All Saints'

Ordination of a Priest

February 1, 2009 /

Joey and I had the pleasure of attending the Ordination of John Wharton Newton, IV on Saturday, 31 January 2009.  John was a member of Canterbury, the Episcopal Student Center, during the last couple of years that Joey and I were in college, then he was the program coordinator for Canterbury, and then he attended seminary.  Now he is back at the Episcopal Student Center as the chaplain.

The Ordination of a Priest is always an impressive service, and John’s ordination was especially beautiful.  The church was absolutely packed.  It was a fantastic blend of All Saints’ high church style, and the more casual music and atmosphere of the Episcopal Student Center, for which John is the Chaplain.  Donald Wertz was the verger; you should see Donald verge.

The Reverend Miles Brandon gave the sermon.  I tell you what, that man can preach!  Father Miles held the position of chaplain for the Episcopal Student Center before John, and he shared preaching duties at All Saints’, so Joey and I have enjoyed his preaching for years.  Recently Father Miles was called to start a new church in northwest Austin, and he left All Saints’.  We knew we were losing a great asset at the time he left, but when he began his sermon at the ordination, Joey and I both felt a pang of regret that we don’t get to hear his sermons on a regular basis anymore.  Don’t get me wrong, All Saints’ is blessed with multiple great preachers, and Father Mike and Father Phil can really bring down the house with their sermons, but Father Miles has a passion that inspires you every time!  Most priests start their sermons with, “in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit”, but Father Miles starts with another phrase.  I can’t quote it accurately, so I won’t try, but it ends with, “…take our hearts and set them on fire with love for you”.  Wow!  Hearing those words just gave me a jolt of gratitude that he was preaching last night!

There was a reception after the ordination, and the All Saints’ Heavenly Host (yes, that is really the name of our hospitality group), and the folks from the student center, and Mona outdid themselves setting up a beautiful event.  We got to see several friends from our days in Canterbury, including Patrick, now Father Patrick!  So many people who were at the Episcopal Student Center with us went on to become priests.

I am so glad we were able to attend the service of Ordination.  I really enjoyed being there to support John.


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