Photo: Taunton Minster
It was a joy filled weekend as 10 people were ordained priest in two separate services at Bath Abbey and Taunton Minster on Saturday and on Sunday Wells Cathedral was also filled with family and friends for the ordination of 13 new deacons.
Outside Bath Abbey, Bishop Ruth, who led the service said, “It’s just such an amazing occasion. It is wonderful to see the different ministries that each of our curates are engaged in and to see how much they are loved in their communities.”
Speaking after the service at Taunton Minster Bishop Michael said, “We have had the most wonderful afternoon here at Taunton Minster. We’ve ordained 5 new priests into the life of our diocese, amazing people who have given their life in service of Jesus Christ.”
Mark McKinight who is serving his curacy in the Benefice of Curry Rivel with Fivehead and Swell said he was overwhelmed by the whole occasion, “I am blown away, it was a lovely service, so meaningful and significant. And so good to have support from so many family and friends.”
Sentiments echoed by Jamie Fox who is serving his curacy in the Benefice of Taunton St Mary Magdalene and St John the Evangelist, “I’m really excited and full of joy. I am really touched by the people who have come to see us being ordained as priests, that’s just a wonderful thing.”
Bishop Ruth's Ordination Charge
On Sunday it was the turn of Bath and Wells new deacons. Wells Cathedral was bursting with family, friends, and members of the communities they will serve their curacies in. All had come to show their love and support for the deacons and their ministry. It was an extra special day for Bishop Ruth, as her son Nathanael was among the group being ordained.
Bishop Michael described the morning as “the most riotously joyful and wonderful occasion” and added, “We are delighted to see these amazing people give their lives in service to the communities they are serving in.”
Ben Notley is serving his curacy with The Marlbrook Team Ministry, "It was very emotional. I found seeing all my friends and family in the congregation really touching. People who have walked with me for tens of years, even before I found the faith. So emotional to see a completion of one side of the journey and the begining of another."
Bishop Michael's Ordination Charge.
Find out more about the new deacons and where they will serve their curacies. You can see all the photos from the weekend on the Bath and Wells Facebook page.