1998

25th June 1998
Bishop to Ordain New Catholic Priest
The Catholic Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle, the Most Reverend Michael Malone will ordain Deacon James Lunn to the priesthood of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle this Saturday morning June 27.

This ritual will be a highly significant occasion for James Lunn, who was ordained a deacon last year and is also a celebration for the entire Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle - a geographical area that embraces the Newcastle, Hunter and Manning communities.

Deacon James Lunn, aged 36, was born and educated in the Manning area. His secondary education was at Taree Catholic High School and Chatham High School. He is a graduate of the University of Newcastle with degrees in Mathematics and Arts. After his university studies James worked in Sydney and then began his theological training for the priesthood at St Paul's National Seminary in Kensington, Sydney.

During the past 18 months James has been based at St James's Parish Muswellbrook where he has been undertaking his pastoral internship - a requirement of his training for the priesthood. This has enabled him to participate in the life of the Upper Hunter parish communities of Muswellbrook, Aberdeen and Denman.

Having completed all the requirements for entry into the priesthood James will receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders during Saturday's Mass. A powerful and significant moment will occur during the Rite of Ordination when Bishop Michael Malone will lay his hands on James's head calling the power of the Holy Spirit to come upon him, a tradition that dates back to New Testament times. By performing this action Bishop Malone grants James the authority to live and act as an ordained minister of the Church. The priests of the diocese will also lay their hands on James's head as a symbol of their unity with him in the priesthood and affirming him in his ordination.

As a diocesan priest James's main work will be centred on preaching the Word of God, celebrating Eucharist, leading people in all forms of liturgical worship, and meeting other pastoral needs of the community. As part of James's vocation he will live a commitment to celibacy.

James's ordination will take place on the patronal feast of the diocese, Our Lady of Perpetual Help. His family, friends and members of the diocesan community will gather to celebrate the occasion with him. The liturgy will take place at 10.30am in the Sacred Heart Cathedral Hamilton (located at 827 Hunter Street Newcastle West) and be followed by refreshments at the Diocesan Centre. All media are invited to attend.

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