I am delighted to announce that Mrs Watiri Maina will be ordained deacon at St Barnabas’ Fendalton, 7 pm Friday 26 July 2019 – all welcome. Watiri began a discernment process in this Diocese in 2018. When Steve Maina, her husband, was elected to be Bishop of Nelson earlier this year, I determined with Archbishop Philip Richardson, pro tem Bishop of Nelson, that discernment should continue. Consequently, following our Diocesan Discernment Weekend in May, it has been agreed that I will ordain Watiri deacon, under “Letters Dimissory” from Archbishop Philip, for service in the Diocese of Nelson. Watiri currently works in pastoral care in the Parish of Fendalton and her ordination will take place two days before her farewell from the parish. Archbishop Philip and representatives of the Diocese of Nelson will be present at the ordination service. Please continue to pray for Steve and Watiri and their family as they prepare for ministry in the Diocese of Nelson, following Steve’s ordination and installation as Bishop of Nelson, Saturday 31 August 2019.

+Peter