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Deacon

‘Deacon’ comes the Greek word for ‘servant’. Deacons in the Church in Wales have special roles within worship such as proclaiming the gospel. Traditionally, deacons have had responsibility for social care. Deacons often go on to be ordained priest.

Diocese

‘Diocese’ refers to the geographical territory in which a bishop exercises oversight. The Church in Wales is divided into six dioceses each with its own cathedral in which is housed the cathedra (the bishop’s ‘chair’ or ‘throne’).

Prayer

Prayer sustains our human relationship with God and may involve words (formal or informal) or be silent. Prayer can involve adoration (‘I love you’), confession (‘sorry’), thanksgiving and supplication (‘please’).

Priest

‘Priest’ comes from the Greek word for ‘elder’. Priests in the Church in Wales are those authorised specifically to proclaim forgiveness of sins, preside at the Eucharist and bless God’s people, as well as other responsibilities.

Home News and Events Ordinations - Class of '25

Ordinations - Class of '25

Monmouth news Posted: 10 June 2025

Congratulations to our ordinands who will become deacons and priests this Petertide.

Always a joyous occasion, ordinations will take place on Saturday 28th June at Newport Cathedral at 11am.

The service will be livestreamed https://youtube.com/live/vJRNHSuA9YA

To be deaconed....

Ceri Ann Jones to serve in the Cwmbran Ministry Area

I am originally from Newport, Gwent South Wales and grew up in the Malpas area. (Incidentally this happened to be my finial training placement which was like a calling to go back home!) and I have lived in Cwmbran for the past 27 years.

I grew up in a Christian family and discovered the Church in Wales when I attended my first Christmas Eve Midnight Mass aged 19. From then my faith grew and flourished and I have worshipped in the Church in Wales ever since and where I became more and more involved in Church life and held many roles.

I married Keiron in 2007 in Canada and we had our son’s Cooper in 2008 and Bailey in 2012 and we recently had our puppy Jet in Nov 2024. (With all the trials and tribulations of puppy training!)

I have worked as a Civil Servant for over 18 years before I started part time training with St Padarn’s and I continue to work as a part time civil servant.

I began the Bachelor of Theology Degree in 2017 part time for six years and graduated Feb 2024. I went through the selection process early 2024. I first felt called to do this many years ago but kept dismissing it. I then began part time training with St Padarn’s 2024 which I have enjoyed immensely.

In my spare time, I enjoy painting, drawing, walking and camping in our family camper van.

I very much look forward to working with the people of Cwmbran, an area which I feel very at home in having been living and worshipping there for many years. The people in Cwmbran are in my prayers, and I am excited to come back after training to serve them in my new role as Curate. I feel particularly called to children’s and young people ministry and NHS Chaplaincy and I look forward to what God has planned for me in the future.

To be priested....

Revd Liane Miriam Chalmers to serve in the St Illtyd Ministry Area

I have really enjoyed my deacon year, which has been full of firsts; getting to know a new church, a new country, eight church congregations and start my ministry - but it has been so fulfilling and rewarding in ways I could never have imagined.

The diocese, and particularly the Gwent Valleys, felt like home to me very quickly and I couldn’t have had a better welcome. I felt so accepted very quickly from the ground up.

Now I am more familiar with my environment I am looking forward to being able to relax more into my ministry and find my own space to worship here as well as to serve.

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Revd Marlwyn Lou Nixon to serve in the Cwmbran Ministry Area

I have enjoyed my first year in curacy very much. It has been a pleasure getting to know the people of Cwmbran ministry area over the last year as we settled in and I look forward to continuing to serve in the MA as a priest.

A prayer for those to be ordained

Eternal Father, your grace is sufficient for us.

Give to those to be ordained deacon and priest, especially Ceri-Ann, Liane and Marlwyn, the gifts of the Spirit they need to do your work:

May they be filled with the spirit of wisdom and understanding,

the spirit of counsel and strength,

the spirt of knowledge and fear of the Lord,

and may their delight be in your service. Amen.

A prayer for those in training for ministry

Loving Saviour, we pray for all following your call to licensed ministry:

in their study, bring them wisdom;

in their worship, strengthen their joy;

in their encounters, renew their relationship with you.

Bless all who guide, teach and sustain them,

that their ministry, now and in the future,

will build your kingdom and bring hope to a needy world. Amen.

A prayer for all those seeking

Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.

Speak into the longings you plant within those who seek to serve you;

speak into their fears, doubts and uncertainties;

speak over the noise of worldly temptations;

speak your will, speak your word, speak your peace.

Almighty God, you have made us for yourself,

and our hearts our restless, ‘til they find their rest in you. Teach us to offer ourselves to your service, that here we may know your peace, and in the world to come may see you face to face. Amen