2001

28th November 2001
Bishop to Ordain New Catholic Priest
Catholic Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle, the Most Reverend Michael Malone will ordain Deacon Mark Foster to the Priesthood at Sacred Heart Cathedral this Saturday (1st December) at 10:00 am.

This ritual will be a highly significant occasion for Mark Foster, who was ordained a deacon on 30th June this year during a special ceremony in Singleton.

It is also a highly significant occasion for all people within the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese - a geographical area that embraces the Newcastle, Hunter and Manning communities.

Deacon Mark Foster was born and educated in Wallsend. As part of his 13 years work as an electrician, Mark took the opportunity to work in China. He says that it was during this time that he was challenged to think about his life, its meaning and direction.

In 1993 Mark began his studies for the priesthood in Newcastle and Sydney. In 1998 he chose to spend one of his pastoral placements in Peru. Mark described this placement as another significant experience in his formation as a pastoral leader.

Mark says, "these pastoral experiences have helped to depth my understanding of humanity, our limitations, our hopes, our strengths and our struggles - our common journey."

During the past 10 months Mark has been based at Singleton Catholic Parish. This has enabled him to participate in the life of the Singleton community and its surrounds.

Having completed all the requirements for entry into the priesthood Mark 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 Mark'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 Mark the authority to live and act as an ordained minister of the Church. The priests of the diocese will also lay their hands on Mark's head as a symbol of their unity with him in the priesthood and affirming him in his ordination.

Mark's main role as a diocesan priest will be centred on preaching the Word of God, celebrating the Eucharist, leading people in all forms of liturgical worship and meeting other pastoral needs of the community.

Mark's family, friends and members of the diocesan community will gather to celebrate the occasion with him. The ordination ceremony will begin at 10:00 am in the Sacred Heart Cathedral Hamilton (827 Hunter Street Newcastle West) this Saturday.

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