Support and Celebration: Ordinations 2024
The ordination of deacons and priests in the Diocese in Europe this year took place over the past couple of weeks. These services were celebrations. The ordinands spoke of the amazing support that surrounded them from the whole community, ranging from the practical (Revered Dan Culbertson’s travel clothes steamer apparently proved very useful before the service at Holy Trinity Brussels!), to prayers offered across the diocese, to the love of family, friends and clergy.
Picture credit to Helen Innes
Revd Alison Heal (ordained as deacon to the chaplaincy in Luxembourg) explains;
“These past few weeks (and years) have felt like jumping into the fast-flowing but relatively secure waters of a river (I’m thinking of the Ardeche river where it flows under Pont d’Arc, around where we’ve been living in France). When you do that, you’re certainly not in full control of where you’re going, although you know you’ll be carried in the direction the river is flowing. It’s a touristy place and the shared thrill of the water creates a kind of camaraderie. If anyone was in any kind of trouble, there would be plenty of help. Not only those of us who’ve been ordained, but all our friends and families and congregations who are praying for us, have jumped into this river of Life which comes from God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”
Picture credit: Anna Smith
Revd Florence Lorrain’s (ordained as deacon to the chaplaincy in Poitou-Charentes) ordination was marked on her chaplaincy website:
“What a wonderful day. A very moving ceremony in the beautiful Temple at Jarnac. A coming together of clergy, family and friends to witness and share in Florence's ordination. We have so very much to celebrate and thank God for.”
The Revd Massimo Radice was ordained as deacon to the chaplaincy in Barcelona and speaks of how moving and affirming the ordination service at Holy Trinity Brussels was;
"The ordination service in Brussels on 30 June was moving and joyful. Bishop Robert welcomed six new deacons into the Diocese in Europe. The cathedral was filled with warmth, and we felt a sense of purpose and dedication. I felt grateful and humble as one of those being ordained. It was good to see our future training incumbents and chaplains. They supported and encouraged us, showing that our community is strong and united. They will guide us on this very special journey of service.
Bishop Robert's hands on my head made me feel solemn and uplifted. Time seemed to stand still, highlighting the commitment to God and our community. It was good to share this with my fellow ordinands, and I am sure that we will continue to support each other in our ministries.
The hymns, prayers, sermon and liturgy filled my heart with a renewed sense of mission. This service marked, after a joyful and sometimes hard training period, the start of our diaconate and the continuation of our lifelong journey of faith, service, and growth. We move forward with the blessings of those who have been here before, among which the 3 fellow deacons now ordained priests, and the encouragement of those who will walk alongside us."
Revd Dr James Morgan (ordained as deacon to the chaplaincy in Berne) had another reason for celebration;
“I was surprised by all three of our kids who showed up on Sunday morning. Lilian kept a secret. It was so encouraging to have them with us!”
Here is James pictured with Canon Revd Helen Marshall during the reading of the Declaration of Assent at St Ursula’s Church, Berne:
Revd Vivian Sockett was ordained as priest to the chaplaincy in Maisons Laffitte by Bishop Trevor Wilmott and describes her ordination:
"It was a lovely, joyous day which I found far more moving than I'd expected. It was amazing to have so many family members and clergy there from both near and far. The church put on a gorgeous vin d'honneur as we all celebrated and I'm so incredibly grateful to God and to everyone who made it such a special time."
Revd Vivian Sockett with Bishop Trevor Wilmott
Picture credit: Isaline Medcalf
There was also a wonderfully moving service of ordination to priest for Revd John Wilson at St Margaret’s chaplaincy in Budapest. Chaplain of St Margaret’s, Canon Frank Hegedűs, comments;
"We are very proud of both Father John Wilson and Deacon Dan Culbertson. They have brought so much to our community. Saint Margaret's is indeed blessed in their ministries; as is the Diocese and Church."
Photos and Videos by Gordon Cross Dominic Arbuthnott, and Spencer Smith.
Here are some of those who attended speaking about the service and offering John their congratulations:
Please continue praying for our new deacons and priests.
