We are delighted to report that the 2025 Petertide Ordinations in the Diocese of Leicester took place over the weekend and on Monday evening in three joyful services at Leicester Cathedral.
The Rt Revd Saju Muthalaly, The Bishop of Loughborough, presided on Saturday (28 June), ordaining five priests - Rachael, Heather, Nick, Stuart and Cameron – and on Sunday (29 June), ordaining four deacons - Mike, Ralph, Josh and Sneha.
The Rt Revd Luke Irvine-Capel, The Bishop of Richborough, ordained Michal deacon on Monday evening (30 June).
Hundreds gathered in the Cathedral over the three occasions to witness and celebrate the ordinations, including friends, family, colleagues and the church communities of those being made deacon and priest.
A different sermon was given at each service by the Rt Revd Martyn Snow, The Lord Bishop of Leicester. You can read his sermon from Sunday’s service here.
Last night (Monday), Bishop Martyn welcomed Bishop Luke, alongside Bishop Saju and the Dean of Leicester, the Very Revd Karen Rooms, as they stood together in unity across the breadth of the Church of England in all its diversity of theological conviction, practice and understanding.
Following the service, Bishop Luke said: “Rejoice! The Church of God has a new deacon to serve the holy people of God,” asking people to hold all those ordained at this time in our prayers, and pray too for an increase of vocations to the ‘Sacred Ministry.’
Last week, the 10 ordinands came together in retreat at Launde Abbey, led by Bishop Saju, along with the Revd Sue Willetts, Diocesan Director of Ordinands, and Bishop Martyn.
An inspiring experience for all, the ordination retreat considered the theme of ‘Homecoming’, mainly through the parable of the running father in Luke 15.
Bishop Saju described their time together as “a lovely few days, with good food and good conversation, exploring and connecting around the difficulties and joys of home.”
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 sharing of their stories around the open fire.
It has been a privilege for the bishops, Revd Sue and the Revd Andrew Hall, diocesan Initial Ministerial Education Officer, 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.
“It is such a privilege to have travelled with an initially scared, and often confused, group of individuals to discover and then listen to what God is saying to them, and then see them act upon it,” said Revd Sue. “As we look to ministry for the next ten years and beyond, these people bring a particular wealth of skill and innovation as well as grace and mercy to the table. Let’s all ‘sit and eat with them’, so that everyone can find their own ‘homecoming’ with Jesus.”
Delighted with all that has unfolded during this season, Bishop Saju added: “I am profoundly hopeful for the future of these gifted people.”
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, their training incumbents, and the parish communities in which they will serve.
(Scroll down for additional photos.)
Meet our new Priests…
Rachael Brind-Surch serving Birstall & Wanlip
In my previous role as a graphic designer and illustrator,
I loved hearing and telling stories about organisations, businesses and individuals.
It has been a privilege to serve the people of Birstall and Wanlip over my past year as a deacon,
getting to know their stories through both the challenges and the celebrations of life.
I look forward to spending more time with them as I begin this next chapter as a priest.
As I continue to share in the greatest story ever told, I am grateful to be supported by my husband Phil, wider family and friends.
Heather Hall serving Goscote Deanery
From 1987 until January 2019, I was a primary teacher and in the later years Headteacher. Whilst attending Christ Church, Mountsorrel I became a reader in 1993. After retirement I knew that God was preparing me for something new, although at that time I didn’t expect it to be a call to ordination!
This year has been both challenging and rewarding, as I have moved from reader to curate. I am looking forward to see what God will call me to as I move into this new phase of ministry.
I am married to Steve and enjoy spending time with family and riding my horses.
Nick Henwood serving Holy Apostles, Leicester
From 1995-2004, I served in Nepal, with Ros and our two daughters, engaging with community development, TB and HIV, and the rapidly growing church. On our return we joined Hope Hamilton Church, Leicester.
3 ½ years ago I sensed a call to obedience, and to trusting Jesus more. I retired from General Practice and undertook a year’s training at St Mellitus College, Nottingham.
During my deacon year at Holy Apostles, west Leicester, God has stretched me. It has felt right to be living this role.
Pray that my walk with Jesus will be contagious, so that others will be attracted to him.
We like train travel, walking and theatre. I have an allotment, and sail when I can.
