Andrew James Blair, our web Administrator was Ordained Deacon in an Independent Catholic church on 4th October 2004. There were many trials and tribulations there as he wondered whether he had been mistaken in his call to Holy Orders. Taking a leave of absence he then returned to the Church to accept the Role of permanent Deacon, which he retained until Ordained in 2015. the Community of the blue mountains Franciscan Church requested that Rev deacon Andrew be ordained Priest.
On 4th October 2015 he was Ordained Priest by Bishop Peter Johnson, of this Community,( Christ our Hope) to serve in the parish of the Blue Mountains Franciscan Church, previously Holy Redeemer. Eventually Rev Andrew and his wife left the Community in the mountains, there were various reasons. The couple now attend Hope Uniting Church in Maroubra Junction.
Rev. Andrew came to the decision to seek Laicisation, to return to the role of a Lay Person. At a Liturgy held in his home on 2nd July this year Andrew was released from his vows during a Liturgy for release, returning a stole to the Community of Christ our Hope as a symbol of his leaving.
We wish him all the best for the Journey ahead. Andrew remains our web administrator. Here is a gallery of photographs, taken by his wife Jessica at the liturgy last Saturday.
Though some of these images appear to be the same, they are not, Jessica took them in Rapid succession, they might make a highland Reel.
Snippets from the liturgy
Philippians 2:5-8
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Let us entrust those who are leaving to the hands of the Lord. Let us pray that he will give them a prosperous journey and that as they travel they will praise him in all his creatures; that they will experience God’s own goodness in the hospitality they receive and bring the Good News of Salvation to all those they meet; and that they will be courteous toward all; that they will greet the poor and afflicted with kindness and know how to comfort and help them.
Lord God, whose blessings reach to the ends of the earth, you show your love in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus whom we call Saviour and Lord.
Confirm in us our common faith that we may walk together with you and one another. Send your blessing upon your church that what we have begun in the Spirit may be brought to completion by your power.
To you be glory and honour, now and forever.
Amen
Followed by the blessing and the Photo shoot.