Seven women and two men were ordained priest by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, at a service in York Minster Sunday 16th June 2019.
All have served for at least a year as a Deacon in the role of Assistant Curate (continuing their training in service) in parishes within the Diocese of York, from the Tees to the Humber and from the A1 to the Yorkshire Coast.
As Deacons they have shared in leading worship, preaching and pastoral duties. As priests they can now preside at Holy Communion and conduct weddings.
The Archbishop of York said, “God calls people from all sorts of places, backgrounds, experiences to be part of his church – his great movement of change – and some of them he calls to be priests. I’m looking forward to a day of great joy in York Minster as we give thanks that Becky, David, Lucy, Jill, Linda, Sally, Arleen, Shena and Mike have heard that call and are trusting God as they continue their journey in the adventure of ordained ministry.”
- Rebecca Allright previously worked in social care and found her faith after undertaking an Alpha course as a student. Becky’s faith is sustained and supported by social action and outreach, while she enjoys both charismatic worship and quiet days and retreats. She trained for ordination with St Hild College serves as Assistant Curate in Drax, Carlton and Camblesforth (near Selby).
- David Biggs studied computer games programming at university but felt God leading him to ministry in the Church of England. David grew up in a Christian home and realised at the age of eight that Jesus could be his friend. Married to Emma, David trained for ordination at Ridley Hall, Cambridge, and serves as Assistant Curate in the parish of Thirsk.
- Lucy Brencher is a mum and a teacher who describes her journey to ordination as “Slow and steady.” Lucy trained for ordination with St Hild College and serves as Assistant Curate in the Parish of Rural Ainsty comprising Bickerton, Bilton, Catterton, Healaugh, Hessay, Moor Monkton and Wighill.
- Jill Gillanders is a former optometrist whose work included a spell with Vision Aid Overseas, visiting developing countries. Prompted to begin studying theology, Jill discovered her calling while her parish church was without a vicar; she retired from optometry in 2016 to train in Middlesbrough with St Hild College, and now serves as Assistant Curate in the parish of Thirsk.
- Linda Gillard worked in banking and NHS administration and volunteered as a hospital and hospice chaplain. She studied Theology and Ministry and initially tried to ignore the call to ordination for not feeling gifted enough, but discernment taught her to be happy with who she is. Linda serves as Assistant Curate of the Benefice of Kingston Upon Hull, St Alban.
- Sally Gough is a chartered physiotherapist, once head of physiotherapy at Felixstowe hospitals, and more recently a teacher of piano and theory of music. She says that “God called me - shouted at me - in the middle of the night!” Sally is a mother and grandmother who trained for ordination at St Hild College and serves as Assistant Curate at Thornton-le-Dale near Pickering.
- Arleen Ingham was influenced over many years by people of faith from across the world who came to stay in her family home including trainee Christian Pastors, Muslims and Jewish friends. She studied Literature and Theology for ten years with a special interest in the role of women in the Bible and gained a PhD in 2007. Arleen trained for ordination with York School of Ministry and serves as Assistant Curate at St Mary’s, Scarborough.
- Shena Moray was a Church Army evangelist for 12 years and has been involved in ministry for over 30 years. She enjoys being very creative in mission and evangelism, and is keen to explore how our local Churches can link into the UK’s current focus on wellbeing. Shena trained for ordination with St Hild College and serves as Assistant Curate at St Mark’s, Newby (Scarborough).
- Michael Perkins came to faith after receiving healing on a long-standing knee injury when he was 21. He toured as an actor with Riding Lights’ ‘Roughshod’ theatre company and through this began to discern a call to ordained ministry, culminating in an experience of the Holy Spirit where Mike felt God call him to leadership within His church. He trained for ordination at Ridley Hall, Cambridge, and serves as Assistant Curate at St Michael-le-Belfrey in York.