Ordination

As Revd John Monaghan joins us as Curate this Sunday it’s worth reflecting on the not so short journey to becoming a minister in the Church of England. Years after becoming a disciple of Jesus and after considerable volunteer ministry in the local church, men and women who feel called to serve in leadership in the church are finally allowed off the coffee rota and go through an extensive and prayerful selection process which includes the local church, the diocese and finally a selection conference for the national church. After selection comes three years of theological and pastoral training which then continues to some extent in the curacy. Next year John will be ordained Priest, which will bring new dimensions to his ministry involving the sacrament of Holy Communion, conducting weddings, and increased leadership responsibility. This weekend John was ordained Deacon, which, quite profoundly, places at the heart of his ministry a commitment to serve the world and to serve the gospel; it is Anglican practice that the servant heart of Christ should  remain before Christian leaders throughout their ministry. Before John was ordained deacon these are the words the Bishop proclaimed over all the candidates:

‘Deacons are called to work with the Bishop and the priests with whom they serve as heralds of Christ's kingdom. They are to proclaim the gospel in word and deed, as agents of God's purposes of love. They are to serve the community in which they are set, bringing to the Church the needs and hopes of all the people. They are to work with their fellow members in searching out the poor and weak, the sick and lonely and those who are oppressed and powerless, reaching into the forgotten corners of the world, that the love of God may be made visible.

Deacons share in the pastoral ministry of the Church and in leading God's people in worship. They preach the word and bring the needs of the world before the Church in intercession. They accompany those searching for faith and bring them to baptism. They assist in administering the sacraments; they distribute communion and minister to the sick and housebound.

Deacons are to seek nourishment from the Scriptures; they are to study them with God's people, that the whole Church may be equipped to live out the gospel in the world. They are to be faithful in prayer, expectant and watchful for the signs of God's presence, as he reveals his kingdom among us.’ 

Please remember John and Alice, Philip, Toby and Clara, as their life and ministry among us formally begins today. It is a privilege to have them among us for this important part of their journey. (Placing bets as to whether Revd Alice or Revd John will be a Bishop first is inappropriate at this stage, but may feature as part of future fundraising at the Abbey.)