In recent years, we have been richly blessed by God in many ways. One of the most evident blessings is the number of people called to the ordained ministry. This is the result of the hard work and inspiring ministry of my predecessors and of many other people, including the Director of Vocations and Director of Ordinands, but it is also the work of God’s grace. We have even generated more deacons and priests than we can deploy here on the Island, so have been pleased that we can offer some of our ordination candidates to other dioceses across – which also allows them an experience of curacy that we might not be able to offer here, for example in an inner-city parish.
This year, I am delighted to say, we will be ordaining two new deacons into our own diocese!
I will ordain Jon Barwood to the Parish of Arbory and Castletown, to work alongside The Revd Irene Cowell.
I will ordain Steven Herron to the Parish of Marown, Foxdale and Baldwin, to work alongside The Revd Canon Janice Ward.
Steven and Jon will be ordained as Deacons at 3 pm on Saturday 26 September 2020 at the Cathedral.
We also have a new priest to ordain. The Revd Ruth Walker completes her year in the diaconate this autumn. Ruth continues to serve her curacy at the Cathedral with the Dean, The Very Revd Nigel Godfrey, and so I will ordain Ruth as Priest in the Cathedral on the following Saturday, 03 October, at 3 pm.
I invite you to join with me in prayer for Jon, Steven and Ruth as these dates approach. I ask you also to rejoice with me in God’s goodness to us in calling such faithful people to serve and minister here among the people of our Island.
Deo Gratias: Thanks be to God, indeed.
+ Peter
