Ten candidates were ordained as Deacons to serve in parishes across the Diocese of Worcester.

These candidates have been part of a new training pathway aimed at those who see their vocation as being non-stipendiary (voluntary) ministers to churches in their local area.

All those being ordained have already been involved in some kind of lay ministry within their parish.

They were nominated by their incumbents to be part of the two-year training scheme and are currently at the start of their second year of this. They will continue training while also working in their parishes as a curate.

The ordination services were led by the Bishop of Worcester, Dr John Inge and candidates were ordained by the Bishop of Dudley, Martin Gorick. The Archdeacon of Worcester, Robert Jones, preached having led a quiet day for the candidates ahead of their ordination.

Those ordained Deacon:

• Martin Allen, to serve at St Laurence’s Church, Alvechurch and Holy Trinity, Redditch

• Mike Bunclark, to serve in the Worcester Southeast Team

• Fiona Carter, to serve in the benefice of Christ the King, Redditch

• James Homer, to serve in the benefice of Elmley Lovett with Hampton Lovett and Elmbridge with Rushock and Hartlebury and Ombersley with Doverdale

• Rachel Homer, to serve in the Halas Team

• Val Houghton, to serve in the benefice of Brierley Hill

• Norman Jevons, to serve in the benefice of Darby End and Netherton and the benefice of Dudley Wood and Cradley Heath.

• Jen Jones, to serve in the benefice of Teme Valley South

• Sally Knowles, to serve in the Worcestershire West Rural Team Ministry

• Linda Nicholas, to serve at St Peter’s Church, Ipsley

Bishop John said: “This is a very exciting time in the life of the diocese of Worcester when we ordain more people as deacon on one occasion than has happened for a long time - possibly ever.

"Those to be ordained, who have worked very hard in preparation, will be a great blessing to the church and to the world and I pray for God’s rich blessing on their future ministry.”