Revd Faith Sithole Ordained to the Presbyterate at St. Fethlimidh’s Cathedral, Kilmore
Last Sunday afternoon, 6th July, a large congregation gathered in St. Feithlimidh’s Cathedral Kilmore to mark the ordination of Revd. Faith Sithole as Presbyter by Rt. Revd. Ferran Glenfield, the Bishop of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh. The service, beautifully organised by Dean of Kilmore Revd. Nigel Crossey, was witnessed by family, friends, and many from the wider Diocesan community.
Revd. Sithole’s journey in the Church reflects the natural rhythms of spiritual growth: seasons of patient waiting, times of careful nurturing, and moments of abundant flowering. Her deep appreciation for God’s creation and the lessons found in the natural world will greatly enrich her ministry as she begins this new chapter.
The sermon was delivered by Revd. Canon Kyle Hanlon, Rector of St John’s Fivemiletown with Kiltermon in Clogher Diocese, whose memorable address combined wisdom with warmth and humour. Canon Kyle’s three visual aids perfectly captured the essence of ministry in everyday life. A humble potato reminded the congregation that life’s routines offer great comfort in ministry. Just as God knew what he was doing in the week he created the world, we should find contentment in knowing when a good week’s work is done. A coffee cup represented the countless cuppas that punctuate priestly endeavour, linking beautifully with the Gospel reading from Luke delivered earlier where Jesus allowed himself to be persuaded in for tea during his journey to Emmaus, revealing himself in the sharing of bread. Finally, a lovely, knitted prayer marker, a gift from a local Roman Catholic lady, symbolised the unexpected encounters with people who share their experiences of God, providing encouragement in ministry in wonderful ways.
Canon Kyle’s parting advice to Revd. Faith was particularly poignant: to “quieten the noisy voices” that constantly seek busyness and change, to take time to consider her work thoughtfully, and, above all, to “live more in God’s time.” These words echo the natural wisdom that finds God’s presence in the gentle rhythms of creation, rather than the frantic pace of modern life.
Following the Rite of Ordination, such was the joy and enthusiasm of the well-wishers, matched by Revd. Faith’s own radiant desire to share her happiness with everyone present, that the queue to greet her stretched on down the aisle. The hymns had to be sung over again to allow this wonderful expression of community celebration to continue, creating a moment of pure joy.
The service was followed by tea and refreshments, which included a lovely cake, in the Hall. A fitting end to a day on which clouds and rain could never dampen the mood of the ordinand or those celebrating with her.
As Revd. Faith continues her ministry within our diocese, we offer her our heartfelt congratulations and prayers. May her journey be blessed with the same abundance of grace and joy that marked this beautiful occasion.