Revd Jane Barlow was ordained deacon on Pentecost Sunday at St Mary’s Church, Iffley. The special service was led by the Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft; the final ordination he will conduct before retiring as Bishop of Oxford later this year. 
For Jane, the day marked the beginning of a new chapter in ministry as she prepares to serve her curacy at St Mary’s Iffley. Having trained at Sarum College, she described the service as both joyful and deeply significant. Jane and her husband are expecting their third child at the beginning of July – hence the need for an earlier ordination.
Reflecting on being ordained on Pentecost Sunday, Jane said:
“Pentecost is a time to ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I am sustained in my faith by the knowledge that the Holy Spirit is always with us. We are never doing any of this alone.”
Jane said she has long felt drawn to ministry through serving alongside people and through the central role of the Eucharist in her faith journey. She is now looking forward to becoming part of parish life in Iffley, Rose Hill and Donnington and accompanying people in their own journeys of faith.
The service also marked an important moment in the life of the diocese, as Bishop Steven presided over his final ordination before retirement. Over many years of ministry, he has ordained and encouraged hundreds of clergy across the Diocese of Oxford.
Speaking after the service, Bishop Steven said:
“Ordination is always a moment of hope and renewal for the Church. It has been a great privilege to walk alongside so many ordinands in discerning God’s call, and Jane’s ministry will be a great gift to her parish and wider community.”
Further ordination services for the Diocese of Oxford will take place on 4 July at Christ Church Cathedral. Please pray for all those preparing to be ordained as they take this next step in their calling to serve God and their communities.