Three Priests to Be Ordained in Lancashire Ceremony This Weekend

The Diocese of Blackburn will celebrate the ordination of three new priests this weekend. The ceremony takes place at St Bartholomew’s Church in Colne on March 16, 2024, at 11:00 AM. The ordinands are Rev Tony Howarth, who will serve in the benefice of Colne, Rev Kaarina Leong, who will serve in the parish of Lancaster Christ Church, and Rev Cathy Malins, who will serve in the parish of Lower Darwen St James in plurality with Over Darwen St James.

The ordination will be conducted by the Bishop of Lancaster, Rt Rev Dr Jill Duff. Rev Tim Evans, Honorary Priest at Lancaster Priory, will preach during the service. Prior to the ordination, the ordinands will participate in a retreat at Whalley Abbey, the Diocesan Centre for Christian Discipleship and Prayer.

A number of notable clergy will attend the service, including the Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev Philip North, and the Archdeacon of Lancaster, The Venerable David Picken. The Rector of Colne, Rev Alex Oehring, along with Rev Canon Anne Beverley, Director of Ministry, will also be present. Other visiting clergy include Rt Rev Leah Vasey-Saunders, Bishop of Doncaster, who previously supported Leong during her vocational journey.

Bishop Jill Duff expressed her anticipation for the event, stating, “Priests carry a wide range of responsibilities in the Church of God as messengers, stewards, teachers of the faith, ministers of the sacraments and shepherds of the flock.” She emphasized the significance of their calling, noting the challenges they will face, saying they are called “to search for his children in the wilderness of this world’s temptations and to guide them through its confusions, that they may be saved through Christ for ever.”

The diocese encourages all to join in prayer for Rev Tony, Rev Kaarina, and Rev Cathy as they prepare to embark on their new ministry. Those unable to attend the service in person can watch the live stream on YouTube, and the diocese invites followers to engage on social media using the hashtag #NewRevs.

This weekend’s ordination marks a significant moment for the Diocese of Blackburn, as it continues to support the growth and development of its clergy in serving their communities.