'Ex Cathedra'
or.. The Man for
the Ministry Makes it at Last!
Sunday
July 1st, 2007 was a red letter day for Martin Jones his family and
many friends and all the people of St Faith's and St Mary's.
After many years of preparation
and not a little disappointment, Martin was one of five men and six
women ordained Deacon by the Bishop of Liverpool in the
Cathedral. Following the service, he was the centrepiece of a
reception in St Faith's Hall, and later again served as Deacon at a
special eucharist at St Faith's. He will serve his title in the
parishes of Winwick, Hollinfare and Glazebury, so it is farewell to
Martin and his wife Miriam after many years of faithful service between
them in choir and sanctuary - although they have promised to return as
often as they can, especially on big occasions. All of us in the United
Benefice will miss Martin and Mim very much indeed, and we send them
every blessing and our prayers for their future ministry. Chris Price's
pictures illustrate the day's events.
July
17th: two further pictures added half way down.
Before the service, a thoughtful ordinand looks foward to this
momentous day. As the congregation gathers, he poses for a moment with
Mrs Frances Luft, who was to present him to the Bishop during the
course of the service. After nearly two hours of splendid ceremony,
music words, prayer and sacrament, the now Reverend Martin Jones is
seen with Fr Neil Kelley in the nave, and then greets some of the many
friends who had shared this great occasion with him.
July 17th: Two further pictures,
thanks to Jill Deeprose and Miriam Jones. The first shows the gathered
clergy waiting to greet their
friends and supporters after the long procession had reached the
of the Cathedral. Martin is speaking to bishop James; the observant may
spot assorted Archdeacons, the Revd Denise McDougall and more than a
few bald spots. The second picture shows Martin and Denise
together - the latest two in a long line of those who have found their
vocation in our Church.
Then it was back to Crosby for the bun fight. Martin stands outside the
Hall, about to be overwhelmed by the tremendous reception that awaited
him.
After much-needed food and drink had been partaken, he was presented
with the gift of a cotta from a group of friends, in the person of
Shelagh
Mulholland.
The clergy turned out in force, as so often on St Faith's big
occasions. The familiar faces in the back row (Fr Mark, Fr Neil and Fr
Peter Goodrich) are upstaged by Fr Derek Hyett and three other clergy
with
strong connections with our churches: Liz Halbert, Denise McDougall and
the newly-reverend Martin Jones. Fr Dennis Smith completes the line-up.
Then it was time for the official parish presentation and the cutting
of the special celebratory cake, created by Mrs Audrey Dawson. Finally,
our two most recent ordinands smile for the camera with Miriam
and Fr Neil.
To round off a truly memorable day, Martin acted as deacon at an
evening eucharist at St Faith's.
Click
here for the bulletins Martin sent from start to finish of
his training for ordination.
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