Twenty-three men and women have begun ministry as deacons in parish churches across the diocese following two packed services held on Saturday, July 2 in Wakefield Cathedral.
They include a professional opera singer, an education consultant, a newspaper journalist, a primary school headteacher and the first Sudanese woman to be ordained in the Church of England.
The Bishop of Leeds, the Rt Revd Nick Baines, lead both ordination services with the Revd Anne Russell, Team Rector of the Parish of Seacroft, providing the sermon.
“This incredible group of deacons are here to reach into the forgotte
n corners of the earth, making the love of God visible,” said preacher Anne Russell who had led the three day preparation ‘retreat’ for the new curates.
"We have people here moving into rural communities, deprived outer estates, inner cities and everything inbetween. What a a diocese of diversity and beauty in which we serve."
Within the Church of England there are three stages of ordained ministry: deacons, priests and bishops. Following training at theological college, newly ordained deacons are appointed to a three to four year post of curate, for training alongside an experienced vicar. After one year, deacons are normally ordained as priests.
To find out more about the new deacons, and where they will be serving, please follow this link.
Please continue to pray as they start their ordained ministry.
A gallery of pictures from the day can be found here.
Pictured (below) with Bishop Nick after the morning service are those who will become curates at parishes in the Ripon and Bradford Episcopal Areas. From left they are; Rob Savage, Gillian Lunn, Ben Leighton, Caroline Taylor, Marianne Clough, Ludia Shukai, Doug Rice-Bowen, Emma Wilkinson, Simon Rulton, Millie Cork.
Pictured (below) with Bishop Nick after the afternoon service are those who will become curates at parishes in the Wakefield, Leeds and Huddersfield Episcopal Areas. From left they are; Andie Shaw, Dave Monck, Hannah Jones, Bev Monck, Kate Butler, Jasmine Barber, Richard Barber, Katrina Robinson-Brown, Simon Phipps, Millie Day, Daniel Heaton, Sam Crook, Emily Lawrence.
