Spotlight Q&A
Meet Fr Bernard Thomas, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday, and find out about his ministry, why he decided to become a priest, what advice he has for people discerning their vocation, about his faith journey and what scripture he would write on a billboard and why
Features
“When we become aware that God is calling us to ordained ministry, it may at first come as a bit of a surprise; a realisation deep within that feels both right, yet strangely uncomfortable,” says The Rev’d Fang Ling Quested, as she shares her story of faith that brought her from the Buddhist temples of Taiwan to ordination in Brisbane, as Vocations Month continues
“The desert is a significant place where people can meet God. Even before Jesus, holy people used to withdraw themselves from their families and live in deserts to meet with God. I encountered God for the first time when I travelled the deserts and slept in deserts as a child – the desert is where my intimacy with him, before I became Christian, began,” says St Francis College formation student Mamuor Kunpeter, as Vocations Month continues
“God called Ross from a well-paid role in agriculture to a poorly-paid role in the Church…and he accepted the challenge. In comparison, ordained ministers are paid well these days, but there is still something deeply vocational about our role. It demands much of us and will take us to places that are physically, psychologically and emotionally challenging,” says Bishop Cam Venables
“I really hope that a simple podcast like this will allow people searching for their vocation to tap into the experiences of others. Storytelling can inspire and instruct, and give people a real insight into how they might serve God in their own life,” says The Rev’d Canon Sarah Plowman, as Vocations Month continues
At the request of anglican focus, Archbishop Phillip Aspinall reflects on his recent Companion of the Order of Australia appointment and how this honour and his ministry tie in with his call to the priesthood, as Vocations Month approaches
“I think that taking time out in the outdoors is a fantastic way to connect with God and God’s purpose for our lives. So, as part of my role as Director of Ordinands and Vocations, I am leading a one-day pilgrimage walk from the Mt Coot-tha summit to St John’s Cathedral so we can reflect on vocation and call,” says The Rev’d Canon Sarah Plowman
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