37 > 0:09:42in coffins, the students also get an insight into the world of embalming.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45This is a fully working embalming theatre.
0:09:45 > 0:09:50You start the work in here when you are formally qualified,
0:09:50 > 0:09:52otherwise they couldn't work in here.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56We have a rigourous checking systems when they arrive first.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58But what has Alex Grace,
0:09:58 > 0:10:03who soon will be conducting funerals, got out of the visit?
0:10:03 > 0:10:05There are a lot of myths about things
0:10:05 > 0:10:09and it is good to get your own view of how things are done and what happens.
0:10:09 > 0:10:14It enables us to answer questions about what goes on, cos obviously, when somebody dies,
0:10:14 > 0:10:21there's such a lot of grief and pain and anxiety about, you know,
0:10:21 > 0:10:26what's going to happen, and I just think the more we can do to explain
0:10:26 > 0:10:31to people what's going to happen and help at that point, the better.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37As well as one-day visits like this, the students have also been sent
0:10:37 > 0:10:41on several placements throughout the year.
0:10:41 > 0:10:46First year Rachel Simpson, the youngest student at the college, has been sent back to school.
0:10:46 > 0:10:51- CHILDREN:- Bore da, Mrs Baynham.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54Bore da.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59This morning, we are very lucky because Rachel is here,
0:10:59 > 0:11:02and Rachel's going to help me with this story this morning.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06"Let me tell you a story," said Jesus to the crowd one day.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10This morning, Rachel's helping with the assembly at St Monica's,
0:11:10 > 0:11:14a primary school run by the Church in Wales.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17Youth is not the only stand out fact about Rachel.
0:11:17 > 0:11:23Vicaring also runs in the family, as both her parents wear dog collars.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25But on a visit to the college, her mother confesses that Rachel
0:11:25 > 0:11:28was never encouraged to sign up to the course.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31I'm really glad she's doing it, and I encourage her,
0:11:31 > 0:11:35but I wouldn't have suggested it, because I think it's
0:11:35 > 0:11:38the sort of thing you've got to be positive you want to do.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41Up until the last few years, they've wanted people to have
0:11:41 > 0:11:43a bit more experience before they went to college,
0:11:43 > 0:11:48cos there are lots of people now who take early retirement and then train.
0:11:48 > 0:11:53The age profile has shot up, so there is loads and loads of older people in ministry
0:11:53 > 0:11:56and hardly any younger ones.
0:11:56 > 0:12:01When I went through selection, they wouldn't have let anybody in at Rachel's age.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04But fortunately, they've seen the error of their ways.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07There will be a few more young people around, which is good.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11At St Monica's, Rachel's getting an insight into how parental choices
0:12:11 > 0:12:13can affect the way that faith is presented.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15The benefit of this school is that
0:12:15 > 0:12:18because it's a Church in Wales school, parents send their children
0:12:18 > 0:12:21knowing that they're going to have a Christian input.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25So the parents would rather they had some sort of faith input than nothing at all,
0:12:25 > 0:12:28so you're quite free to do Christian message.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31In a non-Church school,
0:12:31 > 0:12:33you have to be a bit more sensitive to other religions, because
0:12:33 > 0:12:37the parents aren't signing up for a Christian ethos to be taught to their children,
0:12:37 > 0:12:40whereas here, they are by sending them to the school.
0:12:41 > 0:12:46As well as helping out at assembly, Rachel is expected to roll up her sleeves in the classroom
0:12:46 > 0:12:48and at the school sports day,
0:12:48 > 0:12:53in order to get an understanding of the modern world of education.
0:12:53 > 0:12:59I'd much rather be out here with these small children than stuck in college with a book.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01It's much more interesting.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05For one so young, a lifelong commitment to the Church is quite
0:13:05 > 0:13:10a big step, but for Rachel, it was always going to be a leap of faith.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13I think this is what I'm supposed to be doing. You can never tell.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16I didn't exactly get an e-mail from God saying, "Go and be a vicar."
0:13:16 > 0:13:18CHILDREN CHEERING
0:13:23 > 0:13:29Back at the college, the academic year draws to a close with the end of year service.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32It's a chance to say goodbye to the third years before they are formally ordained,
0:13:32 > 0:13:38and to present them each with a stole, symbolising the burden of ministry,
0:13:38 > 0:13:41and to mark a turning point in their lives.
