The Anglican Diocese of Adelaide welcomed three new priests into Holy Orders on the weekend, in a moving ceremony that marked the end of an era for the local church.
Thomas Bassett, Jack Arthur Monaghan, and Rebecca Newell were ordained to the priesthood at a service in what was the last ordination presided over by Archbishop Geoff Smith before his retirement on November 1.
The diverse life experiences of the newly ordained reflect the varied ministries across the Diocese.
Thomas Bassett, Chaplain at St. Peter’s Girls’ School for eight years, was ordained a deacon last year and will continue his ministry at the school while being involved in the parishes of Kidman Park and Mile End. He brings experience as a humanities teacher and holds a Master of Ministry.
Jack Monaghan, an Adelaide native baptised at St. Luke’s, Modbury, was ordained a deacon in 2024 to serve the Parish of Gawler. Mr. Monaghan, who is married to Jeanne and shares life with their “pastoral care Labrador George,” hopes to serve with “compassion, laughter, and honesty… walking alongside people in the mess and beauty of life, pointing always to the love, and grace of God.”
Rebecca Newell answered her call to ordained ministry at age seventeen, having since raised four children and become a grandmother of three. She previously pursued nursing before returning to theological studies.
She comes to the priesthood after serving as a Deacon in the Parish of the Southern Suburbs and will begin her new role as full-time Assistant Curate in the Parish of the Western Fleurieu on 1 November. Her Master’s thesis explores neurodivergence in faith spaces.
The ordination service provided a moment of transition for the Diocese, celebrating the start of three new ministries while acknowledging the imminent departure of Archbishop Smith after his years of service.
