Seventeen candidates were ordained in Worcester Cathedral yesterday to serve in parishes across the diocese. Eleven candidates were ordained deacon and will enter their first year of training as a curate. A further six candidates have completed their first year and were ordained priest, they are now able to preside at the Holy Communion.

The Bishop of Worcester presided at the ordination, assisted by the Bishop of Dudley, and the Revd Susanna Izzard, Bishop’s Adviser for Pastoral Care of the Clergy and their families in the Diocese of Birmingham, preached. The candidates came from a variety of different backgrounds (see below for biographies) and will be serving their curacies in parishes throughout the diocese:

Ordained deacon:

• Nick Kaleniuk who will work in the parish of St John the Baptist, Claines, Worcester.
• Ruth Atkinson, who will work in St. Mary’s, Oldswinford.
• Ian Jennings, who will work in St Peter’s, Pedmore, Stourbridge.
• Jo Musson, who will work in the Christ the King Team Ministry in Redditch.
• Christine Turpin, who will work in the Bredon Hill Group of Parishes, Pershore.
• Diane Hayward-Wright, who will work in the parishes of Inkberrow with Cookhill and Kington with Dormston.
• Sally Jones who will work in Teme Valley North.
• David Morris who will work as a minister in Secular Employment in the Droitwich Spa Team Ministry.
• Alma Organ who will work at St Barnabas with Christ Church Team Ministry in Worcester.
• Sue Pollard who will work at St Nicholas Warndon, part of  a Local Ecumenical Partnership, in Worcester.
• Lyn Rowson who will work at Christ Church, Coseley.

Ordained priest:

• Daniel Jones who is working at St Stephen’s, Worcester.
• Steve Martin who is working at St Andrew’s, Malvern.
• Katherine Green who is working at Kidderminster Parish Church (St Mary’s) Team Ministry.
• Joe Heaton who is working in Ribbesford with Bewdley and Dowles.
• Julie Humphries who will continue to work in the Holy Trinity Team Ministry in Redditch.
• Katryn Leclézio who will continue to work in the Halas Team Ministry.

God our Father, Lord of all the world,
through your Son you have called us into the fellowship of your universal Church:
hear our prayer for your faithful people
that in their vocation and ministry each may be an instrument of your love,
and give to your servants now to be ordained the needful gifts of grace;
through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The ordination service took place at 3.00 pm on Saturday 4 July in Worcester Cathedral.

Candidate Biographies:

To be ordained Deacon

Archdeaconry of Worcester

Diane Hayward-Wright was born in Tetbury and grew up in the Cotswold village of Minchinhampton. She attended Cheltenham Catering College, later working as the Head Chef in a restaurant in Broadway. After marrying Graeme in 1972 she moved into industrial catering, working as the Catering Manager for what was then Chrysler Motors, first in Coventry and then in Dunstable. After the birth of her son, she became increasingly interested in children’s education, helping as a volunteer in the local school. She moved to Cookhill in 1988 where she continued to work in the local Middle School. It has taken many years for her to react to God’s call which she believes has come from her role as a  member of the parish Local Ministry Team and from her present work with children who are vulnerable and disadvantaged. She will serve her Title as a Non-Stipendiary Curate in the Benefice of Inkberrow with Cookhill and Kington with Dormston.

‘Ordination, on the 4th July, will be the end of one journey and the beginning of a new one. Three years on the West Of England Ministerial Training Course has been an incredible experience and privilege, I have learnt so much about my faith, my ministry and myself. It is with some hesitation that I leave this behind, but look forward to serving God among the people that have encouraged and supported me over many years’.

Nick Kaleniuk was brought up on the Isle of Wight and in London where he went on to study and train as a barrister after obtaining his law degree at Liverpool University. He was called to the bar in 1992 and worked in a law centre before starting his own law firm. Having been called to priesthood at the same time as being called to the bar, Nick finally gave in to God and started the process of selection and training for ordained ministry after moving from London to the Cotswolds six years ago. It’s been an exciting, challenging, and immensely formative period of growth and understanding for Nick who has enjoyed his wonderful training through the West of England Ministerial Training Course based in Cheltenham.  He is married to Alex and they have two children, Nicholas and Elizabeth. He will serve his title in the Benefice of St John the Baptist, Claines.

'Nick Kaleniuk said: "It's been 3 years of mind-blowing, faith-building, life-changing experiences at the West of England Ministerial Training Course. I remember feeling a bit anxious at the start of the course as I'd never undergone any formal theological training before. I wondered whether I might lose my faith as a result of such rigorous theological learning. "Don't worry," our Principal assured us, "We don't dismantle anything that can't be put back together again!" That's been true for me. I am so grateful that on the eve of my ordained ministry I now feel equipped to genuinely put my faith into action.'

Alma Organ was born, educated and became a member of the Methodist Church, in Birmingham. She gained a Certificate of Education and taught Infants. After marrying she lived in Alcester and carried on teaching until her two children were born. She moved to Pershore and became involved in the Mothers’ Union. She was Confirmed, then trained as a Reader. She has held various posts at Deanery and Diocesan level. She visited Uganda with the Mothers’ Union. She is part-time Chaplain at Pershore Hospital. She is a grandmother and enjoys walking, knitting, candle making and music. She will serve her Title as a Non-Stipendiary Curate in the St Barnabas with Christ Church Team Ministry in Worcester.

