One of the gifts of preparing for the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women to the priesthood has been the opportunity to reflect on my experiences in ministry. To remember the people and the moments that formed me and continue to shape who I am as a priest.
It was a Sunday afternoon in late November, on a day the City of Hamilton hosted the Gray Cup, when Ann Macdonald, David Ponting and I were ordained to the priesthood at St John’s, Ancaster, as the first snowstorm of the season was blowing in. Not everyone who had hoped to come could make it, and people wandered into the church throughout the service having fought both the weather and the traffic to attend.
There are two memories I hold close in my heart, even after all these years from that day. As the bishop offers the prayer of consecration, the bishop and all the gathered priests lay their hands on your head and pray. Time stands still under the amazing weight of those hands and prayers.
In that moment you are woven into a much larger story, and you are connected to those who have gone before you, and those who are walking with you. The women who were ordained priests in those early years had to carve out a path for the rest of us to walk on. Walking into ministries and parishes that were used to male clergy and a style of leadership. They shared God’s love, preaching with their unique voices as they faithfully answered the call God had placed in their lives with great courage, strength and determination. Widening our understanding of how all the gifts given are needed for God’s purposes to be accomplished.
The second memory was from the end of the service. After we processed to the back of the church, I remember Ann and I linked arms, hoisted our vestments over the other arm as we dashed down the sidewalk to the parish hall, through fat snowflakes, laughing, slipping and sliding while trying not to fall or get our chasubles wet. It was a moment of deep joy.
That real joy has continued to be found and reflected in ministry. It does not mean priesthood has always been easy or painless. There have been struggles, divisions, times of uncertainty and grief. I still don’t have all the answers, and some days I am not even sure of the questions. Each congregation and ministry has taught me something about faithfulness, dedication and God’s love. I carry what I have learned into the next congregation and continue to learn and grow as a priest.
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women to the priesthood, I am grateful. Grateful to be in the Anglican Church where I could follow the call God placed in my heart. Grateful for the mentors and faithful ones who heard the Spirit calling for change and for all gifts and callings to be honoured. Grateful for the ones who created the path, the ones I journey with today, and the ones who are still to join.
Gratitude and Joy
One of the gifts of preparing for the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women to the priesthood has been the opportunity to reflect on my experiences in ministry. To remember the people and the moments that formed me and continue to shape who I am as a priest.
It was a Sunday afternoon in late November, on a day the City of Hamilton hosted the Gray Cup, when Ann Macdonald, David Ponting and I were ordained to the priesthood at St John’s, Ancaster, as the first snowstorm of the season was blowing in. Not everyone who had hoped to come could make it, and people wandered into the church throughout the service having fought both the weather and the traffic to attend.
There are two memories I hold close in my heart, even after all these years from that day. As the bishop offers the prayer of consecration, the bishop and all the gathered priests lay their hands on your head and pray. Time stands still under the amazing weight of those hands and prayers.
In that moment you are woven into a much larger story, and you are connected to those who have gone before you, and those who are walking with you. The women who were ordained priests in those early years had to carve out a path for the rest of us to walk on. Walking into ministries and parishes that were used to male clergy and a style of leadership. They shared God’s love, preaching with their unique voices as they faithfully answered the call God had placed in their lives with great courage, strength and determination. Widening our understanding of how all the gifts given are needed for God’s purposes to be accomplished.
The second memory was from the end of the service. After we processed to the back of the church, I remember Ann and I linked arms, hoisted our vestments over the other arm as we dashed down the sidewalk to the parish hall, through fat snowflakes, laughing, slipping and sliding while trying not to fall or get our chasubles wet. It was a moment of deep joy.
That real joy has continued to be found and reflected in ministry. It does not mean priesthood has always been easy or painless. There have been struggles, divisions, times of uncertainty and grief. I still don’t have all the answers, and some days I am not even sure of the questions. Each congregation and ministry has taught me something about faithfulness, dedication and God’s love. I carry what I have learned into the next congregation and continue to learn and grow as a priest.
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women to the priesthood, I am grateful. Grateful to be in the Anglican Church where I could follow the call God placed in my heart. Grateful for the mentors and faithful ones who heard the Spirit calling for change and for all gifts and callings to be honoured. Grateful for the ones who created the path, the ones I journey with today, and the ones who are still to join.
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