NEW priests and deacons have joined the Dioceses of Winchester and Salisbury following special services held last weekend (Jul 1-2).

Salisbury Cathedral saw 11 new priests ordained and 10 new deacons - to serve across Dorset and Wiltshire - at a service attended by the Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Revd Nicholas Holtam, the Bishop of Ramsbury, the Rt Revd Dr Ed Condry, the Bishop of Sherborne, the Rt Revd Karen Gorham, and the Dean of Salisbury, the Very Revd June Osborne.

Jonny Scott was priested to serve at St Peter’s in Parkstone.

He said: “I have seen how faith can work through people as they fight for justice and felt called to serve and lead in those communities.

“For me, it is about fully entering into the sacramental privilege of my role as priest, learning from those around me and looking for the unique way God has called me to minister.”

Winchester Cathedral also welcomed 11 new deacons to join its parishes across Hampshire and Dorset.

Simon Nicholls has become the new curate for St Clement’s and St Swithun’s parishes following his ordination on Sunday (Jul 2) by the Right Reverend Tim Dakin, Bishop of Winchester.

Mr Nicholls said: “I believe that I have always been called into church leadership, and I also believe the Church is and holds out the hope of the world; putting that together meant exploring ordination, and priesthood. Ordination is a call to servanthood, of being called out of the congregation to a place of service to the congregation.

"This is my hope for my parish - that I will serve lovingly, extravagantly, willingly and in doing so, reflect the love of Jesus into that body of people. I also hope that, as a group of people following Jesus, we can do the same for the community to which we belong; that we will continue and increasingly join in with the mission of God of renewing and transforming the whole world, starting here in Bournemouth.”

Bishop Tim added: “I am delighted to have ordained Simon this weekend. Deacons lead by example, expressing Jesus’s love for the world through their prophetic service. I look forward to working closely with Simon over the coming years.”