‘My thoughts- I am in a very different place than when I started my course. I am on the brink of a new and exciting journey of discovery of what God is calling me to do and self knowledge. This is due to the support and encouragement of members of my family, tutors and fellow students’.

Susan Pollard was born and brought up in Bradford, West Yorkshire. She is married to Alan and has two teenage daughters. She studied theology at Trinity College Bristol obtaining a Bachelor of Divinity from London University in 1979. She went on to work for the Probation Service and as a Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages before devoting her time fully to family life in 1988. After many years of Church music and singing, administration and ‘churchwardening’, a more persistent calling to ordained ministry led to training at Queens Ecumenical Foundation in 2006. She will serve her Title as a Non-Stipendiary Curate in the Benefice of St Nicholas Warndon, part of  a Local Ecumenical Partnership, in Worcester.

‘I have enjoyed the last 3 years of   training at Queens   Foundation mostly because  the tutors of the course challenged and encouraged us to make connections to everyday life and our Church worship. It has inspired me spiritually, equipped   me practically and more importantly affirmed me tenderly   as a follower of Jesus Christ   in public   ministry. I  am looking forward to the next stage of learning to love and serve  as a Deacon’.

Christine Turpin was born and grew up in Willenhall, near Walsall, but has lived in Halesowen for twenty years now. She studied Pharmacy at Aston University in Birmingham and worked as a Hospital Pharmacist for over twenty years in Birmingham and the Black Country before undertaking full time pre-ordination training at Westcott House Theological College in Cambridge. She will serve her title in the Benefice of Bredon with Bredons Norton and in the proposed Bredon Hill Group of Parishes.

Archdeaconry of Dudley

Ruth Atkinson was born in Batley, West Yorkshire and grew up in Leeds. She obtained a Bachelor of Education at Worcester College of Higher Education. Before returning to teach in Worcester in 1989 she taught Home Economics in Bradford, West Yorkshire. In 2008 Ruth completed an MA in Careers Education, Development and Guidance at Canterbury Christ Church University; she has taken a wide range of courses in pastoral care and recently has worked as a Disability Support Worker with university students. Her training at the Queen’s Foundation, Birmingham, has enabled her to explore a variety of issues and in particular she has enjoyed the opportunity to be part of the chaplaincy team at St Richard’s Hospice, Worcester. She enjoys reading and exploring spirituality through Textiles. Ruth will serve her Title in the Benefice of St Mary’s, Oldswinford.

Ian Jennings was born in Antigua. He went to Kinswood School in Bath, did a Psychology degree at Liverpool University and a P.G.E.C. at Wolverhampton Poly. He was a primary school teacher in Birmingham. He trained for the ordained ministry at Trinity College, Bristol. He is married to Sue and has two children: David and Ruth. He will serve his title in the Benefice of St Peters, Pedmore.

Sally Jones grew up in a service family. She was educated at a Methodist boarding school and studied modern languages. She was happily married to Reg for nearly 40 years. She has four children, eight grandchildren and a much loved extended family. She was active in community life in Kidderminster in the 1970s, serving on the District Education Committee and helping to set up play schemes and children’s activities. For the past 30 years she has lived in the Teme Valley. She worked as a Legal Executive in Leominster and Hereford, advising in welfare law and family matters. Following a conversion experience she worked with Oxfam and trained in pastoral counselling. She has served as Chaplain at Kemp Hospice in Kidderminster and Tenbury Wells for the past 10 years. She will serve her Title as a Non Stipendiary Curate in the Benefice of Teme Valley North.

‘Training for ordination in the past year has been a challenge and a life changing experience.  I am very much looking forward to serving alongside the communites where I have lived for 30 years.  Christian worship is coming alive in a new way in the Teme Valley, which is good news for newcomers and for traditional worshippers alike.  I hope to share in this while I serve my curacy with the Revd Louise Grace in Teme Valley North’.

David Morris was born in Crew, Cheshire and was educated at Nantwich Grammar School before studying Transport and Urban Planning at Aston University in Birmingham. Since graduating in 1983, he has worked in the Supply Chain across Europe and North America. He is married to Kerry and they have two daughters Hannah and Abigail. In his spare time David builds bikes and is a keen cyclist. He will serve his title as a Non-Stipendiary Curate as a Minister in Secular Employment in the Droitwich Spa Team Ministry.

David Morris said 'The last three years have been a time where God has taken me and rebuilt in a quite extraordinary fashion as God has made me ready for ministry. Throughout the Queen's Foundation has been challenging and supportive and has made me ready to serve the Diocese to the fullest.'

Jo Musson was born in Birmingham and after leaving Kings Norton Girls Grammar, trained as a Computer Programmer. Jo worked in IT at British Gas and became a Project Leader. After 17 years with BG, Jo took redundancy and set up her own business as an Antiques Dealer and then as a book seller. In 2001 Jo was appointed as the Adviser for Children’s Ministry in Birmingham Diocese and it was there she discovered a passion for Godly Play. Jo is looking forward to serving her title at St Luke’s in Redditch. She is married to Adrian; they have one daughter at home, Claudio; two adult daughters, Holly and Jessamy; and a two year old granddaughter. She will serve her title in the Christ the King Team Ministry in Redditch.

