It was a weekend full of joy and emotion as the ordination of 18 men and women as deacons or priests to the Diocese of Rochester, took place.
Two services were held in Rochester Cathedral on Saturday 3 September, both of which were livestreamed:
- Watch the Service for the Ordination of Priests (this service includes British Sign Language interpretation)
- Watch the Service for the Ordination of Deacons
At St Nicholas Church, Sevenoaks, Nick Ross was ordained Presbyter on Sunday 4 September.
A person is ordained a deacon once they have completed their initial ordination training. Following ordination as a deacon, they begin a period of 3 years within a parish – known as a curacy – during which they work alongside an experienced priest to gain a wide experience of ministry in church and community.
After a year of this curacy, some continue in ministry as distinctive deacons, while for most, the next step is ordination as a priest.
During the services, each ordinand made declarations confirming their commitment to the ministry they were being called to.
Then, laying his hands on the head of each ordinand, the Bishop asked God to ‘send down the Holy Spirit' onto each candidate, ordaining them for the office and work as either a priest or deacon in the Church.
Each priest had the palms of their hand anointed with the oil chrism and was presented with a stock of the oil for use in their ministry.
The ordinands bring a variety of talents and perspectives, adding to the diversity of the Diocese of Rochester, which covers the areas of Medway, north and west Kent, and the London Boroughs of Bromley and Bexley.
Among them is motorsports fan, the Rev Rachel Curley, who was ordained Deacon to St Nicholas, Chislehurst. At the age of 15, she used her passion for computers to start her own business; she’s also a trained Barista, so is sure to be added to the church coffee rota!
She says: “I am so looking forward to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ and serving the people of St. Nicholas Church, Chislehurst. I can’t wait to walk alongside them, to pray alongside them, and to just be alongside them.”
Meanwhile, the Rev Esther Bevan was among those ordained a priest, having served her curacy year in the parish of St Edmund King & Martyr, and St Alban, Dartford.
As a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, she was able to offer the first BSL service for Deaf people at St Alban's Church, which was held on Easter Sunday this year, and is holding another service in September.
Reflecting on the many different skills, experiences and backgrounds of this year’s group of ordinands, the Rev Canon Pamela Ive, Director of Ordinands and Vocations said:
“It is always a complete joy to see those whom you have supported on their journey to ministry, take their next step at ordination.
“We all have unique gifts and talents that God gives us to use in whatever setting we find ourselves. They are all valuable in God’s sight, whether you are called to ordained ministry, lay ministry, or to use your calling in your every work and life.”
She continued:
"Anyone interested in exploring what God's plan might be for them can find more information on the Diocese of Rochester website at: www.rochester.anglican.org/everyday-faith/gods-plan-for-you/"