Diocese of Chichester

Each of the candidates will then begin their ministries as curates serving in Church of England parishes across the Diocese.

A limited number of guests (in respect of current COVID regulations) can support each of those to be ordained in the Cathedral at this hugely significant moment in their lives.

Each new curate will then be welcomed at services in the parishes in which they will minister in the days following their ordination.

After a year of working in their parishes, newly ordained deacons are then usually ordained as priest.

The candidates [listed below], along with the parishes in which they will serve, represent a huge range of experience.

Simon was born in Lancashire but has also lived in South Africa whilst Toby responded to the call to ministry when he attended a special Church of England event urging people to consider vocations.

Kizzy, who will serve in Ore, has experience of working with children, families and young people whilst Jan worked with the charity World Vision and now has a keen interest in digital ministry.

Joe’s background is in social work including the probation service and safeguarding whilst Laura trained as an actor. Paddy has a keen interest in full time youth ministry whilst Anna has a deep interest in contemplative prayer.

This has been a challenging year for the candidates as they have completed their final training and preparations often in lockdown situations.

The candidates are:

Anna Bouch (Holy Cross, Woodingdean)

Jan Butter (St Peter's, West Blatchington)

Laura Darrall (St Peter and st Paul, Rustington)

Patrick Donovan (Chanctonbury churches)

Simon Earnshaw (Clayton with Keymer)

Toby Lancaster (Holy Trinity, Hastings)

Joe Padfield (East Blatchington and Bishopstone)

Kizzy Penfold (St Helen’s, Ore)

To watch the interviews with the eight deacon candidates and their training incumbent please click here.

For the list of deacons being priested in 2021 click here.