Crossword Genius

Minister in service flat emptied receptacle (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

padre

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'minister in service' is the definition.
'padre' can be an answer for 'minister' (I've seen this before). I am not sure about the 'in service' bit.

'flat emptied receptacle' is the wordplay.
'flat' becomes 'pad' (a person's home).
'emptied' says to hollow out the word (remove centre letters).
'receptacle' with its centre removed is 're'.
'pad'+'re'='PADRE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for padre that I've seen before include "non-combatant officer" , "Cleric" , "Army serviceman?" , "Chaplain to armed forces" , "Father" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun and The Times.
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