Son follows father into church ministry

The son of a well-known Cardiff vicar is following in his father’s footsteps by being ordained.

Ben Rabjohns, 25, was one of three people ordained as deacons by the Archbishop of Wales at Llandaff Cathedral last Friday.

His father served as vicar of St Saviour's church, Roath, for more than 30 years and, prior to his retirement, was area dean of Cardiff.

Ben grew up in the vicarage in Roath and following his ordination, will serve as assistant curate in the parish of Aberavon.

He said, “Having grown up as the son of a vicar I know what the job entails and how demanding, but also how rewarding, it can be.

"I know by extension, for example, what it’s like to be stared at for wearing a dog collar so that won’t come as a shock!

"I’m looking forward to going to my new parish, meeting people there and helping to share with them God’s overwhelming love for us all.”

A graduate of Exeter University, Ben is also a keen musician. He sings and plays the organ and is a member of the Cardiff Polyphonic Choir.

Also ordained as deacons on Friday were Dr Mark Dimond, 43, a former university history lecturer from Cardiff, who will serve as assistant curate at All Saints, Penarth, and Jonathan Ormrod, 48, a former stage manager from Stratford-upon-Avon with roots in Neath, who will serve in the parish of Llantrisant.

Ceirion Rees, 31, from Merthyr Tydfil, previously worked as a research assistant for Assembly Members, prior to becoming a deacon.

He went from deacon to priest on Friday and will continue serving in the parish of Coity, Nolton and Bracla.

Mark Dimond comes to his new role with an international background. He was born the son of a diplomat in Japan and has lived in many different countries, including Sweden, Czechoslovakia, France, Russia and Hungary. He has also worked as an examiner for the International Baccalaureate.

Jonathan Ormrod is originally from Neath but worked as a stage manager for many years, including at the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Birmingham Royal Ballet. Before training for ordination, he was head verger at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford, where Shakespeare is buried.

He said, “I strongly feel my vocation lies in Wales and I’m really looking forward to starting my ministry in Llantrisant.”

Ceirion Rees is also training to be a priest and is an ordinand at St Michael’s College, Llandaff.

He said, “I’ve had a wonderful year as a deacon and experienced the great privilege – and frustrations – of serving in a parish. I’m looking forward to returning now with all the tools to do the job, to provide the fullness of ministry.”

The Archbishop, Dr Barry Morgan, said, “I am delighted to ordain Ceirion, Mark, Jon and Ben and to welcome them to the diocese. They bring a wealth of experience and talent and I am sure their faith and commitment will inspire and encourage those they serve.”