The Service for the Ordination of Deacons at St. Paul's Cathedral by the Bishop of London Assisted by the Area Bishops and Bishop Suffragan on Saturday 5th July 2003
. . . . . was the title on the order of service booklet.

It was a beautiful service. Even though the appearance of the cathedral was somewhat marred by scaffolding outside and sheets of white plastic inside, as always one could not help but be awe-struck by its size and height and the feeling of the enormous presence of God.

Yes, it was a beautiful service, full of joy and ceremony, prayer and lovely music. At the beginning, the choir, minor canons, and the candidates' incumbents, including Brian, took their places in the Quire. During the hymn: "Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!", the bishops, resplendent in their colourful vestments, with their entourage and the ordinands, processed down the central aisle to their places under the great dome. The Dean of St. Paul's, Dr. John Moses, gave an address about the calling and duty of deacons. This, he said, is to serve, and to help with pastoral care; to fashion their lives according to the way of Christ, and never to forget to love. It is a life to be loved and lived and given to God.

After the creed, the candidates one by one were presented to Bishop Richard by the area Archdeacons. Then the litany was sung and each candidate knelt before the Bishop to be blessed and anointed before being dressed in her or his stole and presented with a New Testament by the area Bishop.

After the Peace, the offertory hymn and the Eucharistic Prayer, we were all invited to receive communion. The organisation by the vergers was excellent, because there were many hundreds of people there. Then the newly ordained deacons were welcomed by the Bishop, to the applause of the congregation. Finally the Bishop led them back through the cathedral down the central aisle to the north transept steps.

It was a wonderful and moving occasion for all of us, so it must have been much, much more so for the twenty-nine new deacons, all about to start their ministries in our diocese. God has gifted them with a great vocation; let us remember them all in our prayers, and especially Julie as she comes among us. Welcome Julie!"

Source: Greta Rosten, The Spire Magazine - 2003 August

A Few Words of Introduction
These are just a few words of introduction, so that you know a little about me before 1 arrive in July. I was born and brought up on the Welsh border. I love returning to that part of the world when I can to see family. I went to school in Hereford itself, and after taking my A-levels I trained to be secretary and worked locally for twelve months.
Then I went to Durham University to read theology on the advice of the curate, who thought I might enjoy the subject. He was right, because having completed my B.A., I stayed for a further year to do a Masters degree. I had a great affection for the city, which was quite a significant factor in my decision there. Going into the cathedral still gives me a "holy tingle".

I left Durham to begin my ordination training at Westcott House in Cambridge. I have been researching a Ph.D. as part of my formation. It is on memory and the Eucharist and focuses on contemporary Anglican theology - including Rowan Williams' contribution to that area. I have spent two of my four years in Cambridge living at Selwyn College, where I acted as a chaplain's assistant. I've also had the opportunity to spend two months working with children at a special school and on an adult psychiatric ward.

In my spare time I enjoy reading novels or poetry, cooking with friends and listening to a range of music. Being in Cambridge has also allowed me to pursue other interests from film and theatre to swimming as well as the delights of punting and croquet! I have just acquired a new bicycle, and am glad to know that I'll be able to carry on using that in Hampton Hill.

I am very much looking forward to beginning my curacy at St. James's, and to having the opportunity to learn and work with you. Obviously, that sense of anticipation is bound up with feelings of trepidation and uncertainty. That's only natural at a point of transition. Starting my ministry with you and Brian is indeed a new beginning for me, but it is also the culmination of seeking to discern God's will over several years. As I prepare to leave Cambridge to join you, the verse from 1 Thessalonians 5 which is inscribed upon the chapel bell at Westcott is foremost in my mind: 'The one who calls is faithful'. I hope that the next few weeks and months we will know something of that assurance.

Source: Julie Gittoes, The Spire Magazine - 2003 June