The Joys Of  Being Called To Be An Ordained Priest

It is now about two months since I was ordained priest at St. Timothy’s by Bishop Cyril. The actual ordination day itself was wonderful and it was great that  many of my family and close friends were there too, many of whom had travelled a long way to be there for it. Although I was nervous I was able to enjoy the service and was so pleased to have a wonderful organist to play and the music group and choir were great as well.

The day marked the end of a long journey for me as I had sensed God calling me to be a priest thirteen years ago whilst I was living in a little village called Walkington, near Beverley. I then began a long process of selection which at times had to be put on hold because of family crises such as the tragic accident of my daughter, Emma and also a few years later the break up of my marriage. The road towards ordination has been at times very difficult and at times I have felt that it was more sensible to give up. I have though throughout it all been truly blessed to have had some very dear close friends to help me through and they have in their own ways helped me to discern God’s will for my life.

I remember at the start someone said to me that the Christian life is one of taking a risk because you start on a venture and you are not really sure where it may lead you. This has been my experience as I have travelled the road to ordination. Looking back it is a road that I am so glad to have taken because through it all (the ups and the downs) I have come to know the compassionate love of the Holy Trinity – and that is truly a great privilege. 

July 18th then was the end of a long road but the start of something new as well as I begin to minister for God as an ordained priest in His church. I am yet again taking ‘a risk’ for God and I do not know what the future will hold for me long term but trust that God will direct the way He wants me to go. For now though I am pleased to be at St. Timothy’s and hope to serve you all to the best of my ability as your newly ordained priest in whatever way God leads.

Thank you all for all your kind wishes, cards and the lovely home communion set and thanks too to Phil who has helped greatly over the last couple of years as my training incumbent.

Just want to close with the words of a hymn which has very simple words but has meant a lot to me as I have travelled my journey to ordination. If you want to know how it goes then please let me know.

I heard the Lord call my name,
listen close you’ll hear the same.
I heard the Lord call my name,
listen close you’ll hear the same.
I heard the Lord call my name,
listen close you’ll hear the same.
Take His hand we are glory bound.

His word is Love, Love’s His word,
that’s the message that I heard (repeat twice)
Take His hand we are glory bound

I felt His love from above
settle on me like a dove (repeat twice)

Take His hand we are glory bound

And to the Father all your days
with the Son and Spirit praise (repeat twice)

Take His hand we are glory bound