Diocese of Chichester

The service followed a three-day retreat led by the Revd Arwen Folkes, vicar of St Mary Eastbourne. 

Before the service, the prospective deacons met with both Bishop Ruth and the Acting Bishop of Chichester, Bishop Will, in the Bishop’s Chapel.

Bishop Ruth spoke of being reminded of the call of Jesus: “It’s been a really great day for the whole diocese as we see these wonderful people who've been discipled, who've grown to know, love and follow Jesus, who've discovered their spiritual gifts, and courageously followed the call of Jesus wherever it's led them. It's a reminder to all of us of our journey of courageously following him.”

The four newly ordained deacons will begin their ministries as curates in parishes across Sussex, with a view to being ordained priest after a year of training and service.

Jacob Wigley, who will serve his curacy in the Cathedral, said: “Honestly, today is actually like a dream come true. It's been quite a long process.”

Harri (Harriet) England, who will serve in the Rye Benefice, said: “I felt God called me to ministry when I was a student at university, and it was the one job I said to God that I wasn't going to do. I responded to God's call after many friends, colleagues and even random strangers came up to me and said, ‘I think this is what you are called to.’ So I finally responded to God's call, and I am so excited to have made it here today.”

Jacob Mayho, who will serve his curacy at St Michael and All Angels, Eastbourne, said he felt both peaceful and nervous: “It's a bit like your wedding day when you're building up to something and it's exciting, but actually, the most exciting bit is what's to come – to go and do what God is calling us to do.”

Bishop Will said: “It's been such a privilege to see them ordained this afternoon, to see them make that incredible response to a God who's called them from the beginning of their lives, has known them since the beginning of time, and now calls them to be deacons in his church, and to hear their response to that God of love, that they wish to go out proclaiming God's kingdom and building that kingdom of joy, peace, love and hope.”

Diocesan Director of Vocations, Revd Giles Carpenter, added: “We all have a vocation and whatever yours is, I'd really encourage you to think about talking to your local parish priest, your vicar, or someone you're close to. Begin to articulate how it is that God is at work in your life, the things that he is stirring in you. Be surprised, as these ordinands have been surprised, by the way that God is using them.”