There will be a number of firsts in Huddersfield Parish church this weekend.
It will be the first time, the first Bishop of Huddersfield, Bishop Jonathan, will lay his hands on six deacons to ordain them priest – and the first time, they will be become priests in the Church of England.
So it was with some hesitation and lots of note taking, that Bishop Jonathan and six curates from across the new Episcopal Area of Huddersfield met in St Peter’s, the town’s Parish Church for a dress rehearsal for Saturday’s ordination service with the vicar of Huddersfield, the Revd Canon Simon Moor and the Archdeacon, the Ven Dr Anne Dawtry.
Stephen Rochell, serves the United Benefice of Hartshead, Hightown, Roberttown and Scholes;
Kate Currie, serves the parishes of High Hoyland, Scissett and Clayton West;
Simon Crook serves Huddersfield St Peter’s; Val Keating serves with Batley All Saints, Purwell St Andrew, Batley St Thomas and Hanging Heaton St Paul.
Sarah Farrimond serves with Birchencliffe St Philip and Birkby St Cuthbert and
Charlene Smith serves The United Benefice of Meltham Christ the King.
Bishop Jonathan told the six: “These are hugely significant moments. You have had your Learner plates on now for the last year and now is the time to put the P plates on. This is a greater role, it is an important transition and opens up the privilege of presiding at God’s table and gathering people together in his name.
It is also gives you a greater opportunity to take risks, to look at things in new and fresh ways, to be a leader for mission and help the people of God.
“I am excited as you are to be exercising this huge privilege for the very first time, he added.
Miguel Sanchez Rodriguez who serves All Saints Elland, will be ordained by Bishop Tony, the Bishop of Wakefield on Saturday 27 June at 1.30pm in his serving church.
You can read our new deacons and priests stories on the main news page.