Married couple to be ordained as deacons and serve at St Thomas Church, Kirkholt

Fran and Dave Griffiths, will each be ordained deacon and serve at St Thomas Church, Kirkholt

Married couple, Fran and Dave Griffiths, will each be ordained deacon by the Bishop of Manchester, Dr David Walker, at Manchester Cathedral on Sunday 30 June and will be based at St Thomas Church in Kirkholt.

Fran and Dave Griffiths said: “We attended a Pioneer Panel, and both of us were recommended for Ordained Pioneer Ministry.

“We trained at St Mellitus College in Liverpool, which we have absolutely loved. We will soon take up a Pioneer Curacy in Rochdale. We have learnt that God is full of unexpected surprises!”

Anne Elizabeth Gilbert and Neil Robert Whitaker will be ordained Priest by the Bishop of Bolton, Rt Revd Mark Ashcroft, at Manchester Cathedral on Saturday 22 June.

Anne Elizabeth Gilbert will serve in Dearnley, Wardle and Smallbridge with the Revd Rachel Battershell and Neil Robert Whitaker will serve in Langley with the with the Revd Canon Philip Miller.

A total of 40 new clergy will be ordained at the two services at Manchester Cathedral.

The Bishop of Manchester, The Rt Revd Dr David Walker, said: “It is an enormous privilege for me to ordain our new deacons as they embark on this new stage of their ministry to our churches across Manchester and beyond.

“It has been inspiring to be part of their journey towards this great day, and I look forward to celebrating with them as they prepare to serve in our diverse communities.”