Twenty men and women have begun a new phase of ministry as deacons or priests in the Church of England's Blackburn Diocese, following a weekend of ordination services across Lancashire. The group will support the work of sharing the Christian faith with residents across the county.
Ordination Services and Locations
Three services were held over the weekend: one at Blackburn Cathedral on Saturday for deacons, and two on Sunday for priests at St Francis, Feniscliffe, and Christ Church, Wesham. Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev. Philip North, ordained the deacons, while Rt Rev. Dr Jill Duff, Bishop of Lancaster, and Rt Rev. Dr Joe Kennedy, Bishop of Burnley, ordained the priests at Wesham and Feniscliffe respectively.
The ordinands will serve in Euxton, Broughton, Fleetwood, Preston (five), Heapey, Withnell, Garstang, Leyland, Barrowford, Hoole, Blackburn, Feniscowles, Feniscliffe, Wesham, and Chorley. The youngest ordinand is 25, and the oldest is 63.
Personal Faith Stories Shared
In the week leading up to ordination, the diocese released a series of videos on Facebook and Instagram featuring six ordinands sharing their faith journeys. A video from Bishop Philip North also highlighted the significance of the moment. The videos have garnered over 22,000 views and remain available online.
Among those featured, Amanda Hughes, who will serve at Hoole St Michael, said: “I’ve always known that God has been there for me but I didn’t expect to become a priest at the age of 64. I’m now looking forward to developing our parish in our prayer life and bible study while learning how best to love our neighbours.”
Chris Metcalfe, serving at Heapey St Barnabas and Withnell St Paul, said: “In the parishes where I will serve I hope to enrich our young folk alongside other generations in their own faith journeys, through worship, prayer, scripture and teaching. Might Jesus be calling you too in some way? If so, reach out to your local church and have a conversation with someone.”
Heesoo Warner, who will serve at Barrowford St Thomas and Newchurch-in-Pendle St Mary, shared: “When I was 13 years old my best friend died and that experience had a profound impact on me and deepened my faith. As I searched for hope and meaning I began to read the Bible every day and discovered the Word of God is truly living and active.”
John Lisle, serving at Blackburn St Luke’s, said: “I was in my mid-teens when I met with Jesus, who died for us. To be invited by God to join him in establishing his Kingdom here as a Priest is such an honour and privilege. I will continue to serve at St Luke’s in Blackburn where we are seeing God break into people’s lives in power, setting them free in many ways, including from addiction and debt.”
Matt Lockwood, of Beacon Church Blackpool, said: “In communities like the one where I serve, people often live on the margins of society and have names spoken over them that are unhelpful and unkind. I was bullied most of my childhood and then I came to know Jesus and the names paled into significance compared to the name that Jesus spoke over me … one who was chosen and loved, for whom Christ was willing to die and be raised to life. As priest it is that hope I want to bring into our community.”
Sarah Woolford, serving at Preston St Stephen, added: “I didn’t know much about Christianity until my 20s until a colleague at work who lived out an authentic faith who encouraged me to attend church where things just started to make sense and I decided I wanted to follow Jesus. The call to ordained ministry has come later in life for me. It took me a while to get used to the idea but I’m so glad I did.”
Bishop Reflects on Ordinations
Reflecting on the weekend, Bishop Philip North commented: “Each year, the gift of ordination places before us a powerful reminder: God is still calling, still equipping, still sending people out in love and service. To witness these men and women say their ‘yes’ to that call is always deeply moving. As in previous years, our ordinands come from many different walks of life, yet they share a courage to follow where Christ leads. Their gifts will undoubtedly bear fruit for years to come. Ordinations are joyful but they are also moments of renewal, signs that God’s work among us continues with fresh energy and hope. I look forward with great confidence to all that will unfold through the ministry of our new Deacons and Priests across Lancashire. Please hold them in your prayers as they begin this next chapter.”
