Special services to ordain new clergy were held at Salisbury Cathedral this weekend. 11 priests and 8 deacons will serve communities across Dorset, Wiltshire, and the Channel Islands.
On Sunday morning, eight individuals were ordained deacon, in a service that included the bishops washing the feet of the new deacons to symbolise Jesus’ humility and servant leadership. The newly ordained deacons will serve in local parishes for a year, supporting other clergy and the community in pastoral work, worship and mission before being ordained priest next summer.
On Saturday afternoon, eleven people were ordained priest. As part of this service, their hands were anointed, symbolising that they are now God’s hands in the world. As priests, they can now lead Holy Communion services and conduct weddings.
The ordinations were carried out by the Bishop of Salisbury, Rt Revd Stephen Lake, with the Bishop of Sherborne, Rt Revd Karen Gorham and the Bishop of Ramsbury, Rt Revd Dr Andrew Rumsey.
Bishop Robert Atwell, former Bishop of Exeter, spoke at both ordination services. He said, “Your task is to make the love of God visible...it’s a wonderful adventure and a life-giving enterprise.”
The Revd Sophie Ferguson, who is to serve as deacon in Harnham St George & All Saints, and Salisbury Cathedral said this about her journey to ordination:
"I have been on a ten-year journey towards ordination, but the call became very clear during the COVID years. I was at home with my son (age 2) at the time, and in those quiet stay-at-home days, God spoke to me about being brave and to step up and respond to the call to priesthood. I am really looking forward to walking alongside people in the highest points of their lives and the most challenging times."
Bishop of Salisbury, The Rt Revd Stephen Lake said, “The ordinations of deacons and priests are a highlight in my ministry as Bishop. This weekend was particularly special as two people I’ve known for over 20 years were priested. One was a toddler in my parish in Poole when I was vicar and another, I had the privilege of journeying with as he came to faith.”