The stage was set and the crowds gathered at Guildford Cathedral. There was a buzz in the air as excited anticipation spilled over into nervous chatter. It was time for 14 new priests and 16 new deacons all robed in their finery to join the procession down the aisle.
Saturday and Sunday saw friends, families, choristers, clergy, vergers, stewards and well-wishers come together to celebrate the 30 individuals being ordained and taking the next steps in their clerical lives.
The priests kicked off the ordination weekend on the sunny Saturday morning on Stag Hill, with four men and 10 women clergy making up the number. This would have been a déjà vu moment for each of them having been part of the deaconing service the previous year, and there seemed to be fewer nerves.
Sunday was the turn of the (soon-to-be) newest reverends in town. The 11 women and five men were not short of support seeing an ordination service fill the cathedral for the first time since pre-pandemic.
Among those who became deacons was Heather, a former Social Worker, who shared how reconciliation is a theme in her life, including reconnecting with her estranged father, and how the influence that has had on her call to ordained ministry.
“My calling is to tell God’s story of how He has reconciled us to Himself, being part of His kingdom story, which is an offer extended to everyone.” Says Heather.
The wonderful ceremony of each day definitely helps add to the awe of the celebration to mark the event. But Craig Holmes, the Diocese Director of Ordinands, shared his calming words to the ordinands ahead of the services.
“My words to them just before each service were to remind them that although many of the words, people and choreography are helpful, they are not essential. This is all about a God who calls, the willingness of 30 amazing women and men to respond and a prayer for God’s Spirit to bless, equip and enable.”
You can read some of the brief stories of the new deacons here.
Visit our ordained ministry page if you’re interested in exploring a possible call to priesthood in the Church of England.
