Petertide ordinations will take place on Saturday 27 June and Sunday 28 June at Newcastle Cathedral with four people being ordained as priests and two as deacons.
Our soon-to-be deacons will be serving their titles in parishes across our Diocese – please give them a warm welcome if you see them in your parish. Our new priests, who began ordained ministry as deacons last year, will continue to serve their existing parishes as curates.
You can find out more about each of our ordinands below...
Deacons
Lydia Padfield
Brought up in a vicarage, even as a young child, Lydia had a strong sense that she would also be called to ordained ministry. After studying at Cranmer Hall, she is excited to serve her curacy at St Oswald’s Walkergate and St Martin’s Byker.
Katherine Vacher Day
Katherine’s path to ordination has been long and winding despite studying theology at university. She spent twenty years as an RE teacher before a growing sense that God was calling her onto something else. Katherine studied at Lindisfarne College of Theology and is excited to serve her curacy at St Bartholomew’s and St Mary Magdalene, both in Longbenton.
Priests
Fran Bell
Moving her family up from Lincoln in 2024, Fran is glad God called her to serve her curacy at St Michael’s Alnwick where she feels at home. Her year as a deacon has flown by but Fran has really enjoyed the opportunity to walk with people on their faith journey. As Fran prepares to be priested, she’s nervous but excited to be able to celebrate the Eucharist, nourishing people to live out their Christian lives in their own communities.
Emily Emmerson-Finch
Emily is very thankful to God for placing her alongside the wonderful people of Holy Saviour Tynemouth for her curacy. A particular highlight of her deacon’s year has been encountering God in His creation at St Edward’s Bay, including the joy of a sea baptism and the formation of a regular prayer group held on the beach. Emily feels this year has deeply affirmed her calling and she can’t wait to be priested.
Phil Keates
Phil has felt privileged to serve his curacy at St Mary Magdalene in Prudhoe, to witness the work God is doing in and around the community. A particular highlight was the reaffirmation of multiple adult baptisms at Easter earlier this year. As he looks forward to being priested, Phil expects God to continuing transforming lives and is excited for more learning opportunities.
Andy Morsman
Andy has really enjoyed serving in his home parish of Alston Moor and wants to thank all those who have supported him this year. A particular highlight for Andy in his deacon’s year is the connections made in the local community including great relationships with local schools and care homes, and flourishing ecumenical partnerships. Andy is looking forward to being ordained priest and feels strongly that Alston Moor is where God is calling him.