Stuart Voce serving Stocking Farm and Beaumont Leys
Soon to be ordained priest, this next step is about continuing to serve Christ and His people in everyday, real ways. The journey has grown out of a faith shaped by Scripture, prayer, and the life of the local church, with plenty of help and encouragement along the way.
Serving in Stocking Farm & Beaumont Leys has involved worship and learning through real-life ministry. Home life is shared with my wife and three children and helps keep things grounded.
As priestly ministry begins, the focus is on serving faithfully preaching the Gospel, sharing the sacraments, and walking alongside others in the ups and downs of life.
Cameron Wiltshire-Plant serving Four Saints Benefice
I’m married to Harriet and we have a cat called Monty. I was brought up in faith by my family and was confirmed at eleven. Having sensed a call to ordination at seventeen, I led the youth work at Holy Trinity Leicester and then trained for ordination there too. It has been a great joy to minster in the Four Saints benefice in my Deacon year seeing God at work in many places and learning lots from a wonderful community. I’m excited to see all God will do in me and those I serve as I am priested today.
When not in church you can normally catch me on the rugby or cricket pitch, or deep into a good book!
Meet our new deacons…
Mike Chaldecott serving the parishes of Bottesford, Muston, Redmile, Barkestone and Plungar
I currently work as the Chief Executive for UK of a French multi-National Company supplying construction materials for homes, schools, hospitals and other buildings.
I became a Christian through Guildford Crusaders, a Christian youth-group based on outdoor activities.
I was drawn to ordination as a path to provide rural ministry and service to my local communities.
To relax I enjoy trail-running, cycling and supporting England rugby team (quite a painful experience!).
We have one cat, which only likes me when I feed her.
The journey has been enlightening, and I am excited to see where God leads me as I make my tentative shuffling first steps in this new phase of ministry.
I had the fantastic pleasure and privilege to be trained for ordination at St Mellitus on the Caleb course along with nine wonderful fellow travellers.
Ralph Chamberlain serving the benefice of Newbold De Verdun, Barlestone, Kirkby Mallory and Peckleton
I grew up in Nottinghamshire, where I attended church with my parents and met my wife. My grandfather was a Methodist lay preacher in Leicester, so maybe there is something in the blood! I am married to Rachel and we have two children at university. During my curacy, I will continue to work as an engineer in the offshore wind industry. I feel that more and more the world needs to know about the hope of the regeneration that is God’s promise to the world in Christ, and something which Jesus calls us all to be part of today.
Josh Crick de Boom serving the benefice of the Martyrs
I have been doing a 2 year, contextual MA at St. Hilde's, my context has been St. Peter's Highfields and St. Phillips, Evington. Since about 2014 I have been working in residential Christian communities, focusing on developing patterns of prayer and worship, supporting spiritual growth of members, most recently at the Community of the Tree of Life. I started to own my faith as my own after staying at L'abri Ministries for a term, I have a wife (Emma) an 8 year old and two rabbits called Stoffi & Mr Pickles. I am excited and nervous to experience ministry in a more public role than I have known before, I feel challenged and stretched by the idea that as a deacon I will be a publicly visible Christian but excited by the kinds of opportunities this will open up.
Michal Kmet serving the benefice of Scraptoft and Saint Chad
Born and raised in Slovakia as a Roman Catholic, my calling to serve God began through ministering as an altar server at the village church, under the care of missionaries from the Society of the Divine Word.
Inspired by their mission, I went on to study Religious Education and Ecology. I came to the UK to improve my English and to gain life experience living abroad, during which I discovered the beauty of Anglo-Catholic worship and stayed.
I live with my pet cat, Hercule, and enjoy listening to music, playing tennis, studying history, and spending time with family and friends.
Sneha Ninan serving the benefice of Rothley
Originally from India, I grew up in a Christian family, choosing to follow Jesus at 13. I first sensed a call to Christian ministry in 2004 and 12 years later, the call to ordination during a retreat at an Anglican convent. I trained for ordination at St Mellitus College, Nottingham and at Rothley Parish Church. As I continue serving (and training) at Rothley, I hope to keep on pointing to Jesus, the true source of joy and peace. I am also a graphic designer and enjoy creative projects and trying new recipes. I am married to Dan and we have two teenage daughters.
