We are delighted to report that the 2024 Petertide Ordinations in the Diocese of Leicester took place over the weekend in two joyful services at Leicester Cathedral.
The Right Reverend Martyn Snow, The Lord Bishop of Leicester, presided on both occasions, ordaining five priests - Cecilia, Bob, Linda, Geoff and Dave - on Saturday (June 29), and five deacons – Rachael, Heather, Nicholas, Stuart and Cameron - on Sunday (June 30).
Hundreds gathered in the Cathedral over the weekend to witness and celebrate the ordinations, including friends, family, colleagues and the church communities of those being made deacon and priest.
During the week, the 10 came together in retreat at Launde Abbey, led by the Revd Sue Willetts, Diocesan Director of Ordinands, along with the Revd Anthony Lees-Smith, our Initial Ministerial Education Officer, and Bishop Martyn.
Making space for prayer and personal preparation, Revd Sue spent time with them, looking at the Ordinal and using creative and visual means such as pictures and pieces of music to think about the liturgy.
One of their tasks was to make semaphore flags, spelling out the words ‘Faith’ and ‘Jesus Saves’, that were cleverly incorporated into Revd Sue’s sermon during the ordination services.
As well as receiving the Bishop’s Charge with words of encouragement for the onset of their ministries, and the symbolic foot washing, they came together socially, and in silence, enjoying an outdoor service of communion around the fire.
“We had a wonderful few days together, and I am grateful to Revd Anthony for supporting me this year,” said Revd Sue.
“What a privilege it has been to journey with these people, right from the beginnings of their consideration of how God might be asking them to change their vocational journey - from being teachers, doctors and lorry drivers – to following His lead and enabling His church to be His church.
“It’s great watching people flourish, and I look forward to watching them enable others to flourish, too.”
Bishop Martyn added: “It has been a privilege to get to know each of our ordinands along their journey and to play a part in offering their gifts to the ministry of Christ’s Church.”
Please pray for all those being ordained throughout the Church at this time. Please also pray for the Colleges and Courses where candidates from our diocese have been trained and the parishes in which they will serve.
Meet our new Priests…
Cecilia Adjadje - Knighton
A gorgeous baby Cecilia was born and raised from a humble Nigerian Christian family. She has a BSc in Computer science, MSC Information system Management and an MBA. She studied Theology at St Mellitus College East Midlands, and has a wealth of experience as a system analyst, in customer service, and marketing. Cecilia is married to her heartthrob Peter and their marriage is blessed with three adorable children.
Cecilia's call to ordained ministry was affirmed by her late mother, friends, and Bishop. Her unrelenting passion to spread the word of God stood firm knowing that when God calls, he equips. I am overjoyed to be the heart and hand of the Almighty, serving God’s people with The Reverend Adrian Jones at St Mary Magdalene Church, Knighton.
Bob Edge - Barrow-Upon-Soar with Walton-Le-Wolds
Life as a part time Assistant Curate in the Barrow and Wolds Group over the last twelve months has been delightful. There have been many ‘firsts’ – first baptism, first time I have imposed ashes, first time I have anointed, first time washing feet. The ecumenical nativity walk was a highlight, hopefully to be repeated. My premier appearance singing the Exsultet at the Easter Vigil will not easily be forgotten either!
I have enjoyed conducting collective worship / assembly at schools in the group.
I still work part time as an Approved Mental Health Professional. I manage to fit in some Morris Dancing and have enjoyed singing with the Wolds Choir. My dear wife, Ange, continues to provide her tireless support, as does Alan the cat.
Linda Harwood - The Oadby Great Glen Team Ministry
I became a Christian at an early age and have always felt a call upon my life to serve God. I trained as a nurse and worked in the NHS (mainly GP surgeries) for 30 years. Six years ago, I had a career change and studied theology at CYM St John’s Nottingham and became the family and children’s worker for St Cuthbert’s Church Great Glen where I started exploring my call to ordained ministry.
Married to Simon, with two married sons, I love being Granny to two amazing grandchildren. I'm an avid crafter, and love music and singing.
