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Tasmanian Anglican

September 2004

 

 

 

 

 


The Parish of Longford/Perth was delighted to welcome their newest priest, Sheila Holmes. (R)

 

Spontaneous applause

 

 

The rubric in the Order of Service suggesting the congregation greet the newly priested Sheila Holmes with applause was unnecessary!

It was spontaneous and rapturous and followed that most wonderful moment of 'the laying on of hands' by two Bishops: (our Diocesan) John and (former Longford Parish rector) Owen Dowling, and several priests.

Christ Church Longford was well-filled on Sunday 8 August for this grand occasion: the raising to the priesthood of Deacon Sheila Holmes.

Saintly courtesy

Sheila, widow of a former rector Charles Holmes, is greatly loved amongst the worshipping community and has brought a deep personal spiritual understanding to the congregation through her public prayers at divine service. Her thoughtful and deliberative sermons have been greatly respected at Longford, Perth, Evandale and other places where she has preached and the saintly courtesy of her manner, coupled with a wicked sense of humour - the right sort of wicked! - endear Sheila to all with whom she has contact. Her ministry now takes on new meaning for her and for us.

Strength

Her ordination gives the Parish of Longford/Perth and the associated parishes five priests of strength and our rector Geoff Bransgrove assures us he has others in mind to be challenged to examine themselves for a calling!