The ordinations of priests and deacons for Canterbury Diocese began at Canterbury Cathedral last weekend as ten new Deacons were welcomed in a special service.
The service on Saturday was led by The Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Revd and Rt Hon Justin Welby.
Archbishop Justin said: ““To be ordained is not only to show and share your commitment to a life dedicated to love and service. It is also a new chapter in the life of each ordinand as they say, ‘Yes!’ to God’s calling on their lives, whatever that may bring.
“It is a strange time to begin such a new chapter, but no less a cause for rejoicing – the ordination of these wonderful people offers fresh hope to our Church and our communities. While it is a deeply personal occasion, it is also one in which our whole community celebrates.”
The ten new Deacons ordained on Saturday were:
- Alice Bates (St Peter-in-Thanet)
- Ylva Blid-Mackenzie (Benenden and Sandhurst
- Charlotte Coles (The Len Valley Benefice)
- Ben Forbes (Deal, St George)
- Lucy Henderson (Canterbury, All Saints)
- Paula Jardine-Rose (Tunstall with Bredgar)
- Charmaine Muir (Canterbury, St Mary Bredin)
- Cathrine Ngangira (Bearsted, Holy Cross, North Downs Benefice)
- Angie Stupple (Dover Town)
- Jennifer Walters (Broadstairs, Holy Trinity).
In addition, last year’s Deacons are being ordained as Priests by The Bishop of Dover, The Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin, on several dates between now and 11 October. They are:
- Michael Darkins (The Wantsum Group)
- Jacky Darling (The Romney Marsh Benefice)
- Lesley Hardy (Barham Downs with Adisham)
- John Huffman (Margate, Holy Trinity)
- Simeon Nevell (The Six)
- Stephen O’Connor (Walmer and Cornilo)
- Bruce Watson (Ashford Town).
For more information about our new Deacons, please click here.