Dictionary

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Anglican

Anglicans form the family of Christians closely related to the Archbishop of Canterbury. Whilst tracing their inheritance back to Christ and the earliest Christians and to the ancient Roman Catholic church, the sixteenth century Reformation was a crucial moment for Anglicanism.

Confirmation

Confirmation is about ‘confirming’ the faith in God we declared at baptism. It also involves being strengthened by God’s Holy Spirit. In the Church in Wales it is administered by the bishop.

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.

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 Ordinations to take place at cathedral this weekend

Ordinations to take place at cathedral this weekend

Diocesan news Posted: 23 June 2025

This Saturday at Brecon Cathedral we celebrate God's calling as four individuals take their next steps in ordained ministry.

Being priested:

Darran Hickery (Penderi Ministry Area)
Sr Sonia Parkin (Mumbles Ministry Area)

Being ordained deacon:

Vicky Claridge (Irfon, Wye and Edw Ministry Area)
Lizbeth Matthews (Brecon and Epynt Ministry Area)

Watch Lizbeth and Vicky, above, sharing their faith journeys and what called them to ordained ministry.

Darran said: "The past year has flown by, seeing us move to the vicarage in Cockett in the Penderi MA. Presently, there are two incumbent priests there, MA lead Ian Drew Jones and Jim Page. I am relishing the opportunity of joining the MA team and further embracing the team ministry culture that exists at the five MA churches, but this time as a priest, building upon relationships established during my time as a deacon.

"Being high church, St Alban's presented an opportunity to move out of my comfort zone and embrace a different style of churchmanship. This is something I have relished and look forward to enhancing further in my curacy.

"Schools ministry for me is key, building and enhancing the relationships between schools and the Church. To this end I have become a school governor at two primary schools and conducted assemblies, along with social and educational events. These have included establishing a weekly Crafty Church in a primary school and a joint Christmas concert at St Illtyd's featuring Cadle Primary School Choir and the Swansea Bay Singers. Other community involvement has included participating at life events, home communions and establishing a monthly worship service at a care home."

Sr Sonia, a life-vowed member of the Anglican Single Consecrated Life Community, said:."As a deacon I have set up a prayer/Bible-chat group, preached on rotation in five churches and been involved pastorally, and recently in confirmation preparation. Joys have been deaconing at the Clergy School, Oxford, diocesan conference and getting to know everyone in my ministry area.

"These past few years I have felt joy and contentment beyond human explanation, finally serving and honouring God’s patience and obeying His command, being as I was created to be. Those around me have been honest and generous in their mentoring and teaching; I am humbled and blessed to be a priestly advocate of Christ’s Gospel and pray for humility and an obedient heart that will always follow where God leads."

The service will take place on Saturday, 28 June at 2pm. Please be seated 15 minutes before the service begins.

Please keep Darren, Sr Sonia, Lizbeth, and Vicky in your prayers.