New Bishop of Sheffield ordained
(posted 25/01/09)
Dr Steven Croft was ordained bishop to serve in the Diocese of Sheffield by the Archbishop of York in a packed York Minster on January 25th – the Feast of the conversion of St Paul
It was one more step in the process of his eventual arrival in the City early in the summer as the new Bishop of the Diocese.
The new Bishop of Sheffield emerges!!
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The Diocese of Sheffield turned out in force, even though many clergy and laity had to stay in the Diocese because of normal Sunday commitments.
The Bishop of Doncaster, Cyril Ashton, was joined by other church leaders and representatives from all the deaneries and parishes. There were also many ecumenical representatives.
Malcolm Fair, Diocesan Secretary read the story of Paul's conversion to mark 25th January as the Feast Day of the Conversion of St Paul. Revd Laura Biddington, Curate of Aston-cum-Aughton with Swallownest and Ulley acted as deacon.
There were many other bishops present including the diocesan bishops of Newcastle, Manchester, Oxford, Peterborough and Durham.
Bishop Jack Nicholls, Dr Croft's predecessor, was also present to give his successor his full support.
The sun shone through the Rose Window of York Minster as Dr Sentamu ordained Bishop Steven, with his wife Ann and their four grown up children looking on. His parents were immensely proud.
Revd Judith Hirst, who works in ministry development in the dioceses of Durham and Newcastle, reminded the newest bishop in the Church of England that everything would depend on his personal closeness to the essence of his faith: "The higher a bishop's profile in the wider world, the more important it is to be Christ like," she told the congregation.
She added: "The real meaning of our lives may be determined by the unexpected."
Hundreds of people from across South Yorkshire then shared in the Eucharist before Dr Croft joined the Archbishop at the main altar for the final blessing.
As he processed to the great West Door - a new era had already begun in the history of the Diocese of Sheffield.
"Thank you to everyone for their enormous support today," said a beaming Bishop Croft.
MORE:
Photos from the day
Personal profile of Steven Croft
A brief synopsis of previous Bishops of The See of Sheffield
Main Photo by Kippa Matthews
