Wells Cathedral was filled with family, friends and supporters for The Ordination of Deacons at Wells Cathedral on Sunday 2 October. It was the first time since the pandemic that there were no restrictions on the numbers able to come and celebrate together.
11 were ordained Deacon by the Bishop of Taunton, the Rt Rev Ruth Worsley. In her charge to the new deacons, Bishop Ruth said, "You will have given much thought to the words of the ordinal about what a deacon is called to do. I know that you will have been struck by the challenge to reach into the forgotten corners of the world that the love of God may be made visible. I have encouraged you to reflect on what are the forgotten or hidden corners in your own experience, and to step into those places.... to step out of your comfort zones and see what you might discover." You can read Bishop Ruth's full charge at the bottom of this page.
Meet our 11 new deacons who will serve their curacies in:
- Revd Nicola Jane Butcher - Benefice of Alcombe
- Revd James Richard Fox - Benefice of Taunton St Mary Magdalene and St John the Evangelist
- Revd Cathryn Louise Howse - Benefice of Staplegrove with Norton Fitzwarren
- Revd Jacqueline Ann Keir-Bucknall - Benefice of Winscombe and Sandford
- Revd Mark Alexander McKnight - Benefice of Curry Rivel with Fivehead and Swell
- Revd Kieron Patrick Francis Rowley - Benefice of Glastonbury St John and St Benedict with Meare
- Revd Sarah Louise Sanderson - Conventional District of Trendlewood and the Benefice of Wraxall with Failand
- Revd Lindsay Rachel Smith - Benefice of Portishead Team Ministry
- Revd Matthew David Vaine - Benefice of Bath Odd Down with Combe Hay
- Revd Dean Vincent Whitaker - Benefice of Bridgwater Holy Trinity with Durleigh St Hugh
- Revd Simon Jon Winchcombe - Benefice of Bath St Michael Without
Please pray for all those ordained and for those who have supported them in their life and ministry so far.
Photographs from the ordination can be seen on the Bath and Wells Facebook page.