Priesthood

Paul Chandler

I was born in Toowoomba and the seed of my vocation is found among my family - both immediate and extended. My faith was nurtured in my family by my parents and also by my grandmother who died when I was 16. She was a faith-filled lady whose most precious legacy and burning desire were to pass on to her children and grandchildren the gift of faith and love of the church. I must also acknowledge the Sisters of Mercy who began my school education in Ipswich and the Christian Brothers who completed it at St Mary’s in Toowoomba. The experience of being an altar server and chorister at St Patrick's Cathedral and knowing
many priests was also influential.

It was while I was in primary school that the idea of giving my life to God was ignited and gradually but slowly grew. By Year 10 I knew I wanted to follow this dream that had been growing within me. At the same time there developed an interest in being a teacher.

After Year 12 I was accepted into the Christian Brothers. With them I was trained as a teacher and taught for one year. When my temporary vows expired I left the congregation and then began a number of fruitful years teaching in parish schools around Brisbane.

After some years of teaching an interest in and attraction to priesthood began to grow within me. I was difficult to decide what to do. I loved teaching and did not want to give it up. There was a lengthy time of swinging backwards and forwards, going hot and cold on the idea.

Finally I said to God, "If you want me to be a priest, you have to get me to the point where I can give up teaching." Well, within six months something in me had changed and I was able to leave teaching with no regrets and wonderful memories.

Then I applied to go to Holy Spirit Seminary and in 2002 was accepted. I am grateful to my family who never expressed anything but support during those years of searching and to Michael McCarthy, the Rector, who welcomed me at the first meeting and said, echoing the motto of the seminary, "Come and see if this is what God is calling you to."

My formation was at the Wavell Heights location of the seminary and at St Paul’s Theological College, Banyo. The parishes of St Augustine, Coolangatta, All Saints, Albany Creek and St William’s, Grovely, supported and formed me during my pastoral years.

On September 2nd 2005 I was ordained deacon at St William’s, Grovely, by Bishop Brian Finnigan and on the Feast of the Chair of St Peter, February 22nd 2006 I was ordained priest by Archbishop John Bathersby in the Cathedral of St Stephen. My first appointment was as associate pastor at Southport Catholic Parish on the Gold Coast.

When I was finishing school I never thought I might be a priest. God is one who surprises us but God's surprises are always ones that give us real life and real peace.

Paul Chandler was ordained a priest by Archbishop Bathersby on Wednesday 22 February 2006 at St Stephen’s Cathedral. Father Paul has been appointed Parish Priest of Banyo Nundah.

Andrew Chase

I grew up in Rockhampton in a family of strong Catholic faith. Their example and guidance were probably the most significant factors in my desire to become a priest: they showed me God’s unconditional love by their own example and taught me that the way of Jesus Christ is the path God wants us to follow. Before coming to the seminary I completed a science degree and worked for a year with the National Evangelization Teams. After that I worked for two years at the Defence Department in Canberra, before deciding I couldn’t ignore the persistent call to priesthood any longer. I began my formation at Pius XII Seminary (as it was then called) in 1999 and spent my pastoral formation phase in the Catholic parishes of Bundaberg under the supervision of Fr Terry Loth.

Andrew Chase was ordained a priest by Bishop Brian Heenan on Thursday 9 February 2006 at St Joseph’s Cathedral, Rockhampton. Father Andrew has been appointed to the Mackay cluster of parishes.

Rod Ward - The Priest - Where is he?

Ordination on the 24 November 2006 was followed by many visits to connect with family, home parishes and individuals who had supported me with encouragement and prayers during my years of Formation and training.

I returned to my hometown of Gympie where I celebrated weekend Masses with family and the local community.

I celebrated a thanksgiving Mass in my previous parish which was the Cathedral Parish in Townsville.

On the invitation of Fr Jim Spence, who had been my mentor during Formation, I celebrated Thanksgiving Masses at Hendra Parish at Hendra and Northgate.

I returned to Bowen, where I had spent time as a Doctor, and celebrated with that community.

From the beginning of February 2007, I have been appointed assistant priest at Holy Spirit Parish, Cranbrook and at Wulguru Catholic Parish with special responsibility for Wulguru Parish. I now live in the presbytery at St. Joseph the Worker Church at Wulguru. This parish has three churches one of which is a 40 minute drive away at Woodstock.

Bishop Michael Putney has given me other areas of responsibility which include Ignatius Park Christian Brothers High School for boys, Southern Cross Primary School and I have been appointed chaplain for Centacare in the Townsville Diocese. My most recent appointment is to the Townsville Health Service District Human Research Ethics Committee.

I visit Ignatius Park, Southern Cross and Centacare at least on a weekly basis and more often as required. I am enjoying providing pastoral care for the parishioners of the parish. Pastoral care includes the Masses, reconciliations, baptisms, weddings, funerals, anointing, home visits, administration, liturgy, communion to the sick and many other areas such as involvement in the sacramental program with eighteen children to receive First Communion and Confirmation on 9 June at Wulguru.

My tasking also takes me to James Cook University with responsibility for the Sunday evening Masses and involvement in other pastoral activities on campus.

I have received enormous encouragement from parishioners in this my first parish. Their support and friendship have been energising. I continue involvement in a monthly directed support group. I try to maintain connections with the bishop and the other priests in the Diocese as well as with my friends from Seminary days and with my family.

I look forward to my future days as a priest.