Four new Lancaster district Deacons ordained into Church of England

The group of 23 ordinands was the largest for several years and was made up of 11 Priests and 12 Deacons.

The ordinations, by Diocesan Bishop, Rt Rev Julian Henderson, the Bishop of Burnley Rt Rev Philip North and the Bishop of Lancaster, Rt Rev Dr Jill Duff, were originally scheduled to take place in June but were postponed due to restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The rearranged services were small gatherings held in accordance with current guidance.

Because of limited numbers the Diocese liaised with parishes hosting the ordination services to ensure livestreams were available to watch for those unable to attend in person.

Now newly-ordained, the 23 women and men will serve in parishes located in Preston, Chorley, Whittle-le-Woods, Burnley, Pendleside, Fellside, Clitheroe, Padiham, Lancaster, Barrowford, Newchurch-in-Pendle; Poulton-le-Sands, Morecambe, Haslingden, Grane, Stonefold, Musbury, Poulton, Carleton, Singleton, Nelson, Ansdell and Fairhaven (Lytham), Blackpool, Dolphinholme, Quernmore and Over Wyresdale.

The Deacons include Matthew Guilder (Lancaster St Thomas), Catherine Haydon (Poulton-le-Sands Holy Trinity with Morecambe St Laurence), Angela Letchford (Lancaster St Thomas) and Christina Walker (Dolphinholme with Quernmore and Over Wyresdale).

The ordination services took place at St Leonard’s in Padiham, St Cuthbert’s Church in Preston and Whalley Parish Church (for the 11 Priests) and Preston Minster, St James’ in Haslingden, Lancaster Priory and St Mark’s Church in Layton (for the 12 Deacons).