This year an even larger cohort, of thirteen deacons and ten priests, were ordained by the Rt Revd Anne Hollinghurst, Bishop of Aston, Acting Bishop of Birmingham. Each person has answered a call from God and is serving in the Church of England Birmingham region.
Each individual embarked on their ordination journey, discussing their sense of calling with their local vicar, Vocation Advisor and then with the Diocesan Director of Ordinands (DDO) or Assistant Diocesan Director of Ordinands (ADDO) who prepared them for the national Bishop Advisory Panel. They were interviewed extensively and then, having been accepted to train, entered theological training either for two or three years depending on their course. Just prior to the end of training, the decision was made where to place the new ministers.
As one part of the ordination service, each candidate received a Bible in a translation of their choice, as a sign of their calling and to signify their ministry as authorised by the Bishop, to speak God’s word and serve in His name.
To discover more about the ministry of a deacon or priest in the Church of England, and about ordained and lay vocations, please speak first with your local vicar/minister. You may also like to view excellent resources on the CofE national website.
Deacons (l-r): Brother Martin SSF, Peter Dalton, Peter Norman, George Reeves, Julie Heathcote, Liz Dumain, Richard Haynes, Susan Round, Wayne Simmonds, Sarah Down, Louise Beasley, Amy Mei Yen Tan, Alison Ridge.
Priests (l-r): Richard Brooker, Joanne Jennings, Matthew Mason, Alison Treasure, Marcus Pagnam, Michael Darbandi, Chloe Hewett, Jacob Pallett, Christine McAteer, Sebrina Blackstock-Miller.
Images: Credit Rebecca Preece, Birmingham Cathedral 2023