'Time flies when you're having fun', as the saying goes. The last 12 months have
certainly flown by but the four day silent retreat I've just done did drag a bit!
The retreat proceeded my 'final' ordination as priest - at last I hear you cry. The
ordination was a truly memorable and awe-inspiring experience for me, although it
was the longest service my kids have ever attended, at over two hours. The Bishop
did tell them afterwards that they could be excused church for the next year to make
up for it! Also thank you so much to all those people who braved the heat and the
journey to support me.
Even though I have now been ordained as priest my job title is still curate and remains
so for a few more years. I will continue to be a deacon (which means servant) but
you will see me lead a little more.
I am now able to celebrate at services of Holy Communion, to bless, to lead the prayers
to absolve us of our sins and to marry you! Everything except Bar Mitzvahs in fact.
A year ago I was waxing lyrical to you about having to be silent for a few days.
Well, as before any ordination service,all those who have spent the last year as
deacons have been with me on retreat. For four days we pray, have four services a
day, pray, think, pray, sleep, read.And did I mention pray?
Anyone who knows me or my family knows we are a noisy bunch, so it may sound surprising
to most of you, but this year I really did see the attraction of being quiet, of
stopping my noisy life for a few days, of putting a hold on doing and allowing myself
to be a human 'being'.
I spent some of my time on retreat reading, particularly on what it means to be a
priest. What stuck in my mind was the call that a priest should encourage and enable
people. My role as priest essentially continues to be a witness of the love of God
in my own life and to encourage and support you in your relationship with God. I
still don't know all the answers, but I know where to look!
I've just had to swear an oath that I will 'continue to stir up the gift of God that
is in me'. I understand this to mean that I must continue to be willing to ask and
face up to the uncomfortable questions of faith and support you in your questions
because it is only in addressing these that we can grow.
I remain convinced and committed to the knowledge that we were created out of love
and made to love each other and God.Of this I'm sure. I am privileged to be able
to say now - God bless you today and always.
