Dictionary

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Bishop

‘Bishop’ comes from the Greek word for ‘overseer’. So a bishop is a senior Christian minister authorised to have oversight for God’s people. As well as duties given to deacons and priests, bishops confirm and ordain.

Deacon

‘Deacon’ comes the Greek word for ‘servant’. Deacons in the Church in Wales have special roles within worship such as proclaiming the gospel. Traditionally, deacons have had responsibility for social care. Deacons often go on to be ordained priest.

Diocese

‘Diocese’ refers to the geographical territory in which a bishop exercises oversight. The Church in Wales is divided into six dioceses each with its own cathedral in which is housed the cathedra (the bishop’s ‘chair’ or ‘throne’).

Ordain

To be ordained is to be set apart, empowered by the Holy Spirit and authorised by the Church for a particular type of ministry. The Church in Wales has three ‘orders’ of ministry, namely deacon, priest and bishop.

Priest

‘Priest’ comes from the Greek word for ‘elder’. Priests in the Church in Wales are those authorised specifically to proclaim forgiveness of sins, preside at the Eucharist and bless God’s people, as well as other responsibilities.

Home News New deacons and priests to be ordained across Wales

New deacons and priests to be ordained across Wales

Provincial news Posted: 26 June 2024

Bishop of St Asaph, Gregory Cameron, ordaining candidates at last year’s service at St Asaph Cathedral.

Hundreds of people will pack into cathedrals across Wales this weekend to welcome new priests and deacons in a series of ordination services.

A government speech-writer, a surveyor, a school librarian and a choral conductor are among 40 people who will begin new lives serving in the Church in Wales after several years of training. They will be ordained by their bishop in front of their families, friends, colleagues and community members in joyful services which are open to all.

Of the 40 candidates, 19 will be ordained as deacons and 21 as priests. Most will be ordained on Saturday while eight deacons were ordained at Llandaff Cathedral on June 22.

The Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John, says, “These are people whose faith has made a real difference to their lives and who want to commit themselves to serving others. They bring a wealth of gifts and experience to the Church and we are delighted to welcome and support them. I ask you to hold them in your prayers as they begin this new and exciting chapter in their lives.”

The ordinands are named below, with details of where they will serve.

Click on the links to the diocesan websites to find our more about them.

Diocese of St Asaph

St Asaph Cathedral, June 29, 10am

Deacon

Rebecca Kelly, Denbigh Mission Area

Priests

Emma Dale, Alyn Mission Area,
Annalise Evans, Alyn Mission Area,
Wendy Gardner, Cedewain Mission Area,
Kathryn Hall, Estuary & Mountain Mission Area,
Hugh Richardson, Hope Street, Wrexham,
Cass Meurig Thomas, Valle Crucis Mission Area.

Meet our ordinands

Diocese of Bangor

Bangor Cathedral, June 29, 11am

Priest

Josie May Godfrey

More information

Diocese of St Davids

St Davids Cathedral, June 29, 10.30am

Deacons

Nicola Davies, LMA and United Benefice of Roose
Liz Jones Title, LMA and United Benefice of Bro Caerfyrddin
Dr Romola Parish Title: LMA and United Benefice of Dyffryn Teifi
Luke Spencer Title: LMA and United Benefice of Daugleddau & Chaplain to Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA.
Sally Williams Title: LMA and United Benefice of Daugleddau Offeiriaid

Priest