ROCKHAMPTON diocese opened their arms wide to welcome back local man Andrew Hogan not as a country boy, but as one of their newest priests.
Born and raised in Rockhampton, Fr Andrew Hogan was ordained a priest by Rockhampton Bishop Michael McCarthy at St Joseph’s Cathedral last night Wednesday, December 4.
A large congregation gathered to witness the ordination, including 49 priests, family and friends of Fr Hogan and Catholics from throughout the diocese.
Fr Hogan said he would remain in the Parish of Bundaberg until December 31, before being appointed to a parish in the new year.
He said he was looking forward to carrying out his ministry wherever he was asked to go.
“I continue to be surprised by the depth of faith that people have and often share with me and the resilience of many people who have suffered much in their lives but never turn away from their faith and their God,” Fr Hogan said.
“This is what gives me hope and this occurs so frequently and in such amazing ways that it can only be through the action of God’s Spirit and this is certainly a significant element in me wanting to be a priest.”
Fr Hogan celebrated his first Mass as a newly ordained priest at 10am on Thursday, December 4 in St Joseph’s Cathedral.
The ordination also marked the first time Bishop McCarthy conferred the Sacrament of Holy Orders for Priesthood since being installed as Bishop of Rockhampton on May 29.
“It’s an exciting and joyful time for the church as we welcome Fr Andrew to the priesthood and gather in prayerful support for him in his new role,” Bishop McCarthy said.
Bishop McCarthy hoped Fr Hogan’s ordination would inspire more young people to consider the priesthood as a vocation.
“I was delighted to ordain Fr Andrew to the priesthood, and I am hopeful that many more of our young people will offer themselves for the priesthood and to work in the Diocese of Rockhampton,” Bishop McCarthy said.
“I congratulate Fr Andrew on his choice and personally thank his faith filled parents, Robert and Sharyn Hogan for their generosity in supporting Andrew in his choice of giving his life to the service of the Church.”