0:13:41 > 0:13:47Steve, may God who has been faithful in equipping you for your ministry
0:13:47 > 0:13:51give you the grace to serve his people,
0:13:51 > 0:13:55and may his blessing be with you always.
0:14:09 > 0:14:14- May God bless you... - ALL:- ..and keep you. Amen.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18At the end of the service, the students are greeted by
0:14:18 > 0:14:21their fellow students and lecturers for the very last time.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25And for some, it's an emotional and overwhelming experience.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30And as with all other major events at the college,
0:14:30 > 0:14:34it's a chance to share a meal before saying goodbye.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37Yeah, just have a laugh now, have our dinner and just hang out
0:14:37 > 0:14:40before we say goodbye and people start leaving in their cars later.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44Before they depart, there's one last presentation for another student
0:14:44 > 0:14:47who'll be leaving St Michael's and not returning.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50And while they all share their final meal together,
0:14:50 > 0:14:54the third years' minds turn to their upcoming ordinations,
0:14:54 > 0:14:56and setting up homes in new areas.
0:14:58 > 0:15:03To be ordained, the students return to their home cathedrals
0:15:03 > 0:15:07for special services that are led by the different bishops of Wales.
0:15:07 > 0:15:13These popular events mark the point at which they are formally received into the ministry.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17Alex Grace is being ordained at St David's Cathedral,
0:15:17 > 0:15:20and the magnitude of the occasion has started to sink in.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22I can't believe today has arrived,
0:15:22 > 0:15:25because it has been so long in the pipeline.
0:15:25 > 0:15:30But really excited, apprehensive, we all do parts within the service,
0:15:30 > 0:15:34so mostly thinking about getting those right. Not messing up majorly.
0:15:34 > 0:15:40At Brecon Cathedral, the ordination is a family affair for Steve,
0:15:40 > 0:15:44but before the service can start, there's a legal ceremony where he
0:15:44 > 0:15:49and his fellow students promise to accept the authority of the bishop. It's a point of no return.
0:15:49 > 0:15:57Although the wording and the setting might seem slightly bizarre,
0:15:57 > 0:16:04it's important that you mean what you are swearing,
0:16:04 > 0:16:10and you understand the consequences of what you are swearing.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13So if that hasn't frightened you, we'll crack on.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16I, Steven Leo Bunting, bachelor of theology...
0:16:16 > 0:16:20- ALL:- ..Do declare that I will pay true and canonical obedience
0:16:20 > 0:16:27to the Lord Bishop of Swansea and Brecon and his successors in all things lawful and honest.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31Because it's a legal institution, a lawful institution,
0:16:31 > 0:16:33you've got to swear obedience at the start
0:16:33 > 0:16:36in the presence of the chancellor and the registrar.
0:16:36 > 0:16:41So, at the start, we swear to be a good deacon,
0:16:41 > 0:16:44and at the end, you swear to be a good deacon
0:16:44 > 0:16:47in that specific church, so, for me, in Oystermouth.
0:16:47 > 0:16:53Both cathedrals are packed out for what is one of the happiest occasions in the Church calendar.
0:16:53 > 0:16:58And the highlight of the service is a point when each bishop places his hands upon the trainees
0:16:58 > 0:17:00that are entering the ministry,
0:17:00 > 0:17:04reflecting Jesus' commissioning of his disciples,
0:17:04 > 0:17:08and creating a chain of contact throughout the Church's history.
0:17:08 > 0:17:12Send your Holy Spirit upon your servant Steven,
0:17:12 > 0:17:16for the office and work of a deacon in your Church.
0:17:16 > 0:17:22Send your Holy Spirit upon your servant Alex for the office and work of a deacon in your Church.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24May they be faithful in service,
0:17:24 > 0:17:27ready to teach and constant in prayer.
0:17:27 > 0:17:34May they be bound in faith and rooted in love, and seek only your glory.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37Through Jesus Christ, our Lord who lives and reigns with you
0:17:37 > 0:17:43- in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever... - ALL: Amen.
