AUS, SYDNEY: Archbishop Dr Peter Jensen said a record year of ordinations for the Sydney Diocese was a cause for thanks to God but still called for prayer that more men and women may be raised up for ministry.
Dr Jensen ordained 50 men and six women, and commissioned one lay worker in front of a packed congregation at St Andrew’s Cathedral on February 6. “What we are seeing here today,” Dr Jensen told the congregation, “is wonderful evidence of the good work of God in our city. We’re so delighted and thankful to God.”
Parish support was vital for the candidates. Officials say that as of October, 22 people were still without jobs but 2010 began with everyone being offered a position.
Even though he described the numbers as ‘extraordinary’ Dr Jensen asked the rhetorical question “Is it enough? No. We need many, many more Christian workers for the task that is ahead of us. This is not enough.” Dr Jensen then asked the congregation to be in prayer for the raising up of more gospel workers.
Most of the ordinands are destined for parish ministry, but as well as the record for overall numbers it also marked the most school chaplains to be ordained in one year.
February 22, 2010 Vol 68 Issue 6
