Our New Deacons and Priests: A Season of Grace

"For you I am a minister, but with you I am a Christian. The first is an office accepted; the second is a grace received." — St. Augustine

This spring has been a profound season of growth and celebration for the Anglican Diocese in New England. We have witnessed the Holy Spirit at work across state lines, calling forth new leaders to serve God’s people.

Our journey of celebration began on Saturday, March 28, in Delaware, where Reverend Arica Demme was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Bill Love.

The momentum continued on Saturday, April 11, in New York, as Bishop Drew had the privilege of ordaining Rev. Dr. Jean Paul Ilarraza as both Deacon and Priest.

Finally, on Saturday, April 25, our diocesan family gathered at All Saints Cathedral in Amesbury, MA, to witness the diaconal ordinations of Rev. Mary Kathryn Ferguson, Rev. Don Rayman, and Rev. Rita Rees. Rev. Don will be ordained Priest later this year.

The photographs from these services are a wonderful remembrance of God’s faithfulness and presence in the lives of each of our new deacons and priests. They are also a testament to the faithfulness of these newly ordained servants—each service representing the culmination of a long and many times vulnerable season of discernment and prayer.

We are so grateful to each of them and to the large company of assessors and intercessors, friends and family who walked with them through this season. Please join us in continued prayer for our new deacons and priests as they begin their ministry.