diocesan news
NEW CLERGY FOR SWANSEA
Last Saturday people from all over the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon converged on The Cathedral of St John the Evangelist in Brecon for the annual Ordination Service. The Bishop of Swansea & Brecon made Alison Jones and Jeff Thomas deacon. The Rev’d. Alison Jones will serve as a non stipendiary Assistant Curate in the Parish of Cockett. Alison lives in Rhosilli and is married to Steve and they have four daughters. The Rev’d. Jeff Thomas will serve as stipendiary Assistant Curate in the Parish of Morriston. He is married to Nicola and they have five children.
At the same service The Rev’d Ian Drew-Jones was ordained priest, he will continue to serve as non stipendiary Assistant Curate at St Mary’s Swansea. Ian is married to Celia and works at Swansea Prison.
The Cathedral choir sang Schubert’s Mass in G which added to the splendour of the occasion. An ordination is an important time in the life of a Diocese and many of the Diocesan clergy were also there to celebrate with their new colleagues.
Notes
A Non Stipendiary Minister (Deacon or Priest) is someone with at least two vocations — one to ordained ministry and one to another form of work. The NSM will not receive payment for any church-based clerical ministry, but might be paid for his or her other employment. (‘Might’, because that other employment could be something like bringing up children or caring for a disabled family member.)
In the Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox traditions, the position of a deacon is a clerical office. Deacons undergo theological training and they serve in a church under a priest. Some deacons view their offices as a step on the way to priesthood, while others continue serving in this role. There are three "Major Orders" in the Anglican Tradition. Deacon ( "Diakonos" in Greek - means "servant" ) the first of the orders - does servant-like things - calls on the sick, widowed, etc.
Priest( Presbyteros.) celebrates the Eucharist, blesses things, anoints the sick, the Priest's ministry is Sacramental. All priests are also Deacons.
Bishop ( Episkopoi. Elder) is elected or appointed from among Priests. He is the "Chief Pastor" - the "servant of the servants of God". Bishops are "consecrated" - Priests and Deacons are "Ordained". All bishops are also Priests and Deacons.
Picture left to right: The Venerable Randolf Thomas, Archdeacon of Brecon; Mr Tim. Davenport, Diocesan Registrar; The Very Rev’d. Geoffrey Marshall, Dean of Brecon; Fr. Jonathan Davies, Vicar of Manselton & Cwmbwrla; The Rev’d. Alison Jones; The Rev’d. Jeff Thomas; The Rt. Rev’d. John Davies, Bishop of Swansea & Brecon; The Rev’d Ian Drew-Jones; Canon Arthur Edwards, Vicar of the Caerleon and Llanfrechfa Group and Preacher at the service. Gerrard Elias QC, Chancellor, of the Diocese; Canon Keith Smalldon, Diocesan Director of Ministry; The Venerable Robert Williams, Archdeacon of Gower.
For further information please contact:
The Rev’d. Fr. Tim Williams
Director of Communications
Diocese of Swansea & Brecon
Telephone 01792 204233/ 07901502675
e-mail fr_tim_williams@swanseaandbrecon.org.uk