An entrepreneur, an animal scientist, a psychotherapist, and a British Sign Language interpreter are among the 18 men and women being ordained as deacon or priest into the Diocese of Rochester on Saturday 3 September.
The services will take place in Rochester Cathedral and will be led by the Bishop of Tonbridge, the Rt Rev Simon Burton-Jones, as well as live streamed on social media.
You can find the direct links for both livestreams below:
- Ordination of priests at 11am - https://youtu.be/KMuMWMV1v_o
- Ordination of deacons at 3pm - https://youtu.be/wn2rP5X3WvY
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.
Each ordinand will 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 they are motorsports fan, Rachel Curley, who will be 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.”
Kelly Parsons, who will be ordained as a deacon to serve in the Kent Downs and Malling Team Ministry, has had previous experience of working with a Rhino protection and conservation scheme in South Africa.
She therefore brings with her a passion for the environment, which she hopes to share with the community:
“The environment and looking after nature is really important to me. I hope I can promote an interest in caring for our world within the church and help people to see how God makes himself present in creation.”
Also being ordained a deacon is Martin Hayward. A qualified psychotherapist, he also works in church growth and development for the United Reformed Church. As a Self Supporting Minister (SSM), he will be able to continue in this role alongside his training in the parish of Chelsfield with Green Street Green.
He is concerned about the lack of good mental health provision for men in society. He runs a group called, ‘Real Ale, Real Issues, Real Conversations’, which offers a space for men to talk about everyday life, faith and spirituality.
He says: “As my curacy is close to home, I intend to continue with this group and encourage more men to join and contribute.”
Meanwhile, the Rev Esther Bevan will be 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 says:
“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/"