Ordinations 2025
Photo Gallery- Ordinations to the Diaconate 2025
Photo Gallery- Ordinations to the Priesthood 2025
Ordination of Priests 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
Meet the Priests
Rev'd Henry Grover
Taff Wenallt Ministry Area
I have loved my first year serving in the Taff Wenallt Ministry Area; some of my highlights have been running Alpha and the faith-filled conversations it sparked, supporting families through funeral ministry, and singing the exsultet at our Easter vigil - a moment full of hope! It has been a year of growing in confidence and faith, and I’m looking forward to the years ahead and the opportunities they will bring.
Rev'd Dr Lee Gonzalez
Heritage Coast Ministry Area
Over the past year, I’ve had the joy and privilege of serving as a deacon along the stunning Glamorgan Heritage Coast. It’s been a deeply enriching time, spent among faithful, inspiring people who live out the love of Christ with intention and grace. Across the Ministry Area, I’ve witnessed the Gospel not just preached, but embodied—in acts of kindness, community, and quiet strength.
Two moments, in particular, have left a lasting impression.
The first was the Christmas Carol service at St Giles Church in Gileston. This beautiful 14th-century church, lovingly cared for by its community, was so full for this service, that even the porch had no room left! It stood out to me as a powerful reminder of how the Church continues to be a vital gathering place for community, where people come together in peace and praise, united by something greater than themselves. That evening affirmed for me that Christ’s ministry still resonates deeply—and that there is so much potential for growth and renewed engagement.
The second highlight was more personal: a pilgrimage from Ourense to Santiago de Compostela over the May half term. As I walked those ancient paths, preparing for ordination, I found space to reflect on life, faith, and calling. Pilgrimage taught me that life isn’t a race—it’s a journey of small, meaningful steps. Some are painful, many are joyful, but all are sacred. That walk reminded me to be present in each moment, to trust the path, and to walk it with purpose.
I’ve come away with a deep sense that pilgrimage is not just a journey, but a calling—one I hope to continue exploring here along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. This landscape is rich with opportunity to develop pilgrimage as a living part of Christ’s ministry, and I feel excited about the possibility of helping shape that future, perhaps even more widely across Wales.
Lisa Spratt
Llynfi & Upper Afan Valleys Ministry Area.
The past year, working as a Deacon in this MA has been a great joy and the time has flown by so quickly, I must have been having fun.
It has been a joy and a delight to be working in such wonderful communities. I have been welcomed and nurtured by the Clergy Team, MA team, all parishioners and the community.
It's very difficult to name a specific thing which I have enjoyed the most, as I've enjoyed everything from the joy of Baptism to the privilege of conducting a funeral. However one of the things that stands out is bringing the Easter Story to over 650 children in our MA, whether through school assemblies, church visits or the Experience Easter project. This is what ministry is all about, proclaiming the Gospel and planting that seed of Faith.
I am looking forward to my future year's Ministry with excitement and gratitude, especially journeying these next steps with the people of the Llynfi and Upper Afan Valleys.
Rev'd Professor Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones
Eglwys Dewi Sant, Caerdydd
Rev'd Dr Sue Hurrell
West Cardiff Ministry Area
I have been serving as a deacon this year in the Church of the Resurrection in Ely, part of the West Cardiff Ministry Area.
Some of the many highlights for me include welcoming babies, children and adults into the church through baptism, singing the ancient Exultet hymn at our Easter Vigil service, helping with confirmation preparation, and getting to know people over coffee after services and at events.
I’m really excited about continuing, in my new role as a priest, in this lovely community.
Rev'd Chris Kitching
Cowbridge Ministry Area
I'm interested in exploring how our church communities can better support people experiencing mental health challenges.
In spring 2026, we completed our first Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries course in Cowbridge. The course helps church communities to reflect on how churches can become sanctuaries where people living with mental health challenges, 'feel safe, supported, and a sense of belonging.' Following this experience, a group member offered the course in her workplace, two others expressed an interest in becoming mental health first aiders and I hope to be able to introduce the course to Waterways Chaplaincy, which is a parallel and important part of my ministry.
In June 2026, we were fortunate to host an exhibition of work by Rev Dr Romola Parrish, our colleague in St David's. The exhibition, 'Crying in the Silicon Wilderness' takes viewers through a journey from brokenness to redemption through a series of 14 embroideries.
I hope to be able to explore chaplaincy in different contexts next year, while continuing to contribute to the ministry area team's work.
Charis Britton
St Mark's, Gabalfa
In terms of a highlight of my year as a Deacon, I'd have to say the Alpha group I'm leading right now. The group is made up of people from the Middle East, Eastern Europe and the UK so it's been a fantastic blend of cultures and experiences. One of the group recently got baptised and another is considering baptism too. There has been a real hunger to learn more about God and a trust placed in me to lead them. We have the Alpha Holy Spirit Day coming up and I can't wait to see how the Holy Spirit touches the lives of those in my group.
One thing I'm looking forward to is seeing more people come to faith and being able to baptise them. Seeing the church grow and disciplining those that have come to faith is so exciting.
Rev'd Sian Parker
West Cardiff Ministry Area