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Three recent graduates of the United Theological College of the West Indies (UTCWI) will be admitted to the Holy Order of Deacons and a fourth candidate to the Sacred Order of Priest at the annual Ordination Service which will be held at the Cathedral of St. Jago de la Vega on Sunday June 26 at 3.30 p.m.
The Rev. Olando Gayle, Assistant Curate in the St. Andrew Parish Church Cure, will be ordained a priest; while Natalie Blake, Dwane Blackwood and Marjorie Downer will take their vows as Deacons.
The candidates, who have successfully completed the prescribed studies at the UTCWI, have also satisfied the examining chaplains of the Diocese – a body comprising both clergy and laity – as to their suitability for the ordained ministry. They will serve as co-workers with the bishops, with specific responsibilities for administering the Sacraments of the Church, including baptism, the holy communion, the marriage ceremony and funeral rites, in addition to other pastoral duties.
The highlight of the colourful Ordination Service will be the laying-on of hands by the Lord Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Howard Gregory, who will preside and preach. The ceremonial robing of the Ordinands and the presentation of a Bible and communion vessels to each of them are among other special moments in the Service.
Music at the Service will be enriched by the accomplished Diocesan Festival Choir which will present several anthems. A mass choir under the baton of organist and Choir Director, Mr. Audley Davidson, and including choristers from St. Andrew Parish Church; The Church of the Ascension, Mona Heights; Church of the Transfiguration; and St. Luke’s, Cross Roads will also be featured.