Head teacher and prison worker among new clergy

A head teacher, prison chaplain and St John Ambulance volunteer are among a new cohort of men and woman to be ordained as priests and deacons in Suffolk.

The county welcomed the new intake of Church of England clergy following a service at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, in Bury St Edmunds.

More than 20 people, from all walks of life, were ordained by the Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, the Right Reverend Martin Seeley.

Ipswich, Forest Heath, Bacton, Felixstowe, Saxmundham, and Haughley near Stowmarket, were among the communities represented in the Petertide ordinations.

Bishop Martin said: "More than 20 men and women from widely differing backgrounds have set out on a new stage of their journey in Christian life in Suffolk.

"‘We are delighted to welcome these new deacons and priests who are giving their lives in love and service to their churches and communities."

Among the new priests to be ordained was Jo Gunn, 50, who is the head at St Margaret’s Primary School, in Ipswich town centre.

"Having the joy of two communities - school and parish - is wonderful and building a tiny part of God’s Kingdom here in Ipswich is a blessing and an honour," she said.

"I believe my skills of teaching, communicating with various groups of people, pastoral care, embracing diversity and passion for inclusion are all transferable skills to the priesthood.

"“It is a journey full of surprises, blessings and joy."

Elsewhere, Edith Peck, who works at Warren Hill Prison and Hollesley Bay open prison on the coast near Woodbridge, is taking on the benefice of Framlingham-with-Saxtead.

Outgoing suffragan Bishop of Dunwich, the Right Reverend Dr Mike Harrison, said the new clergy would "be at the heart of their communities" every day.

"‘They will be in local churches up and down Suffolk, making a difference in village and town life for the benefit of everyone," he added.

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