Eight deacons will be ordained priest by the bishops of the Diocese of York over the final weekend in June and first weekend in July, in or close to the parish where they serve as Curate.
As a priest each will be able to carry out the full range of sacraments amongst the community and congregation, including presiding at Holy Communion.
Biographies of the candidates appear below with the details of their ordination services.
The Bishop of Selby, the Rt Revd Dr John Thomson, will ordain:
The Revd Marion Barella
at St Paul’s Church, Holgate Road, York, at 6.30pm on Saturday 29th June. Marion is Assistant Curate at St Paul and St Barnabas, York.
Marion studied Part-Time at St Hild College based in Mirfield which she says was transformative: “My curacy, at St Paul’s and St Barnabas in York, has been incredible so far as I have spent time with a vibrant team and been supported by my vicar and clergy team.”
The Bishop of Whitby, the Rt Revd Paul Ferguson, will ordain:
The Revd James Cawdell
at 7.00pm on Saturday 29th June, at St Barnabas, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, where he serves as Assistant Curate. James had wanted to be a chemistry teacher growing up; while studying Chemistry at York God called him to be a priest, and he trained for ordination over three years at Cranmer Hall, Durham.
The Revd Elaine Curry
at 7.00pm on Saturday 29th June, at St Barnabas, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough. Elaine is Assistant Curate at Holy Trinity Church, North Ormesby, Middlesbrough. Elaine’s theological education started at the Yorkshire School of Ministry, and three years of part-time training for Ordination at St Hild College based in Mirfield, where she gained a BA in Theology, Mission and Ministry accredited by the University of Durham.
The Revd Julia Staves
at 2.00pm on Sunday 30th June at St Thomas, Brompton (near Northallerton). Julia is Assistant Curate at Brompton with Deighton, East & West Rounton and Welbury (near Northallerton). She had always been involved in church but about 13 years ago made a commitment to God and found herself journeying towards ordination. She trained at St Hild College based in Mirfield and gained a BA there.
The Revd Dr Sam Mawer
at 10.00am on Sunday 7th July at St Stephen’s, Fylingdales. Sam is Assistant Curate at Fylingdales and Hawsker cum Stainsacre and the Benefice of Lower Esk.
She is an NHS doctor, married to Anthony with two grown-up daughters. “Being priested won’t stop me being a servant of God for his people, I am and always will be a deacon. However, being a priest will give me the responsibility of serving in new ways that fill me with awe, wonder, and a degree of intrepidation, especially through the sacrament of Holy Communion and being able to bless people.”
The Bishop of Hull, the Rt Revd Dr Eleanor Sanderson, will ordain:
The Revd Charlie Shefford
at Beverley Minster at 6.00pm on Saturday 29th June. Charlie is Assistant Curate at Beverley St John and St Martin (Beverley Minster) with Routh All Saints.
He came to faith at the age of 20 while living and working in Australia as a demolition labourer, quickly became fascinated by Christian history and theology and returned to the UK to undertake an ‘Access to Higher Education’ course before studying theology at university. “I’ve been extremely excited to begin my curacy and look forward to working with and serving all those who make up the parish.”
The Revd Simon Clark
at St Wilfrid, Ottringham, East Riding of Yorkshire, at 9.00am on Sunday 30th June. Simon is Assistant Curate in Easington with Skeffling, Keyingham, Ottringham, Patrington, Welwick, and Winestead. He served as a Recognised Parish Assistant at his home church of St Wilfrid’s in Ottringham, and knew he was being called to further service. “I have received unbelievable support from my family; my tutors and fellow Ordinands at St Hild College; and my church family.”
The Revd Heather Groocock
at Emmanuel Church, Bridlington, at 2.30pm on Sunday 30th June. Heather is Assistant Curate at Emmanuel Bridlington and Barmston with Fraisthorpe. Heather is excited to be serving her curacy in a predominantly urban setting, to experience the different challenges this brings, but most importantly to bring the word and love of God to people in their everyday lives.
