Eight New Deacons Ordained in Llandaff
Llandaff Cathedral welcomed visitors from across the Diocese and beyond this weekend as Bishop Mary ordained eight new deacons to serve in the Diocese.
Charis Britton will serve her curacy in Calon y Ddinas Ministry Area, Lee Gonzales will serve in Glamorgan Heritage Coast Ministry Area, Henry Grover will serve in Taff Wenallt Ministry Area, Dr Sue Hurrell will serve in West Cardiff Ministry Area, Chris Kitching will serve in Cowbridge Ministry Area, Professor Lloyd Llewelyn-Jones will serve in Calon y Ddinas Ministry Area, Sian Parker will serve in West Cardiff Ministry Area and Lisa Spratt will serve in Llynfi & Upper Afan Valleys Ministry Area.
The service, led by Bishop Mary, began with the hymn ‘You are called to tell the story.’
A poignant choice for the occasion with the lyrics,
‘You are called to tell the story,
passing words of life along,
Then to blend your voice with others
as you sing the sacred song.’
The Old Testament reading, from the Book of Samuel, was read in Welsh by Nicola Bennett, the Diocesan Head of Communications and the New Testament reading, from St Paul’s Letter to the Romans was read in English by Julie Davies, the Newly Licensed Ministers and Lay Training Officer. The Cathedral Choir led Psalm 119. 1-8 beautifully.
The Rev’d Dr Stephen Adams, spoke on the Call of Discipleship, telling the congregation, “What ordained deacons are committing to is to live out in public view, a life of discovery, an exploration of the vast generosity of God’s love.
God is not interested in needs manufactured by the world of commerce, nor needs manufactured by the church, but matters of human needs. Matters of life, and birth, and death.
In a world that compels us to live lives of abundance, or super abundance, these new deacons are charged to remind us that we are instead called to the abundant life of Jesus- not to lives of abundance, but abundant life.”
Then Bishop Mary addressed the Ordinands saying, “Deacons are called to serve the Church of God and to care for all whom they serve, especially the poor, the sick, the needy and those who are in trouble. They should have compassion for the weak and lonely and those who are oppressed and powerless. They are to preach the word of God and to work with the Bishop and priests in leading the worship of the people, especially at Baptism and the Holy Eucharist. They are to be diligent in pastoral work and in service to the community.
Those who are called to be deacons are called to an ancient office within the Church. You are to be signs among the people of God that the Church is called to serve Christ in the world. You are to remember that Jesus washed his disciples’ feet and commanded us to follow his example. Remember also that in serving others you are serving the Lord himself.”
The Bishop laid her hand on the head of each candidate, one by one, asking God to send the Holy Spirit upon them the office and work of a deacon. The newly-ordained deacons were then vested by their Training Incumbents, in a beautiful act of support and love.
Applause rang out across the packed to capacity Cathedral as Bishop Mary asked the assembled Congregation to welcome our new deacons.
The joyful and uplifting service ended with the hymn ‘Go forth for God’. Our love, support and prayers go with Charis, Lee, Henry, Sue , Chris, Lloyd, Sian and Lisa as they go forth for God across the Diocese.
