Call and Vocation – A Reflection on Ministry

October 23rd, 2026

A Reflection on Ministry

“Do you believe that you are truly called by God and his Church to this Priesthood?”

“Yes, I believe I am so called.” (1)

Today was the anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood, October 23rd, the Feast day of St. James of Jerusalem, 19 years ago. As I am now retired from active Parish ministry, have been for just under a year, it was a day of reflection for me; as part of my morning prayer, I reflected on the questions and vows made at my ordination, the commitment I was making to God and my church;  recalling the moment of my consecration as a priest, the joy felt, the anticipation of this new life of ministry, but also realizing in that too, so much of what was unknown to me then, but have helped me become the Priest I am today. “We know that all things work together for good, for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

I think today too of the many people I have encountered along the way over these 19 years through my ministry, and how they too have become a part of my life’s story. The sad times, that nothing could have prepared one for beforehand, only to be lived out in the moment of encounter; It is in these times, that I felt God the most strongest in my ministry, an ever restoring presence, but also a pillar of hope and strength enabling me to be, and do what was needed in these times.  “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20). I felt that constantly throughout my ministry, I was never alone in it.

In these times, but also in the more joyous moments given,… pouring water over an infant’s head in baptism, …joining a couple in marriage, …the laughter and fellowship had in the parish,… or the preaching moments when I felt most alive, ….and at the moment of consecration in the eucharist, in all that, was given the ever enduring presence of God’s sustaining grace for the journey. “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; and at your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)

It however, was in the more difficult times of struggle, when uncertainty, fear, and doubt would arise, not in God but in myself, feeling ill-fitted for the task at hand; that I knew the strength of my God in the perseverance, strength and endurance that was found, and knew too  I was where I needed to be. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (psalm 46:1)

And so today the memories flood my mind and thought from these 19 years of Parish ministry, the people, and places I’ve been, bringing up moments of reflection, emotions, and sentiment, but also recalling the lessons that were there for me along the way, being shaped and formed for the ministry I was called to, by my Loving God.

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:1)

Today I am enjoying a more relaxed life, now retired from full-time ministry; it doesn’t however mean my calling is any different, I am still a priest and while the commitment to serve God and his church remains as strong for me today, as it did the day I made my vows, I do it in a different context. In the everyday of my life, through the encounters I have there, when a bit of gospel is shared in a conversation that is had; or through helping someone, through some difficult time, just by being presence to them, sharing a word, or encouragement; but also through supporting and sharing in the ministry of my local church when an opportunity comes. So I give God thanks, for my years of ministry, the people I met and shared life and ministry with along the way, for my family and life now, and for God’s continued sustaining grace. And the continued Journey to where he takes me in life.

“Trust the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

(1)The Book of Alternative Services, The Anglican Church of Canada, Copyright © 1985 by the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada, ABC Publishing, Anglican Book Centre. The Ordination of A Priest, page 646.