Ordination
Finally, after a much-anticipated wait, on 25th September I was ordained in York Minster by the new Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell. This had been postponed from the 5th July due to Covid-19 and, because of the restrictions, it was very different to what I had imagined it would be like.
In normal circumstances all twelve of the York diocese ordinands (those training to be clergy) would have been ordained in the one service before a huge congregation of family, friends, and supporters in a packed Minster. Instead, we were ordained in small groups of two or three over five services beginning on Friday evening and ending on Sunday evening. I was limited to just six guests which comprised my wife and two children, my parents and Revd Nick. Face masks had to be donned of course and strict social distancing rules were in full force. The actual ordination part of the service was live streamed which meant many could watch and join me in spirit even though apparently the sound quality was not of recording studio quality.
You could be forgiven for thinking that this was all such a shame for an occasion that was so significant and important for me after three hard years of training and formation and many more of discernment and preparation. However, I am pleased to tell you that the diminishment of the normal pomp and circumstance of the occasion yielded a unique joy. It was an intimate and profoundly moving and spiritual experience. Such a small congregation meant my guests had front row seats and when I turned to face them, I could see and hear the love and affirmation of my calling by those most dearest to me even through their face masks. In a packed Minster this would have been impossible. The precentor’s solo filled the Minster like the voice of an angel, made all the more poignant as it was the first live singing I had heard since before lockdown in March. The Minster and Archbishop’s staff were warm, welcoming, and very kind, and the Archbishop made the service so deeply personal. He inspired us all to live out and proclaim the gospel afresh in our ministry, and to serve with the love and compassion of Christ, especially in times such as these. It was an unforgettable occasion and one that I shall cherish for ever. Thank you to all of you who joined me from home and who prayed for me.
And the icing on the cake (apart from the actual cake my wife surprised me with – see photo) was that I had the privilege of being the first deacon to be ordained by Archbishop Stephen in his new role. History was certainly in the making with the 2020 ordinations in York Minster!
Revd Mark Poole