A Home Grown Harvest

By Darcy Vaughan

A key indicator of a healthy diocese is the ordination of ‘home grown’ clergy. On this basis there is good reason to feel very optimistic about the future of our churches. Saturday the 21st of March was a remarkable case in point, with three candidates being ordained by Bishop Matt at St Paul’s Cathedral, and all three of them ‘home grown’!

Karlie McGrath from the Parish of Mooroopna was ordained deacon. Rector of Maroopna Rev’d Simon Robinson expressed his joy that their mate Karlie had been called by God to holy orders. He reported that half their mob had made the trip to St Paul’s Cathedral for the great occasion. “I felt so blessed that so many of my church family travelled to Bendigo to celebrate with me” Rev’d Karlie reflected. “It was a real blessing to stand alongside Matt and Sam and begin our different roles together.”

Matt Gallagher from the Parish of South East Bendigo was also ordained deacon. When asked if there was a standout moment in the service for him, Rev’d Matt reflected “for me the moment that felt particularly meaningful was when ‘the church’ responded in one voice to confirm their reception and welcome of me to serve in this new way. It reminded me that God is calling me to serve and care for his people.” Rev’d Trevor Bell confirmed this sense of calling from South East Bendigo, adding that “we are excited to see the continued growth in Matt’s leadership, and we at Holy Trinity look forward to the things that God will do in and through Matt.”

Rev’d Samuel Kelly, who has been ministering as deacon for the parish of Rochester-Lockington, was ordained priest. Samuel’s ordination was attended by his two brothers who have also been ordained in the Anglican church. “The laying on of hands from the priests in the diocese was a standout for me, and it was particularly meaningful to me that my brothers, Reece and Jacob, were able to take part in that process.” Rev’d Phil Zamagias, Rector of Christ Church, Echuca, was elated that Samuel, who began as a student minister four years ago, had grown and matured into this calling: “Seeing the Rev’d Samuel Kelly being priested recently and entrusted with the responsibility of caring for the Parish of Rochester and Lockington will stay with me as a highlight of my ministry. Seeing God develop Samuel’s gifts over those years, under the direction and enabling of the Holy Spirit, gives me great hope for the Anglican Church as God raises up new ministers who are willing to commit to a lifetime of ordained ministry.” We join Phil in giving thanks for all these new ordinands and join together in praying for their ministry of service among us.