They strive to be conformed to the image of Christ himself

and offer you a constant witness of faith and love.

These words from the Preface at Holy Mass, which will be prayed at each of the ordinations at St Chad’s Cathedral, are worth further reflection as our Mother Church becomes the focus of much celebration during the coming week.  

The month of July is often a month of ordinations, both to the presbyterate and the permanent diaconate, but this year we will also celebrate the Episcopal Ordination of Monsignor Timothy Menezes and Canon Richard Walker.  

An ordination – like a marriage or religious profession – is always a moment to rejoice, but it is also the moment when we witness God powerfully at work amongst us.  

Through the Prayer of Ordination, the man kneeling before the Altar is conformed to the image of Jesus, as his whole life reflects His love for us.  

I remember how moved I was during the first ordination I attended – even before I began discerning the priesthood – as the man being ordained prostrated himself before God, in complete abandonment to His Will.  

Now, in my role as Vocation Director, it is always a real joy to witness the ordination of men to the diaconate and the priesthood after many years of formation.  

Please join me in praying for an increase in vocations to the single life, married life, consecrated life and particularly that more men will respond with courage to the Lord’s personal invitation to follow Him as priests and deacons for our Archdiocese.  

Rev. Fr Craig Szmidt

Vocation Director