Jenn Ashton ordained to the diaconate

Tuesday dawned bright and early for a happy vanload of folks who were on their way to St. Hilda's, Sechelt for a 10 o'clock service of ordination.

Archbishop John joined Helen, Peggy and Elizabeth for a very special field trip to the Sunshine Coast, meeting up with a team at St. Hilda's who offered splendid hospitality for this special occasion (thank you, Bishop Jim, Archdeacon Bruce, Morrie the Livestreamer, and Katherine the Music Leader!) The in-person congregation was small in number, but enhanced by many supporters on the livestream (link to recording will come soon!)

Everyone had a part to play in the service; the readings were shared amongst the attending clergy, Bruce Morris gave a thoughtful homily on the mustard seed reading, and then Helen, Peggy and Elizabeth were proud to present Jenn to the Archbishop for ordination, Jenn's vows were given, the laying on of hands took place, and she was anointed with the oil of chrism. And just like that, a new deacon was born!

But of course, it wasn't "just like that" -- Jenn's journey with St. Clement's started six years ago, with a formal discernment process beginning about halfway through that. Along the way, Jenn worked with her parish discernment group, St. Clement's clergy, and external mentors and guides; she also completed an intership with St. James, Vancouver. Jenn has taken several courses and continues to do so. Over the years, she has exercised her gifts for ministry in ever-expanding ways - all while completing a master's degree and starting a doctorate through the University of Edinburgh, as well as seeing her memoir, Growing Home, published by TalonBooks this spring. 

We couldn't be prouder of you, Jenn, nor more grateful that you have made your vocational home at St. Clement's. God bless you!

Images:

Archbishop John and the Rev. Jenn Ashton following the ordination

The Ven. Bruce Morris, the Rev. Helen Dunn, the Rev. Jenn Ashton, the Most Rev. John Stephens, the Ven. Peggy Trendell-Jensen, the Rev. Elizabeth Mathers and the Rt. Rev. Jim Mathes were participants in Tuesday's service of ordination.

Jenn shares a post-ordination moment with Bruce Morris, retired deacon at St. Hilda's and the diocese's Director of Formation for diaconal candidates.

Jenn with her number-one supporter, husband Chris (Sparky) Doskoch.

Pulling out of Horseshoe Bay at 7:30 a.m., fueled by caffeine and anticipation!

Helen tries out St. Hilda's labyrinth before the service.