30 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Year in Review 2022 The Ordination to the Priesthood of St Monica’s Golden Square parishioner and former Sandhurst Youth Ministry worker, Jackson Saunders, brought an air of jubilation to Sacred Heart Cathedral on March 26. Fr Jackson, who was baptised at St Patrick’s, Marong, and educated at St Monica’s Kangaroo Flat and Catholic College Bendigo, was on his home turf. Surrounded by family, friends and community members who have prayed for him over his seminarian years. It was an emotionally overwhelming day for many, especially Fr Jackson. Fr Jackson said he was filled with wonder and awe and has Ordained a Priest JACKSON SAUNDERS been grateful for people’s prayers and support over the years, and especially on the weekend of his Ordination. Fr Jackson’s Thanksgiving Mass at St Kilian’s, Bendigo was an equally moving day with the Church filled to capacity. Bishop Shane Mackinlay, St Kilian’s Parish Administrator, Fr Junray Rayna, and several priests from across the Sandhurst Diocese and Melbourne Archdiocese concelebrated with Fr Jackson. “My Thanksgiving Mass was a special moment, and it was humbling to lead people in the celebration of the Eucharist,” said Fr Jackson. Pictured below, Clergy at the Thanksgiving Mass “I was filled with a sense of awe and wonder.” “Each of us has a calling, and today, I give thanks to God for mine; the gift of ordained priesthood … our gifts differ but we are all part of the one Body in Christ.”
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