Vocational Deacons’ Ordination

On Sunday 29th May we will gather together to tautoko/support the call of God on the lives of Annie and Christine, two of our own who are called to be ordained as vocational Deacons.

Rev. Hannah Rowan and Rev. Paul Carey, Vocational Deacon Ordination, October 2020

Our annual Vocational Deacons’ Ordination occurs on Ascension Sunday in May, to mark the moment when Jesus ascended to heaven and the disciples returned to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Since 2018, we have separated the ordination of vocational Deacons from those entering the Diaconate as a transition to priesthood to distinguish the important work of Deacons in calling us beyond the walls of the church and into our communities to proclaim the Good News of Christ.

Rev. Paul Carey, Deacon for Administration has been working on a definition of the vocational diaconate. “Deacons are commissioned by the Church to do what the Church identifies as needing to be done to enable and mobilise mission and ministry,” says Paul.

“Deacons in the Church of God serve in the name of Christ, and so remind the whole Church that serving others is essential to all ministry. They have a special responsibility to ensure that those in need are cared for with Christ-like compassion and humility.” - Anglican Prayer Book.

In Acts, Luke describes the setting apart of church leaders to serve the needs of others, including the first martyr, Stephen. The ministry of Deacons reminds us all of God’s call to us to serve those in need. When we serve we invite ourselves to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

In 2020 Rev Chris Frazer, Deacon for Social Justice wrote about her experience of the vocational diaconate. Here is an excerpt from her story:

“In the Anglican Church, becoming a deacon can be a first step on a pathway to being a pastoral minister. There is a choice. Deacons can ‘out-reach’ as a vocation. Like Jesus, vocational deacons speak their particular Christian message as a voice in the community to call out inequalities, provide guidance, and be a voice of hope for others.

The uniting role of the vocational deacon is connecting the church with the world, and the world with the church. They are charged, on behalf of the church, to take the message of Christ out and beyond the sanctuary, into uncharted territory. To be both risk takers and restorers by actively engaging at the points of pain and conflict within our communities.

A vocational deacon is there to encourage all followers of Christ to be part of this reaching out into the world beyond our sacramental doors. To both practically respond to humanity’s need, as well as calling into question unjust structures which are harming so many people and our planet right now.”

Join with us at the Cathedral at 3pm on Sunday 29th May to celebrated the ordination of Annie and Christine.