Three New Priests to Be Ordained in Lancashire This Weekend

This weekend, the Diocese of Blackburn will celebrate the ordination of three new priests during a special service at St Bartholomew’s Church in Colne. The event, scheduled for 11:00 AM on Saturday, will see Rev Tony Howarth, Rev Kaarina Leong, and Rev Cathy Malins officially join the priesthood.

Rev Howarth will serve in the benefice of Colne, while Rev Leong takes on her role in the parish of Lancaster Christ Church. Rev Malins will serve in the parish of Lower Darwen St James, in conjunction with Over Darwen St James. The ordination will be officiated by the Bishop of Lancaster, Rt Rev Dr Jill Duff.

Support and Celebration

The ordination service is expected to attract significant attention, with the Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev Philip North, and the Archdeacon of Lancaster, The Venerable David Picken, also in attendance. Other notable clergy members include Rev Alex Oehring, the Rector of Colne, and Rev Canon Anne Beverley, Director of Ministry. Additionally, Rt Rev Leah Vasey-Saunders, the Bishop of Doncaster, is expected to support Rev Leong, whose vocation was nurtured during her time at Lancaster Priory.

The service will be livestreamed on YouTube, allowing those unable to attend in person to participate virtually. The Diocese encourages the community to pray for the ordinands during this significant time. Supporters can engage on social media using the hashtag #NewRevs.

Reflections from the Bishop

Bishop Jill expressed her anticipation for the event, highlighting the profound responsibilities that priests undertake within the Church. She stated, “Priests carry a wide range of responsibilities… to search for his children in the wilderness of this world’s temptations and to guide them through its confusions, that they may be saved through Christ forever.”

She acknowledged the journey of each ordinand, recognizing the support from their families, friends, and training incumbents, including Rev Carol Backhouse and Rev Rebecca Roberts. Bishop Jill encouraged the community to pray for the new priests, hoping they will feel the presence of the Holy Spirit as they embark on their ministries.

As this weekend approaches, the Diocese of Blackburn prepares for a momentous occasion that not only marks the beginning of new pastoral journeys but also strengthens the spiritual fabric of the local community.