Ollie Blease was ordained at Salisbury Cathedral on 1st July 2018, and became the new deacon at St Bartholomew and All Saints Church, Royal Wootton Bassett.
Ollie said “Having worked in a lay role in a church previously, I am very excited to be going back into parish ministry in a new role. I am looking forward to getting to know people and walking alongside them.
For me, being present and offering prayer during the joys and the sorrows of peoples’ lives is a real privilege. This is about offering a reminder that Christ is already there, already knows and loves people. I am very passionate about the pastoral side of ministry.
I am also keen to act as a bridge between the church and those who do not feel it is a place ‘for them’. Jesus extends the arms of love to all people, and I want to help the church engage with the wider community, including young people.
Finally, I will try desperately to keep from outgrowing my cassock – I have already experienced the very generous hospitality of the parishioners and it seems there is always a lot of excellent cake on offer!"