Most Rev. Joseph A. Grenier,
Ph.D., Presiding Bishop
P.O. Box 299, Canadensis, PA 18325-0299
www.celticchristianchurch.org
570-595-2543 or 570-595-7950
August 2007
On June 30th of this year, at Saint
Bede’s Episcopal Cburch in Syosset, NY, I had the joy of ordaining Maura Bernard
to the Priesthood. Assisting me were +Katherine Kurtz and +Peter-Paul Brennan,
a good friend of ours. Following are Maura’s reflections on her ordination.
+Joseph A. Grenier
Reflections on My Priestly Ordination
I love quoting rock songs, so I'll use The Beatles for my inspiration to
begin... the long and winding road that leads to ordination! After a seven-year
journey, I made it to the Crossroads, as bluesman Robert Johnson once said, and
fell down on my knees.
As Cait+ mentioned in her homily, I came to the Celtic Christian Church not
seeking ordination but spiritual peace and a safe place to heal from the death
of my parents and the churches that let me down (big time!). As the call to the
priesthood went from a whisper to an almost audible voice, I discovered that, in
my 50's, my somewhat unconventional life has been preparation for this moment.
I wasn't ready until now.
Last summer's CPE course was also an important part of my preparation. In places
like the ER and Dialysis Unit at St. John's Hospital in Queens and the nursing
home in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, I developed a sense of "spiritual triage,"
as I call it, and learned a bit more about thinking on my feet. With the urging
of a few CPE supervisors, I was able to transfer my experience as a
reporter/broadcaster to ask the right questions and get to the heart of the
patients' spiritual concerns and anxieties. I also learned that I wasn't there
to "fix" things, but to be a companion on the journey and walk through the
difficult period with them. I highly recommend the CPE experience
Planning the ordination itself was like planning a wedding... church, liturgy,
music, vestments, altar items, flowers, reception, food, details, details.
Thanks to Kathleen+ for being the MC and for taking lots of the pressure off me
during the planning stages and the ceremony itself. I promised myself that I
would stay "in the moment" and savor each part of the ordination ceremony.... I
didn't want it to be a blur and I didn't want to be so concerned with the next
thing that I wasn't focusing on what was happening at the moment. Thanks to
Kathleen+'s "stage directions," I think I succeeded! When I had my "face on the
floor" (as Sr. Peggy says), I was aware of all my ancestors and family there, as
well as lots of saints! I have two relatives who were Jesuit missionaries, and
I felt their presence quite strongly.
Having +Peter Paul Brennan (of Married Priests Now) there was a wonderful
surprise! When the ordination prayer was said, +Joe, +Katherine and +Peter laid
hands on me. I felt as if fire was moving through me... a cleansing, purifying
fire, and a tangible manifestation of the Holy Spirit! When it was time to say
the prayer of consecration over the bread and wine, I held my hand up at the
proper time and could barely believe that I had been ordained to do so. At a
few points during the ceremony, I looked out at the congregation of 60 or so and
thought, "Wow, all these wonderful people went to all that time, expense,
travel, motel bills and rearranging their schedules just to be here with me
today." It was unbelievable! Thanks again to all who were there and to those
who supported me with their prayers and good thoughts.
Right before my ordination, Father Michael Tesmacher, pastor of Prince of Peace
Independent Catholic Community, told me that I was officially assistant pastor!
We're trying to be more visible and have set up our table at different events on
Long Island. Michael+ would like to have a presence at the upcoming Fire Island
Film Festival... it'll be a chance to let folks know that we are a welcoming,
affirming and inclusive church.
After the ordination reception, Michael+ and a few of us went to his local pub.
Wearing his collar, he announced that I had just been ordained and to welcome
me. The place was packed and I got a rousing cheer! I had been ordained about 4
hours when God put me to work! There was a young guy in his early 20's who
approached me shyly and said, "So, you're a priest, eh? Can we talk about the
faces of God? I'm really confused." We spoke for about 45 minutes over a beer
or two. We shared about our spiritual journeys and I asked him to keep
seeking God and staying on the path of discovery. He promised me that he would
continue to read, explore and talk with people. I hope we'll run into each
other again. Hmm... divine appointment in a pub!
For the next two weeks, I'll be celebrating Mass while Michael+ is on vacation
with his daughters, son and two grandchildren. Michael's son-in-law was killed
in an auto accident earlier this year... his grandson was about a month old at
the time. I'm glad he can take this time to help the family heal, and
especially minister to his daughter. I feel like I'm at the right place at the
right time.... Michael+ can take a well-needed vacation and know that the
community has a back-up priest to say Mass. It's a small group, but diverse.
I'm honored and privileged to serve as priest for them while Michael+ is away.
And I've already made a pastoral visit to someone in the hospital and said
Prayers For the Sick. Yep, God hasn't wasted any time at all!
My Uncle Bobby passed away nearly two years ago, and didn't want a Mass or
memorial service. My Aunt Nancy says that the family needs some closure and has
asked that I prepare a Mass for the second anniversary of his passing. She was
holding off asking me until I was ordained! Another privilege coming up.
Thanks to Bishop Joe for this opportunity to reflect on my ordination and to all
of you for taking the time to read this. After a month, I feel like I'm finally
starting to "land!"
Love & Blessings,
Maura+
the Celtic
Christian Church
