This week I celebrate two important anniversaries in my life.  On 28^th June 2015 I was made deacon by Bishop Christopher, Bishop of Coventry, at a moving service in Coventry Cathedral.  The following year I was ordained priest on 2^nd July 2016, again by Bishop Christopher in the same magnificent location.  Those two services still live on in my memory as some of the most significant experiences of my life.  They were occasions when I sensed a profound awareness of God calling me to something which was way beyond my own capabilities, and truly handing my life over into God’s service.  On both occasions I was surrounded by the support and prayers of many friends and family, as well as the communities which I was then serving in South Warwickshire.  It was also very special to have my ordained father take part in the service on both occasions, and to feel that he was passing on the mantel of priesthood to another generation.

Many people may not be aware of the difference between the two ordination services in the Church of England and the role of deacon as distinct from that of priest.  From the first moment of being ordained, the deacon is technically styled as Reverend, may wear a clerical collar, and starts to be a visible member of the clergy.  I vividly remember walking around the parish in those first few weeks of July, rather self-conscious in my new clerical shirt and collar.  I discovered that it seemed to have the good effect of encouraging people to make eye contact and smile at me as I walked past, which was a very positive experience. 

A deacon is called to serve by assisting in worship, reading the Gospel, preaching, offering pastoral care and reaching out into the community, in order that the love of God may be made visible.  Deacons are called to study and be faithful in prayer, watching for the signs of God’s presence in the world.  I’m not sure that I have kept up with the studying aspect during the past 6 years, but I am certainly nourished by prayer.  All Anglican clergy start their ordained life in this role and remain a deacon even when they are ordained to the priesthood, generally one year later.

A priest is called to be a shepherd among the people they are sent to serve and also to pray for everyone.   They are required to call people to repentance and offer God’s forgiveness (absolution), pronounce a blessing (benediction) and preside at the altar by consecrating the bread and wine in a communion service, in addition to continuing with the duties of a deacon.  As the Bishop explains in the ordination service, the duties of a priest are weighty and can only be performed by the divine help of the Holy Spirit.

Reading again through my ordination service booklets on this anniversary is a hugely valuable exercise for me, rather as attending someone else’s wedding service helps us to remember the vows which we made on our wedding day.  It reminds us what we promised to do and perhaps encourages us to work harder at what we promised but where we fall short!  As you may have observed from these weekly blogs, I am someone who enjoys writing about life experiences, and noticing the small detail.  I still have my diaries which I kept for the first two and a half years of my ministry, and they make fascinating reading for me some years later.  Reflecting on what we do is a worthwhile undertaking, so perhaps this might be an encouragement to take stock of how we have spent the past few years in whatever way we have been called.

Sarah Bourne, Chaplain for the Arts – 30^th June 2021          sarahbourne@banburystmary.org.uk