The Dean of the diocese and Rector of Christ Church Cathedral, The Very Reverend Peter Elliott began the Ordination Eucharist by welcoming the near capacity congregation to the cathedral. He asked that all those present who knew at least one of the ordinands please raise their hands. Almost every member of the congregation raised their hands. He then outlined a few of the basic protocols involved with worshipping at CCC. When he got to the part about Holy Communion he cautioned the congregation that lining up to receive from “your favourite ordinand’ was “really bad theology.” Following the dean’s comment there was a good amount of laughter but it was apparent that the congregation understood what he was saying.
Following the Dean’s welcome it was time for the liturgy to begin. While the choir and congregation chanted the phrase Veni Sancte Spiritus dozens of clergy processed into the Cathedral chancel, followed by the ordinands, their sponsors, Bishop Michael, deacons and the MC. The five ordinands and their sponsors occupied the rows of seats in the nave directly in front of the platform and chancel entrance.
There was very much a family atmosphere in the cathedral and that feeling was emphasized during the first reading when ordinand, Melody Goguen’s youngest daughter, 10 year old Jocelynne did a wonderful job of the First Reading, Jeremiah 1:4-9.
The preacher was Rev. Kim Prokopchuk, Deacon at St. Dunstan, Aldergrove . She told the ordinands that..."Fear and doubt is not unique to you. Petitions of unworthiness and inadequacy have been echoed thru the ages from sages of the past…..to the colleagues who stand for you today. God’s response is to you, as it has been them and was to Jeremiah in our Hebrew reading (Jeremiah 1:4-9): Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will equip you."
(For a pdf copy of Rev. Kim Prokopchuk's sermon notes please click the link)
Following the Creed, the sponsors brought the ordinands before the bishop for presentation and examination. Next was the litany, followed by singing of the hymn, O Holy Spirit, By Whose Breath and then Bishop Michael consecrated the five ordinands through prayer and laying on of hands.At the conclusion of the Prayer of Consecration, representative sponsors helped the new deacons vest according to the order of deacons and the bishop handed each newly ordained deacon a Bible saying:
"Receive this Bible as a sign of your authority to proclaim God’s word and to assist in the ministration of his holy sacraments."
He then presented, The Reverend Laurel Dykstra, Ordinand to the Transitional Diaconate, The Reverend Melody Goguen, The Reverend Karen Saunders, The Reverend Stephen Thompson, The Reverend Christine Wilson, Ordinands to the Diaconate to the congregation and all shared in a greeting of Peace.
Christine, Melody, Stephen and Karen (St. Faith, Vancouver; St. George, Maple Ridge; St. David, Delta; St. George, Fort Langley)have now joined the ministry teams of their parishes and become part of the more than 20 women and men called to this ancient order who make up the community of deacons in the Diocese of New Westminster. They continue in employment outside the church, while serving within it. Laurel will serve as curate of St, Catherine’s, Capilano, North Vancouver and as curate to the North Vancouver Deanery.
Please keep the newly ordained, their worshipping communities, families and friends in your prayers.
Images: Top, just prior to their ordination: (left to right) Christine Wilson, Stephen Thompson, Karen Saunders and Melody Goguen. Right, the newly ordained, Rev. Laurel Dykstra ordained to the Transitional Diaconate