John’s ordination was a first for both Emma and me and we were both looking forward to finding our exactly what happened. It was wonderful to see so many people from both our churches there to support John – every where we looked there were familiar faces.  There were two things that had a really powerful impact on me.  The first was the enormity of the commitment and promises that John made: they were huge. I was certainly left thinking that not only John but anyone who has been ordained a priest really does need supporting in their ministry if they are to fulfil those promises! The second was the moment when hands were laid on Johns head as I suppose the “magic” happened!  That was both powerful and emotional.   

If that wasn’t all emotional and wonderful enough, John’s First Mass followed on Sunday morning and what an occasion that was.  Watching John not only say but almost tangibly “feel” the Eucharistic prayer was incredibly special. To see our church so full was a real testament to how much we all share in the delight of John’s priesting. 

This was reinforced at the lunch when so many people came to share in what did seem like the feeding of the 5000 as the queue and the food went on for ever.  One abiding picture for me was when I saw John in the corner, lying on the floor with his two Grandsons. 

That and the ordination really did bring home to me just how much we expect of our priests, often putting them on some kind of intellectual or spiritual pedestal when they are just like you and I, just people.  However, they are people with a special calling who really do need our support and not just at their first Mass or ordination but always.