“I felt truly blessed by God and loved by him today.” Revd Jo Robinson expressed her joy at being ordained priest at Wells Cathedral on Saturday.16 new priests were ordained in two services in Bath and Wells. 15 were ordained by Bishop Ruth in Wells Cathedral and Christopher Absolon was ordained by Bishop John Perry, at Holy Trinity in Bath on Sunday.
Coronavirus restrictions meant the number of people witnessing the service in person were limited, with only a small group of family, friends and supporters allowed, but the service was filmed was available on the Bath and Wells Facebook page for those who couldn’t attend.
Though it was a smaller than usual service it was no less joyful. Revd Jan Church says, “It was emotional, exciting, and nerve-wracking. I really feel anointed to be a servant of God in my community.”
In her charge, Bishop Ruth reflected on the words of Colossians 3:12-17 which we have been dwelling on throughout this year, saying, “You know already that ministry is far from straightforward or easy. There will be difficult situations and challenging people. It was just the same in the church at Colossae. Bearing with each other, forgiving one another, would have been as necessary then as now. But reminding ourselves of God’s forgiveness for us and clothing ourselves in the knowledge that we are Beloved will help us to receive the peace of Christ, stilling our own anxieties, and giving us the presence of His power to transform.”
You can download the charge from the bottom of this page.
More pictures are available to view on our Facebook page. You don’t need a Facebook account to view them.