From the Vicarage
“UNDER ORDERS”
THE THREE FOLD MINISTRY
On Sunday July 4th at 11.15am, Jo Jones, our new curate, will be ordained in the Cathedral as a Deacon in the Church of God. The Church of England, like the Catholic and Orthodox churches, retains the ancient three fold ministry of Deacon, Priest and Bishop. This three fold shape of ministry goes back to the very first centuries of the Church. Of course, all Christian people are called to serve Christ by virtue of their baptism. There is no more important ministry than the ministry of the baptized. But Deacons, Priests and Bishops are called to equip and enable the baptized to fulfill their calling to serve Christ in the world. In this diocese they work alongside the authorized lay ministries of Reader, Evangelist and Pastoral Assistant.
THE ROLE OF THE DEACON
As a Deacon, Jo will be called to a special ministry of service. The Deacon wears his or her stole over their left shoulder, as a sign of their special office.
The ordination service describes the ministry of the Deacon.
“The Deacon is called to serve the Church of God and to work with its members in caring for the poor, the needy and the sick, and all who are in trouble.” Deacons are authorized to preach, to baptize and generally to assist the Priest with whom they serve. It is the special privilege of the Deacon to read the Gospel at the Eucharist and also to prepare the altar for Communion. It is also the Deacon’s privilege to stand next to the priest at the celebration of the Eucharist.
THE ROLE OF THE PRIEST
It is the priest’s special calling to preside at the celebration of the Eucharist. The priest may also bless and pronounce forgiveness of sins in the name of Christ. The priest may also anoint the sick with the oils which have been blessed by the Bishop on Maundy Thursday. The priest wears the stole over both shoulders and may also wear the chasuble (Eucharistic vestment) as a sign of their office. No one may be ordained as a Priest unless they have first served as a Deacon. The Priest represents the Bishop as the Chief Pastor among the congregation. This is why a priest is always instituted by the Bishop with the words, “Receive the cure of souls which is both mine and yours”.
THE ROLE OF THE BISHOP
The crosier (crook) which the bishop carries is a reminder of his pastoral role to care for the Church in the name of the Good Shepherd. The Mitre which he wears on his head reminds us of the tongues of flame which came upon the disciples at Pentecost. So the Bishop is, in a sense, a link with the Apostles. The authority of all the other ministries flows from the Bishop. Only the bishop may ordain people as Priests and Deacons, and it is the Bishop who authorizes the lay ministries of Reader, Evangelist and Pastoral assistant. The Bishop is also the guardian of the faith and is a called to the ministry of oversight.
THE BODY OF CHRIST
In the New Testament St Paul talks about the Church being like a body with many limbs and organs. The different members of the body work together for the good of the whole. It is NOT that one member of the body is superior to another. To use Paul’s analogy, the eye is as important as the hand; and the ear is as important as the foot. So we all need each other. The three fold ministry is not about status, but rather affirms the distinctive gifts and functions within the Church. So Jo, as a Deacon, will help us to focus on what is true for all Christians. Jesus came as one who serves, and we are called to do the same.
YOUR PRAYERS
So please pray for Jo as she begins her ministry among us. The stole worn across her shoulder reminds us of the towel that Jesus used to wash his disciples’ feet. The Deacon is a visual aid, if you like, of the call to service, in which all the baptized share. She will bring great gifts to share with us; and we in turn will be a part of her continuing growth in ministry, first as a Deacon and eventually as a priest. At her ordination the Bishop will lay his hands on her head and call down the Holy Spirit that she may be equipped for the office and work of a deacon. May we all work together with Jo in all our varied gifts and ministries to serve God in this town and in the world beyond.
S.C.
CHAIRS TO THE D'ARCY CHAPEL
We are most grateful to an anonymous donor who has kindly provided for us to have new, good quality chairs in the D'Arcy Chapel and South Aisle. Both these areas are now totally flexible for worship or for social gatherings. We are grateful for this very generous gift.
P.PAINTER
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