Vocational Deacons’ Ordination: Hannah’s Story

In the lead up to the Vocational Deacons’ Ordination service on the 11th of October, Paul Carey and Hannah Rowan will be writing about their journey to ordination. This week Hannah shares on her calling to become a Deacon in the parish of Levin.

My parents chose my name after listening to a sermon at the Cathedral not long before I was born. I was baptised by the then Dean of the Wellington Cathedral, Walter Hurst. My family worshipped at the Cathedral during my formative years. I left the Anglican Church at fourteen and returned at forty – having been a part of several different denominations during that time. Being back in the cathedral for my ordination feels like completing the circle somehow!

My wonderings around ordination began a few years ago when I attended an 'ordination roadshow' in Palmerston North. At the time and since then I have repeatedly felt God say to me, 'enlarge the place of your tent' (Isaiah 54: 2) and 'there is so much more I have for you'. I wondered whether perhaps I was called to ordination.

I have been a state school chaplain for eight years now and I feel a strong sense of call to work with young people and their families, both within and outside the church walls. I also desire to encourage & see people grow in Christian faith and spirituality, again both in and beyond the church.

The journey towards ordination has required soul searching, resilience and bucket-loads of vulnerability. I know I have a lot to gain from being part of the clergy of our Diocese and hope to be able to offer something in return. I look forward to celebrating with many of you on the 11th of October and would appreciate your prayers at this time.

By Hannah Rowan