“I thought she was ordained last year?”

2011-07-21

Rev’d Gwyneth Williams

 

Well, to the many people who have said that (yes I was ordained last September), and some others who have asked if my title will now be the Very Rev. – no it definitely will not. Let me tell you a bit about the meaning and calling of ordination to the priesthood. Just writing about it will I hope help me as well but will confirm the huge nature of the role of priest which I have no doubt will take me the rest of my life to fully comprehend.

At the first ordination last September we were ordained deacons. Deacons were originally members of the Bishops household, shared in his ministry of service, evangelisation, proclaimed the gospel and assisted at the Eucharist. Deacons care for the sick and needy and for assisting the worship of the people. Some people feel called to remain deacons and this was so for two of my colleagues.

During the nine months following ordination, deacons are trained and taught in their ministry and tested as to their calling and suitability to serve God’s people as priest.

Neither can ordination be taken for granted and I remember last year not buying the additional robes and stoles until the last few weeks because I couldn’t quite believe that the Bishop would ordain me. Clearly God knows what he is doing!

Before the service the ordinands have to make a Declaration of Assent. This is to profess the faith as revealed in the scripture to each generation, to bear witness to the ‘Thirty Nine Articles of Religion’ and that in public prayer and administration of the sacrament we will use only the formal order of service authorised by Canon Law. We also swear allegiance to the Queen.

So what are priests expected to do:

a)      To be servants and shepherds.

b)      Proclaim God’s word and to watch signs.

c)       Messengers, watchers and stewards of the Lord.

d)      Teach and admonish.

e)      Feed and provide for his family.

f)       Search for his children.

g)      Guide them through life’s confusions.

h)      Call to repentance.

i)        Declare in Christ’s name the absolution and forgiveness of their sins.

 and then there’s more:

j)        Tell the story of God’s love

k)      Baptise and nurture in the faith.

l)        Uphold the scriptures; preach the word in and out of season.

m)     Preside at the Lord’s table and lead his people in worship.

n)      Bless the people in God’s name.

o)      Resist evil, support the weak, defend the poor and intercede for all in need.

p)      Minister to the sick and prepare the dying for their death.

q)      Discern and foster the gifts of God’s people that the church may be built up in unity and faith.

 

If Kent County Council had expected half of those tasks when I was appointed as a Social Worker I would never have signed up!

God however knows that we cannot do this in our own strength, we are but human and so we must rely on him through out prayer lives and presence of the Holy Spirit nudging dwelling in us. As priests we also need your prayers and support so please don’t forget us or assume we’re well equipped

I hope this rather lengthy blog helps provide a greater understanding. Thanks for your love and prayers.