Welcome Fr Brown
Saturday 21st July 2018A diocesan community gathered together today for a joy-filled celebration of the priestly ordination of Callum Brown. Over 100 priests of the diocese and around the UK gathered with the Bishop as he called Callum forward for ministry as a priest of the diocese. Bishop John was also joined by Bishop Robert Byrne from the Archdiocese of Birmingham.
The cathedral was full for the celebration, the congregation comprised Fr Callum’s family and friends, people from the various parishes in which he has served as a seminarian, people from his home parish, seminarians from Oscott College where Fr Callum has been in formation for the priesthood, and faithful from across the diocese.
During the ceremony Fr Callum was presented to the Bishop for ordination by Canon Oakley, Rector of Oscott College.
The newly ordained Fr Callum was vested by Canon Jude Harrison and Fr Christopher Gorton.
Bishop John began his homily by thanking Fr Callum for answering the question, ‘What does God want of me?’.
He went on to remind Fr Callum and all the clergy present that their agendas are set by the people in their pastoral care, and it is their duty to respond in service with what they need.
Bishop John continued by quoting Pope Francis. The Holy Father recently told a gathering of clergy that they needed to be in three places:
- At the front, leading by example and living out the Gospel.
- Be in the middle of their flock, knowing where their parishioners are in their journey and responding parish by parish
- Be round the back, making sure no one gets left behind.
You can listen to the homily here:
During the ordination rite, the Callum promised ‘to celebrate the mysteries of Christ, faithfully and religiously… for the glory of God and the sanctification of Christ’s people.’
Fr Brown will now take a break before starting in his first placement as Assistant Priest of St Edward, Lees in September.
Please keep Fr Brown and all priests in your prayers.
