NINE new priests were ordained on Saturday at St Asaph Cathedral.
The Bishop of St Asaph, the Right Reverend Gregory Cameron, led the service which was live streamed. Each of the candidates were only able to bring three ‘supporters’ with them to minimise the congregation.
The newly ordained priests will work in communities in Wrexham, Connah’s Quay, Welshpool, Llanasa (near Prestatyn), Llandudno Junction and churches in Flintshire.
Newly ordained priests include: George Bearwood; Luke Bristowe; Helen Dawson; Toby Jones; Gregor Lachlann-Waddell; Benjamin Lines; Joanne Mackriell; James Thompson and Gail Woodward.
Revd Lachlann-Waddell, who is based in the Bryn a Môr Mission Area at Llanasa said: “I’m really excited about the challenges and the grace God will give me as I enter the priesthood. My hope for ministry is to be the best priest that God can make me. I am human but I hope I will endeavour to be the best priest for God and serve people as best I can.”
Revd Lines who is based in the Aberconwy Mission Area at Llandudno Junction said: “I’m relieved and joyful now having walked into what God’s called me to after a long journey to this point.
"I’m looking forward to innovating and listening more to what is God calling us to as a church and hopefully leading more people into the joy of Christ.
"I’m looking forward to seeing the church grow and flourish as we move into a new season of ministry.”
The Bishop of St Asaph said: “It’s always a great privilege to ordain the candidates. Although the Bishop has a lot to do and I’m in my finest vestments it’s very humbling actually to be able to support these enthusiastic ordinands, young and old, male and female with their own stories to tell but all of whom are passionate and enthusiastic in waiting to serve the church in North East and Mid Wales.
“My hope for these nine new priests is that they will be able reach out to new people.
"During the pandemic, the church has gone online and that’s reached new individuals. The church has to find new ways to share what we believe is really good news about fullness of life with all the people of Wales.
"My hope for these nine is they’ve got various talents and various character that will allow them to reach new parts of our society in North East and Central Wales.”
Last year, the nine candidates became deacons, the first stage of becoming a priest.
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