From lab coat to collar

 After decades in science and education, Lorna Hasell is preparing for ordination, answering a call from God that has guided her through every stage of her life. “From very early childhood, I have felt very close and nearness of God. That has stayed with me through all the good times and all the dark times.”

Lorna worked for 26 years in a biochemistry lab in the NHS. After a personal crisis, she stepped away from that role and entered a time of reflection and change. “I had a year of what you might call sabbatical, almost a retreat.” She later studied tree surgery and then moved into teaching, focusing on healthcare and access to higher education.

However, throughout each role, a deep inner prompting continued for Lorna. “I think my call to ordained ministry, to priesthood eventually, is connected with some of my life events. Some of which have not been all sunshine and there have been periods of quite considerable darkness through which I was lifted by God. And there’s been in me always the thing, I want to do some work for you. I want you to show me who I am and how I can live my life for you. It’s been a gradual process.”

Part of that process was serving as an agricultural chaplain in the farming community, a role which Lorna will continue to do after her ordination. She was also a lay worship leader, but over time the sense of calling to ordained ministry grew stronger. However, Lorna says was doubtful she was ready for where God was leading, and regularly asked, “Are you sure, God? Are you sure you want me with all my foibles and weakness? But the prod has just been there all the way along. ‘I’ve called you. I want you to do this for me.’”

Lorna says her faith is grounded in three words that have remained with her through it all: “Give God the glory. That runs through everything. Any gifts I’ve got, anything I can do, are from God. I never forget that.”

Lorna will serve as a self-supporting curate in the Alfred Jewel benefice. She says, “I’m looking forward to it, I’m excited and terrified, but I can’t wait to see what God’s got out there for me to do.”