Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Following the recent approval by Diocesan Chapter and the establishment of a core group, I am pleased to formally introduce the Fellowship of St Monica, a renewed expression of the distinctive diaconate in our Diocese.
Grounded in the Anglican Ordinal and the charge given to deacons “to interpret to the Church the needs, concerns and hopes of the world,” this initiative seeks to recover the fullness of the diaconal vocation as a lifelong ministry of service, justice, proclamation, and compassionate presence in both Church and society.
Distinctive deacons within this Fellowship will be self-supporting and licensed by the Bishop, serving not only within parish contexts but also in wider community settings where particular pastoral, social, and missional needs are present. In this way, the diaconate becomes a vital instrument in strengthening the Church’s engagement with the world and supporting the Bishop’s ministry of oversight and mission.
To introduce this vision more fully and to invite those who may be sensing a call to this ministry, we will be hosting an Open Day for the Fellowship of St Monica:
Date: Saturday, 13 June 2026 Time: 12h00 Venue: St Aidan’s Church, Lansdowne
This gathering will provide an opportunity to explore the theological foundations of the diaconate, the proposed discernment process, and the two-year Certificate in Ministry formation pathway.
I would be grateful if you would encourage members of your parish communities who demonstrate gifts of service, pastoral sensitivity, social engagement, and a heart for mission to attend this Open Day. This invitation is particularly directed toward those who may be discerning a possible call to ordained diaconal ministry.
Please also share this invitation through your parish communication channels and networks.
Further details and registration information are available via the diocesan website.
Yours in Christ,
Revd. Chesnay Frantz
Dean of Studies
