Jonathan Watson is ordained deacon
Congratulations to Revd Jonathan Watson who has been ordained deacon for an internship in Knockbreda Parish, Belfast. Bishop David ordained Jonathan along with four others at a service in Willowfield Church on Sunday 1 September. The address was given by Revd Richard Moy, National Director of SOMA UK.
Jonathan’s journey to ordination
I vividly remember becoming a Christian at the age of five. I was blessed with two committed Christian parents who played a crucial role in teaching, modelling, and nurturing my faith as a child. During my teenage years and early twenties, I drifted away from God. Thankfully, God did not abandon me. I recommitted my life to Him at University through the support of believing friends, who led me towards a fresh and deeper understanding of my need for God.
My first sense of a call to ordained ministry began well over a decade ago. Yet, as these stirrings became increasingly frequent, I dismissed them. I was working as a social worker with teenagers in the care and criminal justice sectors who had experienced trauma. It was a role I loved and felt called to. However, in my day-to-day work, I also noticed I was increasingly finding that people sought to share with me at a deeper and more soulful level; this often led to lengthy conversations about God and faith, often followed by prayer. I pursued training in the ministry of Spiritual Direction, became involved in retreat ministry, and continued to push thoughts of ordained ministry away, only for them to return.
I am grateful to my previous Rector, Revd Canon Tom Keightley, who, in perceiving a calling in me to ordained ministry, was bold enough to articulate it. Both Canon Tom and, later, Revd Adrian McCartney provided me with many opportunities to lead worship, preach and offer pastoral care. These experiences and my ministerial training have served to strengthen my vocation.
I value how our parish model means that we are 'embedded' in the local community and called to support people in encountering and experiencing God's presence in everyday life's ordinariness, trials and tribulations. Much of my working life has involved encountering people when they are at their most vulnerable and in crisis. I hope and pray that God may use me to help people hear and respond to God's invitation to be restored and find fullness of life and ultimate joy in relationship with Him.
Please pray for me, my wife Lisette, and my two young daughters, Rosa and Cara, as I serve in Knockbreda Parish this year.
