This weekend is going to be a busy one. We have: John Millar's ordination, Children's Liturgy restarting at the Cathedral, a Sung Mass Extraordinary form and the monthly Tabletop Sale after 10:30am Mass. More of these other activities later in the week.
John Millar has kindly sent in a message sharing some of his recent preparation for ordination, this includes details of his recent retreat, (see also yesterday's entry about retreats) and the swearing of oaths before he is ordained.
On Friday 21st September, the eve of John's ordination there will be a Holy Hour at St Joseph's, Skerton at 7.00 to 8.00 for vocations and priests. All welcome.
Please continue to pray for John and his family
A retreat at Ampleforth
John Millar has kindly sent in a message sharing some of his recent preparation for ordination, this includes details of his recent retreat, (see also yesterday's entry about retreats) and the swearing of oaths before he is ordained.
Please continue to pray for John and his family
A retreat at Ampleforth
John writes: A few weeks ago I went to North Yorkshire, the Benedictine Abbey of Ampleforth (click here for more information about Ampleforth), to undertake my pre-ordination retreat. Church law requires everyone who is to be ordained to enter into retreat for five days in preparation for ordination. This gives one the time to reflect on the momentous change that happens in your life at ordination, that you will be configured to Christ and through your hands He will forgive sins and give His Body and Blood to His people. The monks at Ampleforth provided very warm hospitality as always and their daily rhythm of prayer provides a good structure for a retreat.
Screen capture showing Ampleforth Abbey
and rule of St Benedict about welcoming guests
Swearing oaths of Fidelity and Freedom and Knowledge
John writes: Before I proceed to ordination to the Priesthood I am also required to swear and oath of fidelity and an oath of freedom and knowledge. I swore these oaths last Saturday night at the vigil Mass in St Joseph’s where I have been living and working for the past 14 months. These oaths require one to state that one is under no pressure to be ordained and that I truly believe that I am called by God to serve as a priest. Moreover, I must swear that I am will obey all Church laws and any command of my superiors as well as adhering to the doctrine of the Faith for the rest of my life. This might seem somewhat intimidating to some, but having thought and prayed these matters over for the last seven years they are a natural conclusion to a long process of formation.
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| John Millar during his ordination as deacon on Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes 11.2.2012 |