This past weekend marked a significant occasion in the life of our diocese, as 21 people were ordained as deacons at Manchester Cathedral during our annual Petertide Ordinations. These services were the culmination of years of discernment, formation, and prayer. Each ordinand brings a unique story of calling and commitment, and together they represent the vibrant and diverse future of ministry in our diocese.
The ordinations took place around the Feast of St Peter and St Paul, two of the Church’s earliest and most influential leaders - both of whom experienced profound personal transformation in response to God’s call. Their legacy reminds us that ministry is not only a role but a lifelong journey of faith, service, and courage. Bishop David shared a reflection on the need to respond to changes in life including a calling to ministry in this Thought for the Day on Monday.
The ordinands came from a wide range of theological colleges and training pathways, including Emmanuel Theological College, St Hild’s College, Ridley Hall, Cranmer Hall, and the College of the Resurrection, Mirfield. They will now serve in parishes across our diocese, the full list of places where the new deacons will serve is available here.
As we reflect on this special weekend, we give thanks for the faith, dedication, and courage of those ordained. We pray that their ministries will be a blessing to the communities they now serve, and we look forward to seeing how God will work through them in the years ahead.
Photos from the day
Before the service, the ordinands joined Bishop David to sign their declarations and oaths.
The candidates processed into the Cathedral, following the Crucifer, Choir, and Verger. Behind them came the Director of Vocations, the Greater Chapter of Manchester Cathedral, the Archdeacon of Manchester, the Registrar, another Verger, the Cathedral clergy, the Dean and Preacher, and finally the Bishops and the Bishop's Chaplain.
The Cathedral was filled with family, friends, fellow clergy and supporters. Light streamed into the space on a glorious sunny day.
As the ordination service progresses, the nature of each distinct ministry is revealed within the words and actions, in the readings, questions, explanations and prayers.
Ordination takes effect by prayer and the laying-on of hands. Within a sequence of prayer, the Bishop says the Ordination Prayer, during which he lays hands on each candidate with the words:
Send down the Holy Spirit on your servant (name)
for the office and work of deacon in your Church.
Photos of the laying-on of hands for each candidate are available here Click Here
After the ordination two secondary symbolic acts take place:
- The giving of a Bible to each candidate has always been an element of Anglican ordination. It is a sign of the authority given by God to preach the Word of God, and the action gives vivid expression to the truth that all Christian ministers are under the authority of that Word.
- The newly-ordained are symbolically vested in robes appropriate to their new order. This 'vesting' is indicated by the placing of a stole around them. Deacons wear a liturgical stole across the body, from left shoulder to right hip. In some Anglican churches the ministers do not wear stoles; candidates from these traditions may instead choose to have a black preaching scarf placed upon them. This is worn around the back of the neck, hanging down at the front.
The lesson was read by the Revd Andre Adefope, Bishop Mark presided at the Eucharist, and the Revd Dr Victoria Johnson - who led the pre-ordination retreat at Hyning Monastery - preached. Following the service, the newly ordained deacons gathered with family, friends, and supporters to celebrate and take photographs to mark this special occasion.
To watch the service on YouTube Click Here
More photos are available on our Flickr site Click Here