A Joyful New Chapter

John 21:15-17 "Feed my lambs... Tend my sheep... Feed my sheep."

Summary: This Saturday, we celebrate God's continuing work among us as Rosemary MacLaughlin is ordained to the priesthood and begins a new chapter of ministry at St. Augustine.

Dear St. Augustine Family,

This Saturday will be one of those days that reminds me how beautifully God continues to shape the life of the Church. Our Transitional Deacon, Rosemary MacLaughlin, will be ordained to the priesthood on Saturday, January 18, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Cathedral in Sacramento. I hope many of you will join me in celebrating this joyful milestone.

Trinity Cathedral

2620 Capitol Avenue

Sacramento, CA 95816

For those who plan to attend, parking is available in the parking structure on the corner of 27th and N Street. When you enter the structure, you will receive a parking ticket; please keep it with you, as parking validation machines are available in the Cathedral Narthex and the Great Hall.

Ordination is not simply a graduation or a promotion. It is the Church recognizing God's call in someone's life and praying that the Holy Spirit will strengthen them for the work ahead. During the service, Rosemary will renew her commitment to Christ, the bishop will attend, and the people will affirm their support. Through the laying on of hands by the bishop and other priests, accompanied by prayer, Rosemary will be ordained into the priesthood. The service concludes with the Holy Eucharist, where she joins the community at Christ's table as a newly ordained priest.

Following her ordination, Rosemary will serve here at St. Augustine as our Curate for the next two years. The word "curate" comes from the Latin word cura, meaning "care." Originally, a curate was someone entrusted with the care of souls. Today, in the Episcopal Church, a curate is a newly ordained priest who serves under the guidance of an experienced rector while continuing to grow in the practice of ministry. It is a season of learning, mentoring, and serving alongside the congregation.

I am deeply grateful that God has brought Rosemary to St. Augustine. Her gifts, compassion, wisdom, and love for God's people have already enriched our community. Now we have the privilege of walking beside her as she grows into this new ministry among us.

This is truly a gift to our parish. God continues to call ordinary people to extraordinary ministries, and together we get to witness that grace unfolding. Please keep Rosemary in your prayers this week, and let us give thanks for the many ways God continues to bless the life of St. Augustine.

Warmly,

Pastor Anny+

Prayer Gracious God, pour your Holy Spirit upon Rosemary as she is ordained to the priesthood. Give her wisdom, courage, compassion, and joy as she serves your people, and help all of us to support one another in the ministry you have entrusted to us. Amen.