Thirteen new deacons were ordained at Wakefield Cathedral on Saturday, June 28 at a joyful service of celebration.
At the service the new deacons were presented by to the Rt Revd Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds, in his last ordination service as Bishop of Leeds.
The Revd Henriette Howarth, Diocesan Prayer and Spirituality Coordinator, preached on the first chapter of the book of Jeremiah, encouraging the new deacons to respond to their calling at this moment in time and in the places they will be serving.
After Bishop Nick laid out the responsibilities and duties of a deacon, the new deacons made their declarations, while the congregation, made up of friends, family members and more, affirmed their support and encouragement for them.
Bishop Nick prayed for each deacon, and with the laying on of hands called for the Holy Spirit to help each deacon in their office and work.
The deacons were welcomed enthusiastically by all present, before being given a copy of the New Testament.
The service ended with Holy Communion, before the deacons were sent out to begin their ministry.
A full list of those ordained can be found below.
For the Bradford Area
Marc Voase - Benefice of Ilkley St Margaret
Zoe Smith - Benefice of Burley in Wharfedale
For the Huddersfield Area
Victoria Angell - Benefice of Birstall and Benefice of Brownhill
For the Leeds Area
Jessica Farrant - Benefice of Upper Armley
Rebecca Davidson - Benefice of Moor Allerton & Shadwell
Rosie Phillips - Benefice of Morley
Joanna Barrington - Benefice of Headingley and All Hallows
For the Ripon Area
Lee Finnegan - Benefice of Bedale, Leeming and Thornton Watlass
Clare Wood - Benefice of Skipton Christ Church with Carleton
Scott Lunn - Benefice of Penhill
Emma James - Benefice of Lower Wharfedale
Anna Boyce - Benefice of Ripon Cathedral
For the Wakefield Area
Edward Parker-Sunderland - Benefice of The Priory
More on each new deacon can be found in individual profiles here.