‘Deacon’ comes the Greek word for ‘servant’. Deacons in the Church in Wales have special roles within worship such as proclaiming the gospel. Traditionally, deacons have had responsibility for social care. Deacons often go on to be ordained priest.
Diocese
‘Diocese’ refers to the geographical territory in which a bishop exercises oversight. The Church in Wales is divided into six dioceses each with its own cathedral in which is housed the cathedra (the bishop’s ‘chair’ or ‘throne’).
Priest
‘Priest’ comes from the Greek word for ‘elder’. Priests in the Church in Wales are those authorised specifically to proclaim forgiveness of sins, preside at the Eucharist and bless God’s people, as well as other responsibilities.
Theological
‘Theology’ means literally ‘words about God’. Christian theology involves our trying to understand and explain what God has revealed about himself through Scripture. This work is aided by the writings of past and present theologians and human reason.
The diocese is producing a series of short videos on the theme of vocation.
The series shows the lives and work of people in all the diverse forms of ministry in our diocese to illustrate how they came to be where they are, and how their journeys in faith are unfolding.
In so doing, we hope that they may shed some light on what God’s call might mean for others…like you?
Music = Ministry
The organist at St Mary’s Church, Fishguard, explains the importance of music to his faith and describes the ministry of welcome that he and the congregation conduct to visitors from far and wide.
Galwad Cymraeg
Award-winning actress Rhian Morgan describes how Welsh-language worship was re-introduced at St Teilo’s Church, Llandeilo, in conversation with fellow Worship Leader Rob Jones.
A Passage to Carmarthen
Shirley Murphy charts her passage from southeast India to southwest Wales, a path which led her to train for the priesthood. Shirley was ordained in 2018 and is now Chaplain to the Bishop of St Davids and Interfaith Officer.
A Family Affair
Richard Davies’ family have been part of the Pembrokeshire village community of Little Newcastle for over 300 years. Today, in retirement, he is continuing the tradition. But it wasn’t always an easy journey.
Comparing Notes
Church Warden Hannah Karpaty and Worship Leader Sophie Whitmarsh swap stories from their very different paths to faith and lay ministry. Sophie was subsequently accepted for ordination training and two years later, in 2019, was made a Deacon. She is currently Priest-in-Charge in the Haverfordwest LMA and Children, Youth & Families Missioner.Hannah was ordained in 2022 and is currently a Curate in Roose LMA.
2+2=4
Follow Emma Whittick from maths doctorate to ministry as a Deacon in the Church in Wales. Emma was ordained priest in June 2016 and is now Chaplain to the Carmarthen campus of the University of Wales Trinity St David.
Ian Girling Vocations Adviser
Revd Ian Girling was Vocations Adviser Co-ordinator for the diocese. He describes how he got there, and how he now guides others who feel God’s call. Ian retired in January 2017.
Vocation JD Laurence, Assistant Curate
J-D Laurence describes his journey from city financier to parish priest. Since making this video, J-D was appointed Team Vicar in the Rectorial Benefice of Aberystwyth, with responsibility for St Anne’s, Penparcau, and St Llwchaiarn’s, Llanychaern. He now works as a tutor at St Padarn’s Theological Institute, guiding others along their paths to ministry.