THERE was great rejoicing in the Parish of St Alban’s (on the Hawkesbury River) on May 27 when the congregation was joined by family, friends and many members of the local community to pray with Bishop Brian as he ordained Peter Inman to the diaconate on the Feast of Pentecost.

Peter and his wife Sue have been members of the congregation at St Alban’s and Upper MacDonald for some years. Doug Shannon, a senior leader in the congregation and long-time parishioner, suggested that Peter should explore the Bishop’s Certificate program when it commenced in 2007.

Doug’s insistence that Peter not only engage in studies but explore ordination for ministry in the parish led to a discernment process involving the congregation and the Bishop’s Examining Chaplains, which affirmed Peter’s giftedness for ordained local mission.

When the Bishop received the discernment advice and made the decision to proceed with Peter’s ordination, he decided that the service should be held in St Alban’s in order for the local community to participate in the celebrations.

Peter’s ordination to the diaconate signals the beginning of a new team ministry for the parish, under the leadership of Fr Max Sainsbury. Peter’s ordination provided the opportunity for the Bishop to pay tribute to Fr Max’s extraordinary service to the parish which has spanned 22 years of ministry, and which will now continue with Deacon Peter’s assistance in the future.