Bishop Kicanas writes about receiving Holy Nativity, Payson

At left, the newly welcomed members of the Holy Nativity Church with Father Andrews and Msgr. Steenson, Ordinary of the Anglican Ordinariate, standing in the back row.

At left, the newly welcomed members of the Holy Nativity Church with Father Andrews and Msgr. Steenson, Ordinary of the Anglican Ordinariate, standing in the back row.

Yesterday I was pleased to ordain into the Roman Catholic priesthood, Father Lowell Andrews. As part of the celebration Msgr. Jeffrey Steenson, Ordinary of the Anglican Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter, received the congregation of the Church of the Holy Nativity into full communion in the Catholic Church.

He spoke to each person expressing the joy of the Church in welcoming them. After that it was my privilege to confirm many of them.

I was pleased that Father Bill Gyure, pastor of St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Payson, his two deacons, Ed Burgin and Tom Fox, along with many of his parishioners attended the Mass of ordination and helped with the ceremony.

Msgr. Steenson expressed gratitude for the wonderful gesture of the Holy Father extending his hand to welcome Anglican/Episcopal communities into the Catholic Church. He called for unity and a working together as Catholics in the Payson area to realize the new evangelization. He reminded us that joy is characteristic of a follower of Christ and that joy is contagious.

I am sure Father Lowell and his wife, Marilyn, and their community were thrilled by the joy present in the congregation.

There are several Anglican priests seeking ordination in our Diocese and one other congregation that is considering the possibility of entering the Catholic Church.

I am grateful to Father Miguel Mariano, Director of Liturgy, Sister Lois Paha, O.P., Director of Pastoral Services, and Steff Koeneman, Director of Communications, for accompanying me to Payson for this celebration. Their help was much appreciated.

From the Monday Memo of Bishop Gerald Kicanas