With great rejoicing, Armagh Cathedral was packed on 22nd June, both in the morning as Rev Sonya Barnes and Rev Wayne Hawthorne were ordained deacons, and in the afternoon as Rev Rita Arthur, Rev David Hawthorne,
Rev Jackie Carson and Rev Rhonda Dempsey were ordained priests.
Friends, family members, diocesan clergy and fellow parish members came together to worship and thank God for his call on our lives, especially for the response of Sonya, Wayne, Rita, David, Jackie and Rhonda to God’s call to them.
All 6 have been ordained to serve as Ordained Local Ministers in Armagh Diocese, joining a growing band of self-supporting clergy who want to serve God by leading services, preaching, presiding at sacramental worship and pastorally supporting God’s people. They all have careers and have shown how it is possible to combine living out their faith with work-life, family life and training for ministry.
For more information on Ordained Local Ministry in Armagh Diocese, see the diocesan website or speak with your Rector or contact the Diocesan Director of Ordinands, Rev Colin Darling.