I've really enjoyed my first year of curacy at St Peter’s Church Oadby, getting to know and love the congregation and local community, connecting with the local schools and uniformed organisations, sharing the message of hope that we have in Christ. I’m excited to see what God is doing at St Peter’s and feel privileged to be a part of this.
Geoff Pinnington - Coalville with Bardon Hill and Ravenstone
Over the past year as an ordained Deacon I have been very active as Curate in the Benefice of Christ Church Coalville. I am the leader of our Open the Book Team which leads collective worship in our local primary schools. I oversee our Lighthouse Team who work with our children and young people.
I lead and preach regularly at each of our three churches, and I have set up a Creative Reflection Group where we take time to think and reflect on a passage of scripture and then interpret that through drawing pictures, as well as enjoying tea and cake together.
I am working alongside my wife Gill who is Vicar and we have been in Coalville for six years. I am looking forward to the next phase of priestly ministry and I am so thankful to God for giving me the opportunity to be able to share sacramental ministry.
Dave Rollett - Ordained Pioneer Minister in the Akeley East Deanery
God got hold of me when I was working as Personal Trainer and a Doorman. A reorientation to following Jesus came with a new-found love for his Church and his world. At the time, ordination was the last thing on my mind but as I followed God opened doors to learn and serve in a breadth of contexts.
I have ministered in churches in Colchester, Tanzania, and Hinckley and am now serving my curacy as an Ordained Pioneer Minister with St Mary’s, Nanpantan, and the Akeley East Deanery. I am blessed with my family: my wife Tricia and sons Titus and Cassian.
Meet our new Deacons…
Rachael Brind-Surch - Birstall & Wanlip
A cradle Anglican, I have never strayed far from the faith, though it took a while to make it my own. As a graphic designer and illustrator, I loved hearing and telling stories about organisations, businesses and individuals. I've spent the last two years studying the varied tales and traditions of God’s Church at Ripon College Cuddesdon, and now I can't wait to learn more about her people in Birstall and Wanlip.
Supported by my husband Phil, my (loopy) spaniel Willow as well as family and friends throughout this diocese, I’m excited for this next adventure.
Heather Hall - Goscote Deanery
I attended church in childhood and was confirmed. During university education, studying for a music degree, I experienced different styles of worship and grew in faith. I have been a primary school teacher and later Headteacher from 1987 to January 2019. I became a reader in 1993 and after retirement increased my commitment to church ministry.
Isaiah 6.1–2 has been key in my ordination journey. I am looking forward to inhabiting the role of priest as I move forward in serving God in this new ministry. Outside church, I enjoy spending time with my family and my horses.
Nick Henwood - Holy Apostles, Leicester
From 1995–2004, I served in Nepal, with Ros and two girls, engaging with community development, TB and HIV, and the rapidly growing church. On our return we joined Hope Hamilton Church, Leicester.
Two-and-a-half years ago I sensed a call to obedience, and to trusting Jesus more. I retired from General Practice and have completed the Caleb Stream with St Mellitus College, Nottingham.
Ordination is a call to deeper discipleship, and service. Pray that my walk with Jesus will be contagious, so that others will be attracted to him also. We like walking and theatre. I have an allotment, and sail when I can.
Stuart Voce - Stocking Farm and Beaumont Leys
Hello, my name is Stuart, and I am happily married to my wife Barbara, with three wonderful children. I studied full time contextual based training at St Mellitus College and the benefice of Whitwick Thringstone and Swannington. Day trips are a favourite pastime, often leading me to visit city cathedrals.
From a young age, I have felt a strong call from God to some form of ministry. In 2018, this calling became more deeply focused towards ordination. I am passionate about recognizing and empowering people’s gifts as we work together to build the kingdom of God.
Cameron Wiltshire-Plant - Four Saints
I’m married to Harriet and we have a big fluffy cat called Monty. I was brought up in faith by my mum and got confirmed when eleven. I first sensed a call to ordination at the age of seventeen and worked as a youth worker at Holy Trinity Leicester to continue to discern. Having trained for Ordination there, I’m really excited to be joining the Four Saints Benefice and learning from an amazing community of faithful Christians.
When not in church you can normally catch me on the rugby or cricket pitch, or deep into a good book!
We interviewed our new Deacons about their journey to ordination. - Look out in Diomail for the video when it's released.