This June Susannah Padiachy will be ordained deacon at Wells Cathedral. After many years of listening, and waiting, Susannah says is looking forward to beginning her work in the parish. She says her path to ordination has not been a straight line, “I still think sometimes, ‘really, Lord, were you sure about this?’”
Growing up in Yorkshire Susannah’s faith journey began when she was taken to church by a neighbour. That simple invitation planted the seed. As a teenager, Susannah’s interest in Christianity grew, later while studying abroad in France, she started going to church regularly. But it was as a graduate, attending a large
Anglican church in London, that Susannah says, “things really fell into place, gospel-wise for me,” and credits the Alpha Course she took there as a turning point.
Married to a fellow church member and raising her family, Susannah’s life remained rooted in the church. But when her third daughter, Millie, was born with additional needs, the family moved to Cape Town, South Africa to be near their extended family. “We weren’t coping very well. It was a challenging time for everything, family and faith and marriage, but also turned out to be a very healing time.”
When thinking about returning to the UK Susannah says they were encouraged to come to Somerset after another member of their church who inspired them with his quiet Christian service. “God really made it easy for us to come back and settle.”
It was after returning to Bath that Susannah’s call to ordained ministry became more focused. Her local church nurtured her in leadership and preaching, and she eventually pursued theological training.
She admits though to ongoing doubts. “I still think sometimes, really Lord, are you sure about this? Because I feel, there is a lot.” But those moments she says always push her deeper into prayer. “Every time He assures me in different ways, through other people, or that inner sense of: yes, this is right.”
One key part of that affirmation has come through her work in prison ministry. About eight years ago, Susannah was invited to preach at a women’s prison in Bristol. “It was a really challenging, but I felt very strongly called to be there.” She’s volunteered weekly ever since. “The women are really hungry to talk about God. They have time to reflect. Many are victims of abuse themselves, and suddenly they’re paused in life, away from damaging networks. They want to change. A lot of them know they need help outside of themselves. That’s why I love being very clear, God is the one who can help.”
Susannah says she’s looking forward to serving her curacy at St. Saviours with Swainswick and Woolley (Benefice), “I love outward-facing ministry. It’s always about relationships. Whether with the church family or those just starting to wonder.”