Community
26 February, 2025
Reverend celebrates 30 years of priesthood
MEMBERS of the Anglican Parishes of Camperdown and the Holy Apostles were joined by other church-goers and visitors to mark Reverend Matthew Jones’ 30th anniversary of priesthood on Monday.
Rev Jones was ordained as a priest at the St Johns’ Cathedral in Brisbane on February 24, 1995, and this week a special service held at the Benedictine Abbey in Camperdown to mark the milestone.
A variety of prayers and readings were conducted, with communion and hymns also forming part of proceedings.
Rev Jones said it was “wonderful” to see between 50-60 people in attendance.
“They’ve come from so many different places – from around the parishes here locally, from the other churches - which is great – and friends from the past,” he said.
“Some people have made really long trips to be here, which is just lovely.
“I also had a lot of messages from Germany and other places – people praying for me today, which is extra special.
“I am very grateful for their prayers.”
Rev Jones provided the sermon for the service, sharing his life as a business man before becoming a man of faith, and sharing his journey to priesthood and his travels to other parishes.
Alongside the Anglican Parishes of Camperdown and the Holy Apostles, Rev Jones has also been involved in the Glasshouse Country Anglican Parish, Goondiwindi Parish, Ipswich Parish, Ballina Parish, and a parish in Hamburg, Germany.
Rev Jones said he couldn’t believe how quickly the time had passed.
“I’ve been in six different places over the 30 years, which includes Queensland, Germany, New South Wales and now Victoria – each of them has been great and each has been special,” he said.
“It has never felt like anything has dragged – it just has been exciting the whole time.
“I’m very grateful people have invited me into their sacred lives to share those special moments.
“I have no right to be there – it’s invitation-
only. Just because I’m wearing a clerical collar doesn’t mean I have a right to be there, and people invite you in because they trust you.
“I just say thank you to everyone who has trusted me over these 30 years and I’m looking forward to however many more there are.”
Attendees enjoyed a finger food lunch together while also taking the opportunity to view a photo display set up by Rev Jones of his journey through the various parishes.
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