Ordinations 2025
This year we will be blessed with four new Deacons when Bishop Mary ordains Rachel, Susannah, Philip and Sarah.
You can find out more about them below.
Meet the Deacons
Rachel
Name: Rachel Petley
Where are you going to serve? East Vale Ministry Area
One-sentence bio: When we moved to Wales 6 years ago we couldn't speak a word of Welsh, but now the kids are bilingual and I can get by reasonably well in Welsh - although I've spent so much time chatting with Northern Welsh-speaking friends at St Padarn's that I'm often told I sound North Walian.
What’s your favourite Bible quote? Psalm 131, if I'm allowed to be greedy and have a whole Psalm!
Favourite hymn or worship song? 'Oceans' by Hillsong. The lyrics have meant a lot to me during the past couple of years of ordination training. Or 'Be thou my vision' if you want to go more traditional.
What’s something people might not guess about you? My husband and I had to stop competing as Ballroom and Latin dance partners as it was causing too many arguments. He maintains he was right. He wasn't.
You can invite any three people (living or from history) to a dinner party—who's on your dream guest list? Desmond Tutu, Jane Austen and David Attenborough
One hope or prayer for your ministry? I'd love to be involved in connecting with those outside our churches and being creative in how we think about church but ultimately, that I would keep learning more about God and (hopefully) following in God's footsteps.
Philip
Name: Philip Burman
Where are you going to serve? Pedair Afon Ministry Area
One-sentence bio: I’m originally from Swansea and, more recently, lived in Neath. My background is in art and education, and I’ve also served as Youth Engagement Worker for the diocese - bringing together my faith, creativity, and a long-growing sense of call to ministry. I’m also proudly owned by a whippet!
What’s your favourite Bible quote? Proverbs 3: 5-6 (NLT)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
Favourite hymn or worship song? “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” (Blaenwern) is my favourite hymn. The words and tune are just stunning together, and it’s one of those hymns that always stirs something deep in me. It captures something of what I feel called to — letting God’s love shape and use my life. It’s both a comfort and a challenge, and that’s why I keep coming back to it.
What’s something people might not guess about you? People are often surprised to hear that I’ve led charitable expeditions to Sri Lanka, where I also spent time teaching and supporting staff at orphanages and convalescent homes. These were incredible experiences that shaped me deeply - and I’m still in touch with some of the friends I made there. Sri Lanka holds a very special place in my heart.
You can invite any three people (living or from history) to a dinner party—who's on your dream guest list? My late grandmother, Sylvia - she made the best cups of tea and always knew how to make people feel at home. Doris Day, my childhood idol, for some joyful light entertainment. And Nigella Lawson - she’s kindly offered to do the cooking!
One hope or prayer for your ministry? That I might help people know they truly belong and discover how deeply they are loved by God, just as they are!
Susannah
Name: Susannah Peppiatt
Where are you going to serve? Penarth Ministry Area
One-sentence bio: I grew up in London and Surrey but have been slowly moving West via being a student in Oxford and a Maths Teacher in Hereford so I'm excited to have finally made it across the border!
What’s your favourite Bible quote? "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me." (Ruth 1:16-17)
Favourite hymn or worship song? Dear Lord and Father of Mankind, it's so good that I don't even care that the words are so gendered!
What’s something people might not guess about you? I didn't realise figs were real until I was 20 - I just thought they were one of those things from the Bible that don't exist anymore, like the Magi or the Tower of Babel.
You can invite any three people (living or from history) to a dinner party—who's on your dream guest list? Owain Glyndŵr, Joan of Arc, and Anne Lister - but my partner Lucy says she's helping me host because she wants to meet them all too!
One hope or prayer for your ministry? So many! I guess the biggest one is that I would be open to all the opportunities ahead of me without being overwhelmed or losing sight of the important things.
Sarah
Name: Sarah Steadman
Where are you going to serve? Cynon Valley South Ministry Area
One-sentence bio: From Brighton, I fell in love with Wales and my husband to be at Aberystwyth University. Three children, three careers and three degrees later, I know the best is yet to come.
What’s your favourite Bible quote? From Psalm 84 v 3,4
Even the sparrow finds a home,
And the swallow a nest for herself,
Where she may lay her young,
At your altars, O Lord of hosts,
My king and my God.
Happy are those who live in your house,
Ever singing your praise.
Favourite hymn or worship song? Guide me Oh Thou Great Redeemer
What’s something people might not guess about you? I made my own wedding dress.
You can invite any three people (living or from history) to a dinner party—who's on your dream guest list? Bill Bailey; Jane Austen; Jenny Eclair
One hope or prayer for your ministry? God of Love, help me to accept the new life of grace you offer me. You know what I need to prepare for your kingdom. Bless me with those gifts. Amen