Joan McFetridge
It was a significant and joyous moment when Jackie Jansen, the first graduate from the lay formation programme, Launch Out, was commissioned by Archbishop John Dew at St Peter and Paul’s parish church, Lower Hutt.
In his homily Archbishop John acknowledged the four years Jackie has spent in his formation programme. He also highlighted the impact Jackie has already made in his short time as a lay minister at Arohata prison.
The commissioning service was led by Brother Kieran Garvey, the senior prison chaplain, and was attended by several other prison chaplains.
The Arohata Prison Site Manager, Ms Janet Castell, was also present and spoke of the gift Jackie is to the women’s prison. The parish priest Fr James Lyons spoke highly of Jackie and added his thanks and blessing to this gifted man.
Celebrating with Jackie, at this significant moment in the history of the archdiocese was his wife, Amy, and other family members. The hundred and fifteen guests included clergy, religious, lay workers, other parishioners, and fifteen of his colleagues from the Launch Out Programme. They all contributed to making this a wonderful expression of support for his ministry.
The evening finished with a celebratory light supper.
Any one interested in serving the church as a parish leader in a pastoral area please contact the Launch Out office. This is a four-year programme requiring study, spiritual direction, prayer/reflection days, retreats and an annual pastoral project.