Dictionary

Words on this page

Bishop

‘Bishop’ comes from the Greek word for ‘overseer’. So a bishop is a senior Christian minister authorised to have oversight for God’s people. As well as duties given to deacons and priests, bishops confirm and ordain.

Deacon

‘Deacon’ comes the Greek word for ‘servant’. Deacons in the Church in Wales have special roles within worship such as proclaiming the gospel. Traditionally, deacons have had responsibility for social care. Deacons often go on to be ordained priest.

Diocese

‘Diocese’ refers to the geographical territory in which a bishop exercises oversight. The Church in Wales is divided into six dioceses each with its own cathedral in which is housed the cathedra (the bishop’s ‘chair’ or ‘throne’).

Priest

‘Priest’ comes from the Greek word for ‘elder’. Priests in the Church in Wales are those authorised specifically to proclaim forgiveness of sins, preside at the Eucharist and bless God’s people, as well as other responsibilities.

Home Faith and Ministry Ministry & Vocation Ordinations 2021

Ordinations 2021

Llongyfarchiadau - Congratulations to:

Revd Ian Yemm, ordained Priest on 15 May in the Parish of Cowbridge.
Revd Kevin Barry and Revd Rick Gratton, ordained Deacons on Saturday 26 June at Llandaff Cathedral.
Revd Belinda Huxtable, ordained Priest on Saturday 26 June, Christ Church Radyr.
Revd Glenda Oglesbee and Revd Geraint John, Wednesday 30 June, St Michael's and All Angels' Maesteg.
Revd Martine Lewis and Revd Peter Watson, Thursday 1 July, St Catherine's, Pontypridd

Deacons

93-Llandaff Cathedral Ordination HIRST HiRes-3461.jpg

Revd Kevin Barry and Revd Rick Gratton were ordained Deacons on Saturday 26 June at Llandaff Cathedral.

"I know there is a God calling me." Revd Kevin Barry

"I always feel that I should be sat at the front of the church and not in the pews." Revd Rick Gratton

Priests

Revd Belinda Huxtable

Belinda's Ordination took place on Saturday 26 June at Christ Church Radyr, Cardiff.

Revd Glenda Oglesbee and Revd Geraint John

Revd Geraint John, Bishop June, Revd Glenda Oglesbee.jpg

Revd Geraint John and Revd Glenda Oglesbee were ordained Wednesday 30 June at St Michael's and All Angels' Church, Maesteg.

"Be open to God's calling," says Revd Geraint as he shares his journey towards priesthood.

Be open to whatever God is calling you to be

Revd Martine Lewis and Revd Peter Watson

Revd Martine Lewis, Bishop June, Revd Peter Watson St Catherine's Church Pontypridd.jpg

Revd Martine Lewis and Revd Peter Watson were ordained on Thursday 1 July at St Catherine's, Pontypridd.

Revd Ian Yemm

Ian Yemm is an established singer and singing teacher. Ian has a Masters degree in Christian Spirituality and is often involved in mentoring and spiritual direction. He was the Coordinating Chaplain at the University of the West of England in the Diocese of Bristol until 2018.

Following a subsequent period of postgraduate research at the University of Bristol, he completed ordination training at the St Padarn's Institute in Cardiff and is now a Priest in the Parish of Cowbridge.

Ordination of Ian Yemm to the Priesthood, May 2021