On Saturday 7 June 2025, eight deacons were ordained to the priesthood in a moving and joyful service at Liverpool Cathedral. The service, which began at 3pm, marked a significant milestone in the ministries of those called to serve communities across the Diocese of Liverpool.
The Rt Revd Geoff Pearson presided over the service and licensed the candidates to priestly ministry. Archdeacon of Liverpool, the Venerable Simon Fisher, delivered the sermon, offering words of encouragement, challenge, and inspiration to those being ordained, as well as to the wider congregation gathered in support.
The people ordained to the priesthood were:
- Aaron Dunne, serving at Church St Helens
- Lilly Nelson, serving at Formby St Peter
- Lu Skerratt-Love, serving at Liverpool St Luke in the City
- Emma Stonier, serving at Padgate
- David Emmett, serving at Burscough Bridge St John
- Chris Parsons, serving at Great Crosby St Luke
- Jane Stephens, serving at Aintree St Giles with St Peter
- Andrew Turton, serving at Church Wigan
Each has served their curacy as a deacon over the past year, undertaking ministry, mission, and worship across a wide range of contexts. Their ordination to the priesthood now enables them to preside at the Eucharist, pronounce absolution and blessing, and take on the full responsibilities of priestly ministry.
Please continue to hold all those ordained in your prayers as they begin this next chapter of their ministry.
Thank you for attending and supporting those taking part in this special service.
Photo credits: Dave Jones, 2025