0:17:43 > 0:17:49And I'm sure that you would want to welcome all these newly ordained people
0:17:49 > 0:17:50into the service of Christ.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55During the post-ordination celebrations,
0:17:55 > 0:17:58Steve's struggling to get used to the new uniform.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02I wear a collar now, which was strange this morning putting it on.
0:18:02 > 0:18:07I bought it a few weeks ago and tried it on once, but wearing it today is quite strange,
0:18:07 > 0:18:10cos it's the universal symbol that somebody is a vicar.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12I can't get away with bad behaviour now in public.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15It's almost like a graduation present, really.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18You know, there is a serious side to wearing it.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20People know who you are now and you've got a responsibility.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24You've got the reputation of yourself and the Church to withhold.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28Hopefully, it'll be a good mission opportunity as well. People will see you in it and speak to you.
0:18:28 > 0:18:34In St David's, it's another emotional landmark on Alex's journey,
0:18:34 > 0:18:36yet she doesn't quite feel the finished article.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39I'll never feel ready!
0:18:39 > 0:18:44Yes, I'm keen to start, but I don't think I'll ever be ready for this.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46I'll just have to trust God and get on with it.
0:18:48 > 0:18:53Part of trusting in God is moving to a new community and setting up home,
0:18:53 > 0:18:55and for Alex, that means Tenby.
0:18:55 > 0:19:00Like all other newly ordained students, she'll be expected to start work immediately.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06Alex will be taking part in services in five different churches of the area
0:19:06 > 0:19:09under the guidance of an experienced vicar,
0:19:09 > 0:19:13and doing everything from marriages to funerals and Sunday sermons.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16With a term of at least three years to serve,
0:19:16 > 0:19:18the post also comes with a house.
0:19:18 > 0:19:24And Alex has enlisted the help of a removals company to get her and her two daughters set up.
0:19:24 > 0:19:29Moving to Tenby is proving to be something of a homecoming.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32We've loved living in Cardiff and I was really sad to leave,
0:19:32 > 0:19:37but as we were coming down the motorway and then the dual carriageway,
0:19:37 > 0:19:41I had this real sense of homecoming. I used to work near St Clears,
0:19:41 > 0:19:46and when we passed there, I just felt really at home.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49So that was really unexpected but lovely.
0:19:49 > 0:19:54Even with the professionals at hand, everything doesn't quite go to plan.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56It's home made, innit?
0:19:56 > 0:19:59Yes, it is home made. My friend's son made for us.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02So I'm a bit worried that it's glued.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05Oh, he's glued it as well?
0:20:05 > 0:20:07We might get it, yeah, we'll...
0:20:07 > 0:20:09with the glue.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12It's going in the kitchen and it won't go through the door,
0:20:12 > 0:20:16and one of my friend's sons has made it
0:20:16 > 0:20:19and he's done a sort of belts and braces job on it
0:20:19 > 0:20:22and he's glued it and screwed it, so it won't come apart.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25It'll be fine.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28But with an experienced team involved,
0:20:28 > 0:20:30there's always a new plan at hand.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36- Yeah?- OK.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44As you're going in...
0:20:44 > 0:20:46That's it.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48They're totally brilliant.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51When we moved into the last house, they got our sofa in
0:20:51 > 0:20:55through the patio doors on the first floor balcony
0:20:55 > 0:20:57because they just couldn't find any other way
0:20:57 > 0:21:01but they're brilliant. They really are. I'm so pleased.
0:21:01 > 0:21:05Steven Bunting is moving into a new home in the parish of Oystermouth.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07He'll be working
0:21:07 > 0:21:08in the Mumbles area of Swansea
0:21:08 > 0:21:12in two different churches, as part of a team of clergy
0:21:12 > 0:21:16and unlike Alex, he's taken a more leisurely approach to moving house,
0:21:16 > 0:21:19with child labour playing a prominent role.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23Ah!
0:21:23 > 0:21:25STEVEN LAUGHS
0:21:25 > 0:21:29This is why you pay for professional removals.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32Put one hand on the handle and put one hand underneath.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34- Can you carry that?- Yeah!
0:21:34 > 0:21:36Please don't drop my box.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41There's a surprise!
0:21:42 > 0:21:44Right, leave them, leave them.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48'I'm trying to involve them, so it looks like they're moving as well.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51'You know, it's all part of a family thing, it's not just Dad's house.'
