Ordination of a priest

Archdeacon Gen Grewell, Bishop Greg Rickel, Priest Ray Sheldon

Last Saturday I attended the ordination of Ray Sheldon to the priesthood. Ray is a friend I met when we were on the staff of a Cursillo event. He's been a deacon at Faith Church, Kingston, for some years, doing the work of a priest in all but the sacraments. When the bishop talked to Ray, they both agreed that God was obviously calling Ray to be ordained a priest. So on Saturday, the bishop laid hands on Ray and set him aside to be a priest in God's church.

As I listened to Bishop Greg pray over Ray, these words jumped out at me: "Make him a faithful pastor, a patient teacher, and a wise councilor."

• A faithful pastor. Being a shepherd to the flock requires more faithfulness than brilliance. Being faithful is a ministry of patience and steadiness.
  

• A patient teacher. Saying the same thing over and over again is sometimes necessary, and people may not hear you until they have come to trust you.
  

• A wise councilor. Giving advice is not something done lightly. Wisdom comes with age, and wise advice is a rare commodity.
  

I'm grateful that I've been given the work of a priest, and humbled by the faithfulness, patience, and wisdom that a priest is called to have.
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