Thirty-five new church leaders were ordained at Guildford Cathedral this weekend, as the Diocese of Guildford welcomed its newest deacons and priests in the Church of England. One further candidate is due to be ordained as a priest in his parish this week.
Those ordained as deacons are beginning their licensed ministry, serving and learning alongside their vicar while new priests—following a year of service—are now able to lead at Holy Communion.
Guildford Cathedral was filled with hundreds of friends, family and clergy from across the diocese and beyond for two joyful services marking this significant milestone.
The ordinands bring a wide range of experiences, from law and teaching to mental health care, music and comedy. One candidate’s call was shaped through a sports injury and recovery, while others point to life-changing moments that strengthened their faith and led them towards ministry. Each responding to a call from God.
Revd Dr Craig Holmes, the Diocesan Director of Ordinands, said: “Ordination marks the culmination of a long journey of discernment and training in response to God’s call. That’s why this wonderful moment of blessing and authorisation for ministry is such a joy, for the ordinands and their families, and the communities in which they serve.”
Rt Revd Paul Davies, the Bishop of Dorking and Acting Bishop of Guildford, kicked off the weekend ordaining 21 new priests on Saturday 27 June. Having been ordained as Anglican ministers for a year in the Diocese of Guildford, the role of priest now licenses the 15 women and six men to preside over Holy Communion as well.
Sunday then saw nine men and five women ordained for the first time, again by Bishop Paul, becoming brand-new clergy. Having completed years of discernment and ordination training, the service marked a significant point and their beginning as deacons into the Church of England.
Bishop Paul said, following both ordinations, “It’s been an immense joy getting to know the 36 people (including the one additional priest being ordained in their parish this coming weekend) being ordained, each with their own story and calling. I look forward to seeing how God will use them in the years to come. These services are also an invitation for all of us to reflect on our own calling and where the Holy Spirit may be leading us.”
The sermon at the ordination of deacons service was from the Archdeacon of Knowlsey and Sefton (from the Anglican Diocese of Liverpool), the Ven Pete Spiers, who led the deacon candidates on a retreat before their ordination. In his sermon, he spoke about “being called not to stand above the world, but to stand within it.”, reminding the ordinands this is not the culmination of their journey but the start of a lifelong formation.
A burst of applause filled the cathedral as the newly ordained deacons turned to face the congregation for the first time as clergy (now styled the Reverend…), marking a deeply moving moment for all present. Smiles, laughter and tears of joy were on the faces of all 14 individuals standing at the front of the cathedral, as everyone recognised the years of prayer and dedication that had led to this point.
One of the new deacons, the now Revd Chris Garner, who also trained at the Diocese’s St Martha’s Theological College, said he was most looking forward to “getting into the parish, putting feet on the ground and serving the community.”
The newly ordained clergy will now serve in parishes across the diocese, supporting communities, leading worship and sharing the Christian faith.
Read the stories of the new deacons and priests.