0:21:51 > 0:21:55Whilst the clergy are usually given a house that is owned by the parish
0:21:55 > 0:21:57in which they can set up home,
0:21:57 > 0:22:01Steve's family situation of sharing custody of his three children
0:22:01 > 0:22:04has created a slightly different situation.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07So normally, when you go into a parish, you get the curate's house
0:22:07 > 0:22:10but in this parish, the curate's house was smaller
0:22:10 > 0:22:13than what I would have needed with the three children,
0:22:13 > 0:22:15so they managed to rent a house for me.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18It was a real challenge, in all fairness, for the parish
0:22:18 > 0:22:21to find accommodation that wasn't extremely expensive
0:22:21 > 0:22:23because Mumbles is a really popular place,
0:22:23 > 0:22:26house prices are really high and the rentals are really high
0:22:26 > 0:22:28but we were lucky with this house
0:22:28 > 0:22:31because the owner of the house is somebody who worships in the parish.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35The first major test for newly ordained vicars
0:22:35 > 0:22:38are the big services that people usually associate with the Church,
0:22:38 > 0:22:41such as weddings and baptisms.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45These offer the potential to ruin someone's big day
0:22:45 > 0:22:48or offend an entire family unused to church traditions.
0:22:49 > 0:22:50This is our secret tap.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53Today, Alex has a series of babies to baptise
0:22:53 > 0:22:56in St Mary's Church at the centre of Tenby
0:22:56 > 0:22:59and it's a service that she's relishing.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02'I've got two baptisms on this afternoon'
0:23:02 > 0:23:04so that's really, really exciting.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07I've spoken to one lot of parents, who are lovely,
0:23:07 > 0:23:09and I'm looking forward to meeting them.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12I haven't actually seen any of them before,
0:23:12 > 0:23:15so it'll be nice to meet them and see the children.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17Stand back!
0:23:18 > 0:23:21For even the most experienced of vicars,
0:23:21 > 0:23:25there's always a tense moment when water meets baby's head
0:23:25 > 0:23:27and whether they have to battle on
0:23:27 > 0:23:29with a screaming child in their hands.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31Lola Scarlett...
0:23:32 > 0:23:35..tuck your arm in.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38I baptise you in the name of the Father...
0:23:40 > 0:23:42..and of the Son...
0:23:43 > 0:23:46and of the Holy Spirit.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48LOLA CRIES
0:23:48 > 0:23:49Oh, sweetheart!
0:23:49 > 0:23:51LAUGHTER
0:23:51 > 0:23:52Good girl, good girl.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54LOLA CONTINUES CRYING
0:23:54 > 0:23:58Lola Scarlett, the Christian Church welcomes you with great joy.
0:23:58 > 0:24:03In its name, I claim you for our saviour Jesus Christ
0:24:03 > 0:24:07and sign you with the sign of the cross,
0:24:07 > 0:24:09that you may never be ashamed
0:24:09 > 0:24:11to confess the faith of Christ
0:24:11 > 0:24:16but valiantly fight against sin, the world and the Devil
0:24:16 > 0:24:18and continue his faithful servant
0:24:18 > 0:24:20to the end of your life.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25The words of the service have a personal impact on Alex
0:24:25 > 0:24:29and she has to try and keep her emotions in check.
0:24:29 > 0:24:34Her hope is that she can convey a sense of the service's importance.
0:24:34 > 0:24:39When it says, "In its name, I claim you for our saviour Jesus Christ,"
0:24:39 > 0:24:42that bit, yeah, that gets me every time.
0:24:44 > 0:24:48It's huge thing that, you know, that we're doing here.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53I hope I never lose that sense, as well,
0:24:53 > 0:24:56of just how huge this is, really.
0:24:59 > 0:25:03In the Mumbles, Steve is preparing for another big event.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06He's got a key role in a wedding ceremony
0:25:06 > 0:25:09and it's a full house on a sunny day.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11Guests are arriving.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17I do love weddings.
