SUMMARY

1. There are three ranks or orders of clergy – Bishops, Priests and Deacons.  The first order to which people are ordained is that of Deacon.

2. After completing their training and being ordained by a bishop, deacons may sing the Gospel; take the Blessed Sacrament to the sick; baptise; and preach and teach.

3. The Ember Days are days specially set apart for prayer for those about to be ordained as well as for the clergy in general.  But we should also pray regularly for the clergy all the year round.

References

1. Church of England (not dated) Ministry in the Church of England.  (Criteria).  Available from: http://www.cofe.anglican.org/lifeevents/ministry/ministryinthecofe/  (Accessed 02 December 2010) (Internet).

2. Church of England (not dated) Ministry in the Church of England.  (What about training?).  Available from:
http://www.cofe.anglican.org/lifeevents/ministry/ministryinthecofe/  (Accessed 02 December 2010) (Internet).

3. The Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England (2007) Common Worship.  The Ordination of Deacons.  Notes.  Available from:
http://www.cofe.anglican.org/worship/liturgy/commonworship/texts/ordinal/deacons.html  (Accessed 02 December 2010) (Internet).

4. Church of England (1662) The Book of Common Prayer.  The Form and Manner of Making of Deacons.  Available from: http://www.cofe.anglican.org/worship/liturgy/bcp/texts/ordering-of-deacons.html  (Accessed 25 August 2010) (Internet).

5. ©The Archbishops’ Council (2000) Common Worship.  Rules for Regulating Authorized Forms of Service.  Available from: http://www.cofe.anglican.org/worship/downloads/pdf/mvlectionary524-591.pdf  (Accessed 25 August 2010) (Internet).