Joyful ordinations across the diocese

“I don’t know if ordination is the end of a long process or the beginning of a new adventure. It was such a joy to cap six years of work with such a moving ceremony.”
Rev Dan Culbertson following his ordination
The weekend just gone was another very special one in the life of our diocese. We welcomed seven ordinands to the priesthood:
Thursday 3rd July
Revd Alison Heal was ordained to Priest at All Saints, Luxembourg
Saturday 5th July
Revd Daleen Bakker was ordained to Priest at St George’s, Lisbon
Revd Betty Talbot was ordained to Priest at La Cote, Switzerland
Sunday 6th July
Revd James Morgan, was ordained to Priest at St Ursula’s, Bern
Revd Dan Culbertson, was ordained to Priest at St Margaret’s, Budapest
Revd Massimo Radice, was ordained to Priest at St George’s, Barcelona
Revd Angela Berben was ordained to Priest at Zwolle (Holy Trinity, Utrecht)
Some reflections from the services;
Rev Angela Berben recalled:
(you can watch the livestream recording here: https://kerkdienstgemist.nl/stations/2603/events/recording/175181040002603)
"It was a beautiful feast, and I could feel the Holy Spirit flowing through the church. After serving as a deacon for 12 years, it was a significant transition. I am looking forward to serving the church as a priest, celebrating Holy Communion, and providing pastoral care where needed. I am grateful to everyone who prayed for me."
Rev Dan Culbertson noted that;
“I don’t know if ordination is the end of a long process or the beginning of a new adventure. It was such a joy to cap six years of work with such a moving ceremony. Surrounded by my community I was charged by the bishop to care for God’s people as a shepherd cares for sheep, I was reminded how important my new responsibilities are and then we prayed for the Holy Spirit to fill and guide me. I’m not sure if I’ve ever felt more responsible and more dependent at the same time. Whatever the future holds for my ministry, I am reminded of the words of Paul that “the one who has called you is faithful.”
Rev James Morgan reflected of the service;
"It wasn't until it happened that I realised how much of a blessing the ordination service could be. I could feel the support of the clergy, the congregation and my family. Their support encourages me to face the opportunities and challenges of ministry that lie ahead. I’m particularly grateful to Bishop Alison White and Archdeacon Peter Hooper for coming all the way to Bern for this special occasion."
Rev Alison Heal noted that;
"Being ordained on a Thursday evening seemed unconventional, but it worked out really well! Many ecumenical colleagues were able to join our congregation at All Saints, from Catholic, Protestant, Old Catholic and Free churches. My sending church Trinity Church Lyon was represented, along with our Area Dean and a lecturer from my training college. I was moved that the priests who prayed for me, with laying on of hands, included two other women, one who has shared parts of my journey from the initial days of the Diocesan Enquirers' Weekend in London, back in 2020.
From the Facebook page of the Anglican church in Zwolle;

St George's Lisbon and St Paul's Estoril announced on their Facebook page;
“Dear Friends and Church Family,
We were filled with joy and gratitude as we gathered on Saturday to celebrate a momentous occasion in the life of our beloved Daleen.
As she steps into this new role, we are excited to witness the positive impact she will continue to make in the lives of those around her.
Let us continue to support and uplift Daleen as she embarks on this sacred path. May her ministry be filled with love, wisdom, and the grace of God.“
Here are a few of the images from the ordination services;
Please continue in prayer and gratefulness for these ordinands serving across our diocese.
If you are interested in a vocation, please see our Vocations page.