0:25:17 > 0:25:18I'm quite relaxed today.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21We had a good rehearsal with them on Wednesday
0:25:21 > 0:25:23and they're a really down-to-earth couple
0:25:23 > 0:25:27who I think were really relaxed, and that helps, so yeah, I'll be fine.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31ORGAN PLAYS "BRIDAL CHORUS"
0:25:43 > 0:25:46Prynhawn da. Croeso cynnes.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50A very warm welcome and good afternoon to you today,
0:25:50 > 0:25:57as together we come to witness the marriage of Craig and Anna.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59'Such a privilege to have such a front-seat view
0:25:59 > 0:26:01'as two people come together.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04'I'm more excited about getting to know the couple
0:26:04 > 0:26:07'before they get married, helping them go through preparation
0:26:07 > 0:26:09'and then enjoying the day with them
0:26:09 > 0:26:12'rather than only meeting them a couple of days before.'
0:26:12 > 0:26:14Gracious God, we pray for Craig and Anna
0:26:14 > 0:26:18and give thanks that you have brought them together in marriage.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20Lord, in your mercy...
0:26:20 > 0:26:23- ALL:- Hear our prayer.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25In the midst of the celebrations,
0:26:25 > 0:26:27does the stream of baptisms and weddings
0:26:27 > 0:26:30for many who don't come to Sunday services
0:26:30 > 0:26:33bring out any cynicism in the newly ordained?
0:26:33 > 0:26:36I think there is that kind of,
0:26:36 > 0:26:39you know, "Oh, they just use the church or whatever,"
0:26:39 > 0:26:41but that's what we're here for,
0:26:41 > 0:26:44we're here to mark these stages in people's life, you know,
0:26:44 > 0:26:48and I think it's our duty to welcome them so much
0:26:48 > 0:26:51that they want to come back, they see something here
0:26:51 > 0:26:55that is attractive, and they want to have more of that
0:26:55 > 0:26:58but you've just got to make sure that you make the most of the occasion
0:26:58 > 0:27:01and try and make them feel so welcome that they'd want to come back.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05A few weeks into their new roles,
0:27:05 > 0:27:09Alex and Steve are becoming used to life on the front line.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12Now that they've stepped out of the college
0:27:12 > 0:27:15and are facing real-world challenges head on,
0:27:15 > 0:27:19what do they make of a church that is starting to change?
0:27:19 > 0:27:21Numbers are really low.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23People aren't hearing the message
0:27:23 > 0:27:27and whether we're not preaching it right or whatever it is,
0:27:27 > 0:27:29we need to adapt.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31The church has to change, whether...
0:27:31 > 0:27:33People can cling onto it as much as they want,
0:27:33 > 0:27:34the church has got to change,
0:27:34 > 0:27:37it's got to be streamlined and fit for mission.
0:27:37 > 0:27:42But we need change. It's got to happen. We're doing something...
0:27:42 > 0:27:44Not that we're doing something wrong at the moment,
0:27:44 > 0:27:48but that we need to do something right to spread the gospel,
0:27:48 > 0:27:50and the church has got to change.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53'So this needs to be a sensitive way of making the changes
0:27:53 > 0:27:56'but without throwing the baby out with the bathwater, I think.'
0:27:56 > 0:28:01And in 20 years' time, will the church still be there for them?
0:28:02 > 0:28:09I hope I am the leader of a big, thriving church
0:28:09 > 0:28:13that is reaching out and is changing people's lives.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17You know, when I started the process, the church looked like one thing
0:28:17 > 0:28:19and I think it is going to change
0:28:19 > 0:28:22but we need the change, it's necessary, and I think the Bible,
0:28:22 > 0:28:26it's very biblical that there's a time of pruning and cutting back
0:28:26 > 0:28:28and there's a time for flourishing.
0:28:28 > 0:28:30September 2012 -
0:28:30 > 0:28:34the beginning of a new term at St Michael's College Cardiff,
0:28:34 > 0:28:36and a new intake of students
0:28:36 > 0:28:40are being prepared to face up to the challenges of a changing institution
0:28:40 > 0:28:44but for the Church in Wales, the message remains the same.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46The Lord be with you.
0:28:46 > 0:28:47ALL: And also with you.
0:28:47 > 0:28:49Lift up your hearts.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52We lift them up to the Lord.
0:28:52 > 0:28:55Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58It is right to give Him thanks and praise.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd