THIRTY-two years after being baptised in Rockhampton’s St Joseph’s Cathedral, local man Deacon Andrew Hogan, will return to the iconic city landmark to be ordained a priest on December 3 by Rockhampton Bishop Michael McCarthy.
A large congregation, including 150 of Andrew’s family and friends, are expected to gather with Bishop McCarthy, along with diocesan priests and religious, and members of the Catholic community from throughout the diocese to witness his ordination.
St Joseph’s holds a special place in Andrew’s life and faith development – he served there as an altar boy for many years, was heavily involved in music ministry, and it was also the location of countless family baptisms, weddings and funerals.
“Faith and Catholicity were always a part of my family life and my participation in Church life centred around St Joseph’s Cathedral,” Deacon Andrew said.
“Attendance at Sunday Mass was a weekly event while growing up.
“It was a family affair with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins scattered throughout the church participating in various ministries.
“My love for the Church began at a very early age and was instilled in me through my parents and family.
“The idea of priesthood has been with me for a long time, since I was a child.
“Ultimately what appeals to me about being a priest is allowing God to have his will in my life and that is what brings true fulfilment.
“I look forward to sharing the experience of God that others have, particularly at privileged and significant times in their lives: at baptism, marriage, through reconciliation, as well as being with people when they die, and helping their loved ones to say farewell through prayer.
“There is an obvious sense of excitement as the ordination draws near.
“I have one final in-service to complete before heading on retreat for five days to really focus on the event ahead and seek God’s grace that I might carry out my priestly ministry worthily and well.”
During the ordination ceremony, Deacon Andrew will be presented with his priestly vestments and then assisted in dressing by his parish priest throughout his diaconate in Bundaberg Fr John Daly and long-time family friend Fr John Rasmussen.
“Fr Daly likes to remind me that he has known me since birth and Fr Rasmussen baptised me, so it’s very meaningful for me that they will be taking part,” Deacon Andrew said.
Born and bred in Rockhampton, Deacon Andrew is the youngest of four siblings to parents Robert and Sharyn Hogan.
Mrs Hogan said her son’s deep sense of compassion for others, his ability to relate to all ages, and wisdom beyond his years, were characteristics that would assist him in his vocation to the priesthood.
“He can talk to anyone – young or old,” she said. “He seems to know just the right thing to say to people during difficult times.
“I know he is very happy and contented with his decision, and as a parent that is exactly what you wish for your children.”
Deacon Andrew was school captain at St Peter’s Primary School and again at The Cathedral College where he graduated in 1999.
Brisbane ABC Radio reporter Jessica Hinchliffe, who was TCC co-captain with Andrew, said he led the school community in a way that benefitted more than just the students.
“His leadership reached out to teachers, the Church, families and the wider Central Queensland community,” Ms Hinchliffe said.
“He was always witty, open to new ideas and eager to help others, including myself, when times were tough.
“Andrew’s persistence to reach this amazing goal is inspiring.”
TCC academic dean of visual and performing arts and Andrew’s former teacher Therese Quinn said Deacon Andrew was loyal and honest, with a sharp wit and an infectious sense of humour.
“Andrew is strong-minded, but not arrogant. A stickler for tradition and he understands life has its ups and downs,” Miss Quinn said.
“He has a strong sense of justice between what is right and what is wrong – he was a formidable member of the college debating team.”
Following secondary school and a year volunteering with the National Evangelisation Teams team based in Adelaide, Andrew entered Holy Spirit Seminary in Brisbane, completing a Bachelor of Theology at the Brisbane College of Theology before returning to Rockhampton to complete a Graduate Diploma in Education and work as a teacher.
In 2012 Andrew returned to the seminary and completed a Master of Theological Studies through the Australian Catholic University.
“Training at the seminary was intense and comprehensive, covering Scripture, Church History, Theology, Mission and Ministry, Church Law, Liturgy, Moral Theology and Philosophy,” he said.
“Within the seminary itself I participated in courses on human development, classes on spirituality, homiletics and preaching, liturgy, prayer and presiding, canon law, and ethics.
“I was also fortunate to spend some time at the Regional Tribunal Office and completed a course for pastoral carers at Catholic Psychiatric Pastoral Care.
“Living in the seminary itself teaches much about how to negotiate the web of human interactions and builds skills in interpersonal relationships and fostering community.
“The daily routine of the seminary sets a pattern for prayer and has as its centre of life, the celebration of the Eucharist.”
A highlight of Andrew’s seminary training was a personal meeting with Pope Francis, two days before Christmas, while on pilgrimage to Israel and Rome last year.
“We were fortunate to be able to celebrate Mass with Pope Francis at Santa Marta and then spend some time with him afterwards,” he said.
Following his ordination Andrew will remain working in the Bundaberg parish until the end of the year before being allocated to a parish within Rockhampton diocese.
His ordination Mass starts at 7pm at St Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral, Rockhampton, on December 3.
