“When God’s people fill a majestic cathedral to sing his praises, hear his word and pray, and share around his table, there is for me a very real sense of God’s presence. A consecration and collation bring the added elements of dedication, commitment and blessing for those called to new avenues of service. I found the consecration service deeply moving, and it left me with a sense of awe, gratefulness, and great responsibility. The resounding welcome from the gathered church at the end of the service brought tears to my eyes! Thank you for this privilege. Please continue to pray for us as we find our feet and seek to serve you in new areas in the power of the Holy Spirit.”
~ Bishop Carol
On a pleasantly cool day on 22 February the Diocese celebrated the consecration of The Venerable Carol Wagner as Assistant Bishop at St Saviour’s Cathedral in Goulburn.
A procession of brightly robed theological students of the Diocese, local and visiting clergy, Canons, Deans, Archdeacons and Bishops entered the Cathedral where guests from around the Diocese and country had gathered to welcome the new Bishop.
The service began with the collation of two new Archdeacons for the Diocese: The Reverend Rebecca Newland as Archdeacon for the Coast, Monaro and Alpine Regions; and The Reverend Neil Percival as Archdeacon for Young and the North-West.
Following the reading of the Scriptures Bishop Denise Ferguson, Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Adelaide, gave the sermon from Acts 1:14-17, 20-26, in which Jesus tells his disciples of his great love for them, a reflection of the love he has received from his father, and how he yearns for them to abide/remain in this love – a love that carries responsibility and unconditionally wants the wellbeing of the other.
Bishop Denise exhorted the new Bishop to be a servant leader, to exercise this unconditional love and to ensure those she is called to care for retain the gospel heart and hope.
Carol was presented to the Chief Consecrator, Bishop Peter Stuart of the Diocese of Newcastle, by two former Bishops of the Canberra and Goulburn Diocese, The Right Reverends George Browning and Trevor Edwards.
Bishop Peter then led Carol through the Oaths and Declarations before the laying on of hands by Bishops from around the country, and the presentation of gifts to the new Bishop.
Bishop Peter presented Carol with the Scriptures, saying ‘study it well and expound its teaching. In it are contained the words of eternal life.’ The Reverend Amanda Wheatleypresented the Pectoral Cross, with a reminder that ‘he whom you serve reconciled us by his own blood’. The Episcopal Ring was presented by Dean Phillip and Sue Saunders, with the exhortation to ‘be faithful to the bride of Christ’. Deacons from the parish of Bodalla-Narooma presented the Cope and Mitre and Bishop Mark and members of Bodalla-Narooma Parish presented the Episcopal Staff as a sign of Carol’s pastoral office.
The congregation then participated in the Eucharist before Bishop Mark welcomed Carol as Assistant Bishop in his Diocese. Mayor of Goulburn Mulwaree, Bob Kirk, welcomed the new Bishop on behalf of residents of the local area.
Photo by Zero One Imaging.
Bishop Carol previously served as Archdeacon of the South Coast and Rector of the Parish of Bodalla- Narooma and has ministered in parishes across the Diocese since 2000. She will now be based in Canberra and take up particular responsibility for ministry support and development of clergy and church workers.
Photo by Zero One Imaging.
