A Joyous Weekend
Despite the current restrictions, our Diocesan ordinations and licensings were "wonderful" occasions, followed online and attended by devoted supporters.
Photo by Ash Mills
Our deacons were ordained by Bishop Nicholas in 2 cohorts of 7 in our Cathedral on Saturday 26th September, during services at 9.00am and 11.00am.
At 11.00am, Bishop Karen ordained Solveig Sonet and Lyndon Webb to the priesthood at Swanage and Bishop Andrew ordained Joy Albone, Roger Leake and Richard Saint at Edington.
Then at 3.00pm Bishop Karen ordained Fiona Beale and Matt Renyard at Weymouth.
Because these were regarded by the regulations as ‘life cycle’ events, the number of those attending was limited to 30 on each occasion and so the capacity for guests was very limited: just one for each deacon and up to 6 for each priest.
Our new Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs) were admitted during Evensong in our Cathedral at 4.30pm on Sunday 27th September. Bishop Nicholas officiated and Bishop Karen, as our Warden of LLMs, admitted them.
Bishop Nicholas said of the weekend:
"Because of the government’s regulations in present circumstances these ordinations were probably the smallest ever. They were also wonderfully prayerful, deeply spiritual and very hopeful. What encouragement they gave!"
Photos of Deacons on Flickr (no login required) here; on Facebook (login may be required) here; previous stories here and here
LLMs on Flickr here; on Facebook here; previous story here
Priests on Flickr here; on Facebook here; previous stories here and here
Photos on Instagram here.
Deacon Karen Franklin said:
"Thank you for all your support.
"Today has been a wonderful day. A special thanks to all those who watched online, I really wanted you there with me but knowing you we’re watching felt like we were together."
Bishop Andrew said:
“Light-filled and uplifting, Edington Priory was an ideal location for the Ramsbury ordination of priests. We may have been masked and distanced, but God drew close and those ordained were led forth in joy and peace.”
Bishop Karen said:
"Bishops are called to ordain and it was a joy to do so.
"The ordinations were personal, special and intimate as deacons were surrounded by a small group of family and friends. The greater congregation of saints and friends were looking on, and in Radipole some even gathered on the street outside to clap Matt and Fiona as they processed outside afterwards.
"There were no problems, just a joy as the local church came into its own to host each event.
"The LLM licensing too was different but special. There will be opportunity to gather together in the future whenever that will be and we look forward to it.
"All those involved felt very held in prayer during the retreat beforehand and throughout the weekend.
The Revd Joy Albone said:
"Earlier today I was ordained priest alongside Richard and Roger by Bishop Andrew Rumsey, at Edington Priory.
"What an amazing, Spirit-filled moment!"
The Revd Matt Renyard said:
"Today this happened - I am now a priest! Blessed to have been surrounded by a cloud of saints in person, virtually and following in the steps of those who have gone before me. Thank you for all those have supported me today."
Deacon Adrian Burholt said:
"That was one unforgettable weekend.
"Yesterday was one of the most extraordinary, moving and emotional days that I've had in my entire life so far. I feel privileged to be called in to this work. Thank you so much for all the support and prayers over the past 5 years when this new journey made itself known to me.
"Keep those lights of yours shining high up on the hill for all to see!"
New Deacons ordained Assistant Curate:
Alison Alexander (Salisbury St Thomas and St Edmund)
Sharon Boyle (Wimborne Minster and the Wimborne Villages)
Adrian Burholt (Wellsprings)
Helen Croud (Bridport)
Karen Franklin (Canford Magna)
Katie Jackson (Broughton Gifford, Great Chalfield and Holt St Katharine)
Gerry Lynch (Devizes St John and St Mary)
Leila Mather (Charminster, Stinsford and the Chalke Stream villages)
Matt Smith (Corfe Mullen)
Caroline Spindlow (Warminster Christ Church)
Sally Taylor (Hamworthy)
Nick Webb (St Aldhelm)
Nick Wells (Wimborne Minster and the Wimborne Villages)
Helen Williams (Wareham)
Our new Priests:
Joy Albone (Canalside Benefice)
Fiona Beale (Beaminster area)
Roger Leake (Chalke Valley)
Matt Renyard (Radipole & Melcombe Regis)
Richard Saint (Southbroom St James)
Solveig Sonet (Swanage and Studland)
Lyndon Webb (Broadstone)
LLMs admitted and licensed:
Karen Gomm (Portland Team Ministry)
Tony King (Weymouth Ridgeway)
LLMs transferred:
Katy Carter (Harnham St George and All Saints)
Caroline McMeiken (Dorchester and the Winterbournes)
Document Actions