A "Leeds Eleven" of new deacons were welcomed into their exciting roles at a packed service in Ripon Cathedral, led by the Anglican Bishop of Leeds, the Rt Revd Nick Baines.
The new signings include a former lawyer, a former combat medic and a TV production assistant and family, friends and well-wishers gave them all a long round of applause.
Preacher, the Rt Revd Smitha Prasadam, Bishop of Huddersfield described them as “ambassadors of God’s Kingdom” embarking on roles that are about sharing the Good News and putting other people first.
“God needs agents and disciples and it’s about living a life that will demand courage, but that will be reflected back to you in the compassion and generous hospitality that you receive.”
Bishop Smitha also highlighted the steady rise in Church of England membership during the last three years and said to the full cathedral: “If you haven’t joined the club yet, please do so today!”
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. NB Bishop Smitha is pictured with a baby, not with a new deacon (yet)!
The Very Revd John Dobson, Dean of Ripon said after the service: “It is always a privilege for a cathedral to host an ordination service and we pray for the deacons, their families and the parishes in which they serve.”
Simon Edens
Simon Edens will serve his curacy across the Masham Group of Parishes, in the Ripon Episcopal Area, having undergone training for ordination, at Cranmer Hall Theological College, Durham.
Sarah Tapley
Sarah is joining St Andrew’s Church in Starbeck to serve as assistant curate after ordination, following a course of study at St. Hild.
Rebecca Mathen
Rebecca Mathen will serve as the curate in the Benefice of Little Horton, Bradford. She trained for ordination at Ridley Hall in Cambridge, studying the Bachelor of Theology for Ministry (BTh, University of Cambridge) and the Postgraduate Diploma in Theology, Ministry and Mission.
Sarah Long
Sarah Long will serve in Halifax Holy Trinity with St Jude (Benefice of Halifax Holy Trinity with St Jude) and Halifax St Augustine (Benefice of Halifax St Augustine) after training part time at St Hild College.
Mark Naylor
Mark Naylor will serve as assistant curate in the benefice of Ravensthorpe and Thornhill Lees with Savile Town, Dewsbury. He has been training part-time for ordination at St Hild College, Mirfield, where he studied for a higher education certificate in Theology, Ministry and Mission.
Matthew Brothwood
Matt has been studying in Bristol at Trinity College for the past 2 years and will serve in the United Benefice of St Catherine, Belle Vue, and St Andrew and St Mary.
Lorna Heatley
Lorna Heatley was ordained to the Benefice of Richmond with Hudswell, Downholme and Marske. For the past three years, she has been training full time at Cranmer Hall in Durham.
Lizzy Brothwood
For the last three years Lizzy has been training at Trinity College, Bristol studying for a Postgraduate Diploma in Theology, Ministry and Mission. She is excited to be back in Yorkshire with her husband, Matt and two children, Lee and Zachary and will serve in the parish of Sandal Magna.
Jo Medhurst
Jo Medhurst will serve at the Benefice of St Mary’s: Kippax, Swillington and Allerton-by-Water. She trained at St. Augustine’s College of Theology and studied pioneer ministry as an extra module, having a heart for contextual mission work.
Jo Byrne
Jo hails from a military family and much of her childhood was spent in Germany. On leaving school, Jo embarked upon a career in the Army as a Combat Medic. Jo will serve in the Benefices of Ferrybridge, Brotherton, Knottingley, Womersley and Kellington with Whitley.
Esli Lees
Esli Lees will serve in the parish of St Mark’s, Harrogate. She has trained at St Mellitus in London studying Theology, Ministry and Mission and is looking forward to what God has prepared for her and her family in our diocese.