Stephen Shepherd ordained as a Deacon

Stephen Shepherd (front row, second left) ordained as a Deacon

Stephen Shepherd, from Rochdale, was one of a group of 17 new deacons ordained by the Bishop of Manchester at a special service at Manchester Cathedral On Sunday (28 June).

Ordination represents the culmination of years of training and the service is the first step towards becoming a priest in the Anglican Church.

Speaking to Rochdale Online, Mr Shepherd said: “It went really well. God really did look down on us with the weather, so it was a lovely day. The cathedral was packed and everyone was so welcoming. I am so made up.

“I have been involved with the ministry all my life. My home church when I was younger was St Martin’s in Castleton and for the last 30 years it has been All Saints which is joint with Christ Church Healey.”

The ordinands took their oaths during a special service at Manchester Cathedral as they begin their new ministries as deacons, after spending three nights on “silent retreat,” in prayerful preparation for this new stage in their lives.

Mr Shepherd added: “I start at St Bartholomeus on Sunday (5 July) so will be helping out there and I am really looking forward to it. It was my first day at Shepherd Printers on Monday with my collar on, so it has been strange getting used to people calling me vicar but it is a nice feeling as well.”

The Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Revd Dr David Walker, said: “It was an enormous privilege for me to ordain our new deacons as they embark on this stage of their ministry to our churches across Manchester and beyond. It has been a pleasure to get to know the candidates over the last year and is inspiring to be part of their journey towards this great day. I look forward to celebrating with them, their friends and families as they prepare to serve in our diverse communities.”

On Saturday 20 June, the Bishop of Bolton, Rt Revd Chris Edmondson ordained a number of priests at Manchester Cathedral.

Sylvia Barron of All Saints Centre for Mission and Ministry at Spotland, St Clement and Oakenrod and St George, Denise Owen, College of the Resurrection, Mirfield at Spotland, St Clement and Oakenrod and St George and Joanna Margaret Watson of All Saints Centre for Mission and Ministry at Norden, St Paul with Ashworth, St James and Bamford and St Michael were all ordained.