A PARISH has a new curate after she was ordained by the Bishop of Winchester.

Gill Sakakini has become the new curate for Tadley with Pamber Heath and Silchester parish following a series of ordinations on Sunday, 1 July at Winchester Cathedral by the Right Reverend Tim Dakin, Bishop of Winchester.

Gill was ordained alongside seven other people on Sunday, in a group ranging in age from 37 to 55.

Gill said: “As assistant curate at St Mary’s, north Tadley, I look forward to being with the people there; hearing their stories and discovering how God is moving by His Holy Spirit.

"It will be a joy to get involved in the community in a wide variety of ways and join in the mission of God through public ministry in the wider benefice and at the Cathedral.”

Bishop Tim ordained the new deacons following two to three years of training.

Gill will be expected to lead public worship and serving the local area, in schools, hospitals and prisons and working in partnership with community groups to bring about social renewal and transformation.

Before responding to God’s call to serve her community as a church leader, Gill was a teacher.

Bishop Tim said: “I am delighted to have ordained Gill this weekend. Deacons lead by example, expressing Jesus’ love for the world through their prophetic service. I look forward to working closely with Gill over the coming years.”