A FORMER animal rescuer and an ex-headteacher are to be ordained by the Archbishop of Wales at Saint Deiniol’s Cathedral today (June 28), at 11 am, at Bangor Cathedral.
Andy Broadbent, who has abseiled down a cliff and a well to rescue trapped animals, will be ordained a priest, and Karen Morris, a former headteacher from the Diocese of Manchester, is to be ordained a deacon. Both will serve in the Bro Dwylan Ministry Area, which includes the coastal communities of Penmaenmawr, Llanfairfechan, and Dwygyfylchi.
Andy is well known in the area for his passion for family and youth ministry. He has made a significant impact with the Faith Alive project, which is reconnecting children and young people with the church.
Andy said: “I’m excited about the ordination service. It’s been a long road – about 6 years of training and discernment – but I feel well prepared and supported for this next step.
“I’m so grateful to God for trusting me with a portion of His mission, and I hope I can measure up to the trust and love shown to me.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the support of my colleagues, especially Revd Tom Saunders, my training incumbent, and most of all for the love and kindness of the congregations who have helped me grow and learn with plenty of laughter along the way.
“I’d appreciate prayers and good wishes for the big day, and for my family.”
Faith Alive has grown from just two participants to over 160 young people across the three churches in Bro Dwylan. The project includes family-friendly church services, rock-pooling events to discuss caring for God’s creation, and Christmas, Halloween and Easter celebrations that make faith accessible and engaging for families and young people.
Karen said: “Having had a successful and busy career in education, I thought I was due a restful retirement. Clearly, God didn’t agree!
“God’s call to the priesthood crept up on me. I’ll admit to ignoring it at first despite many hints and prompts – I couldn’t quite believe that God would ask someone like me.
“I am passionate about supporting people to deepen their faith and explore new ways to worship. I enjoy recognising people’s unique gifts and helping develop their ministries and welcoming people who don’t yet know Jesus.”
Canon Alex Mayes, Director of Ministry said: “I’m very excited for this year’s ordinations. As Andy and Karen prepare for their new roles, we pray that they would guide, comfort and uplift others in their journeys of faith and be encouragers of the love of Christ in the communities in which they serve.”
In preparation for their ordination, Andy and Karen attended a retreat at St Beuno’s Jesuit Spirituality Centre in Tremeirchion.
The Archbishop of Wales will lead the ordination service with Bishop of Bardsey and Assistant Bishop of Bangor David Morris. Bishop John Davies will be the guest preacher.
