Affirmation Services Celebrate the Ministry and Dedication of Wardens Across the Diocese

Three joyful Services of Admission to Office for Ministry Area Wardens were held across the Diocese in recent weeks, each one celebrating the dedication and generosity of those who offer their time and talents to support the mission and ministry of the Church in Llandaff.

The services were held at St Catherine’s, Pontypridd; St Theodore’s, Port Talbot; and St Martin’s, Caerphilly. Each occasion was marked by warmth, gratitude and a deep sense of shared purpose as congregations gathered to affirm the ministry of their wardens.

Their role as lay leaders remains vital in the life of the Church, be it in caring for church buildings, nurturing congregations or helping local mission to flourish. The services offered an opportunity to recognise and give thanks for this essential ministry, rooted in service, faithfulness and collaboration.

Archdeacon Anne‑Marie preached at all three services, offering encouragement and thanksgiving for the wardens’ commitment. She spoke of the strength found in lay ministry and the hope that emerges when communities work together to grow the Kingdom of God.

She said, “As wardens, you are the Bishop’s officers, and you share in her ministry and the leadership of the diocese.

We often talk about the Church in Wales, the diocese, and sometimes the Ministry Area and ‘my church’ as if these were all separate things and not all of us, here, together.

All of us, here, together, make up this diocese. And all of us with the people of the other five diocese make up the Church in Wales, These aren’t separate things located somewhere else.

It’s us. It’s who we are.

We are all, collectively, to the diocese, the Church in Wales, and, most importantly of all, the Body of Christ.”

These celebrations reflected the heart of diocesan life: communities gathering to pray, give thanks and honour those who serve with generosity and joy.

Wardens who have not yet made their legal declaration are reminded that this remains a statutory requirement, and anyone still needing to do so should contact their Archdeacon as soon as possible.

We hold our wardens in prayer, asking that God will strengthen them in their calling, guide them in their service, and bless the communities they continue to support with such commitment and care.