Ordination of priests

Photography by Lynne Turner - The full complement of priests, including Jonathan Roberts, who although ordained separately in Coppenhall, attended in support

Eight men and women were ordained priests by the Bishop of Chester at a memorable service held at Chester Cathedral on Saturday 10 June 2023. A separate service on 15 June saw Jonathan Roberts be ordained by the Bishop of Beverley, in Coppenhall.

Addressing a packed Cathedral, as well as those watching online, Bishop Mark welcomed all who had come from far and wide to support those being ordained.

Bishop Mark said: "My sisters and my brothers we have come together in the presence of almighty God for the ordination of those called to serve as priests in his Church. Many join us in prayer and worship this weekend in the parishes, and online, to celebrate the ministries of those who are to be ordained, and to support them as they continue to live and proclaim the gospel in the communities where they serve."

The Archdeacons presented each candidate by name, before the congregation sang hymns of worship, and prayers were said for each of them, their ministries, and their calling. 

The ordination process continued with candidates coming forward one by one to kneel and receive the laying on of hands from the bishops and others. This is the symbolic and formal method of invoking the Holy Spirit upon each of the individuals called to serve as a priest. 

The occasion finished in the sunshine outside the West Doors where friends and family greeted the newly ordained priests. 

• You can see a photo album from the day on Facebook here. 
• Watch a recording of the service on YouTube here.

On Thursday 15 June, the Revd Jonathan Roberts was ordained priest by the Bishop of Beverley, Stephen Race, at a service in Coppenhall, Crewe. Well-wishers came from far and wide to witness his ordination and the evening concluded with a celebration in the church hall. 

The Revd Tom Ryan was one of those ordained a priest in Chester. Last year, when he became a deacon, he spoke about his vocation journey and the challenges he had overcome to follow God's call. You can read his story here.

Please continue to pray for the newly ordained priests, that they may be blessed in their ministry and be a blessing to all those they meet and serve.

Our thanks to Lynne Turner for the photography

The Revd Jonathan Roberts being ordained by the BIshop of Berverley in Coppenhall