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A joyous service was held at Newport Cathedral on Saturday 27th June to ordain our new deacon and priests.Friends and family filled the cathedral to support and celebrate with those who have been called into ministry in the Diocese of Monmouth.During the service, The Most Revd Cherry Vann ordained one deacon and two priests.Deaconed: Mathew Ireland to serve in the Cwmbran Ministry Area with Revd Karin PardoePriested: The Revd Ceri-Ann Jones to continue to serve in the Cwmbran Ministry Area with Revd Elizabeth KerlPriested: The Revd Ashley Davies to continue to serve in the Mid-Torfaen Ministry Area with Revd Martyn Evans.............................................................................................................The sermon was delivered by Fr Simon Cuff, Rector of St Mary-le-Bow, Diocese of London. He drew from Psalm 139.13: I will give thanks unto thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made, and spoke about being afraid, but "whatever anxiety-making situations in which we find ourselves, there too is Christ meeting us in our anxiety and our fear, and offering us peace."This sermon reflects on fear and anxiety, noting that while people fear different things, everyone experiences worry and uncertainty. The central message is that the Risen Jesus repeatedly meets people in their fears with the words, “Peace be with you” and “Do not be afraid.”Fr Simon, explains that Christ often brings this peace through other people—friends, family, neighbours, and especially those called to ministry. On the occasion of the ordination of Mathew, Ashley, and Ceri-Ann, the Church recognises them as people called to share Christ’s message of peace with those who are suffering, lonely, sick, or in need.Acknowledging that ordination can be daunting, the sermon reminds the candidates that God not only calls them but also created, knows, and loves them. Drawing on scripture, it highlights two key lessons: from the Gospel, that faithful ministry begins with simply being present where God needs us; and from Exodus, that ministry cannot be done alone. Like Moses, clergy must share responsibilities with others and rely on the support of the wider Church.The sermon concludes by reminding both the ordinands and the congregation that everyone has a role in God’s work, and that Christ continues to meet all people with the reassuring message: “Peace be with you. Do not be afraid.”You can read a transcript of the full sermon hereThe service was live-streamed and is available to watch herePlease hold our ordinands in your prayers.

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A few images from the day....

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