'When I look back at the ups and downs of my life's experiences I can't believe how God has used them to bring me to this point on what has been a long but amazing journey. Now I am really excited to be taking up my new role as Curate at the newly named 'Bridge,' working alongside Methodists and Anglicans, and being involved in the schools and communities of Headless Cross and Southcrest.' 

Lynn Rowson was born in Lancashire, but has spent most of her life in the Midlands. She is married to Steve and they have two children: Elizabeth and David. She trained and has worked as a nurse for twenty years, with a special interest in palliative care. Further education has led to qualifications in NVQ assessing, training and palliative care. She completed and led the Bishop’s Certificate and has been a Reader for nine years. Her interests are reading and counted cross stitch. She will serve her title as a Non-Stipendiary Curate in the Benefice of Christ Church, Coseley.

Lyn Rowson says:  ‘The last few years due to working and studying, have been very busy and at times stressful, but enjoyable and life changing.  My thanks to the students and staff of the Queens Foundation, my work colleagues at Wyncroft House, my friends, and especially my family, for all their care and support.  May my service to God in ministry be as caring and supportive to those I come into contact with, in all the areas of my life’.

To be ordained Priest

Archdeaconry of Worcester

Daniel Jones comes originally from Leicestershire and was educated at Loughborough Grammar School before reading Theology at the University of S.Andrews.  He and his wife, Jo, met while at University and they have one daughter, Keziah, who is two years old.  Daniel teaches religious studies at the King's School and in his spare time enjoys fencing and playing the organ.  He will continue to serve his Title as a Non Stipendiary Curate in the Benefice of St Stephen’s, Worcester.

Steve Martin was born in 1950, left school in 1965 and began an apprenticeship as a gas fitter.  He remained at the Gas Board until 1972, when he was called into full time training.  This began at Cliff College, a Methodist Bible College, continuing at the Scargill Community and then into Church Army Training.  He was commissioned in 1977 and has worked as an evangelist in a variety of settings, most recently as Diocesan Youth Officer in Worcester.  He is married to Sue and has two adult sons, Richard and Peter. He will continue to serve his Title as a Pioneer Minister in the Benefice of St Andrew’s Malvern and Malvern Wells and Wyche.

Archdeaconry of Dudley

Katherine Green was born in London and went to Bristol University, where she obtained a BA in Theology and Religious Studies.  She then worked for a couple of years as a Chaplaincy Assistant (in Plymouth and London), before working for a year as a Pastoral Assistant in Camden Town.  Before starting her curacy in the Worcester diocese she did her training at Cranmer Hall, Durham, where she was awarded an MA in Theology and Ministry. In her spare time enjoys dancing, singing and drinking lots of coffee with friends. She will continue to serve her title in Kidderminster Parish Church (St Mary’s) Team Ministry.

Joe Heaton spent his formative years growing up in Pudsey, West Yorkshire and later obtained a Physics degree at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth in 1991. He went onto research a novel technique for imaging the upper atmosphere and was awarded a PhD at the same University. He later worked at QinetiQ in Malvern where he undertook research and analysis into the effects of propagation upon a variety of radio systems. Joe trained for ordination at Cranmer Hall in Durham. He is married to Wendy and they have three sons: Joshua, Daniel and Isaac. Joe will continue to serve his Title in the Benefice of Ribbesford with Bewdley and Dowles.

Julie Humphries was born in Birmingham, and attended the local secondary school, George Dixon.  She started work at 16 as a bank clerk.  Julie is married and has four children.  She completed a degree in Theology at Birmingham University as a mature student, after which she briefly thought she might have a career in teaching, but unable to settle, went to work for the NHS before finally giving in to her calling to seek Ordination. She trained at Queens College, Birmingham and was awarded a Masters Degree in Theology as part of her training. She will continue to Serve her Title in the Holy Trinity Team Ministry in Redditch.

Katryn Leclézio from not knowing whether God even existed, had a startling revelation that God does exist.  This turned her life into some unimagined paths and the journey has been interesting.  She taught English for two years in Cape Town before joining Operation Mobilisation from her Parish of St Stephen’s, Pinelands.  She supported church-planting teams with training and pastoral care, first among Mozambican refugees in South Africa (from 1987) and then in France (from 1990).  She then moved to the UK in 2001 where she enjoyed a similar ministry.  Reading, walking, geocaching, cooking and relaxing with friends are what keep her going.  Katryn has a BA Hons (Psychology), a teaching diploma and an MA in Aspects of Missiology among other bits and pieces. She will continue to serve her Title in the Halas Team Ministry.

ENDS.

The Diocese of Worcester is one of 44 dioceses in the Church of England. It covers an area of 671 square miles and includes parishes in the County of Worcestershire, the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley, and a few parishes in northern Gloucestershire, south east Wolverhampton and Sandwell.