Fr Anthony, Induction Mass

Induction as Parish Priest, St Thomas of Canterbury

Saturday 29^th November dawned bright and sunny.  Throughout the day, many parishioners made the journey down to Canterbury to witness Fr Anthony’s induction as parish priest of St Thomas’.  It was a beautiful Mass, although tinged with not a surprising dose of emotion.  Afterwards the party in the hall gave everyone the chance to catch up and chat about the evening, and also meet some of the parishioners of St Thomas’.   Those who were staying in Canterbury finished off in the Travel Lodge for a very sociable evening over a glass of wine (or two)!

The Ceremony of Induction is an occasion when a new Parish Priest is formally presented to the parish in a liturgical context. The ceremony is so arranged to remind priest and people of their responsibility together before God to serve Christ in his Church, and by their holiness and the example of their lives, individually and as a local community, to promote the mission of their Lord.  During the Rite of Induction, Fr Anthony, with his hand on the book of Gospels, made his Profession of Faith, followed by various declarations of commitment, and finally was presented (ceremonially) with the Keys of the Parish and his Document of Appointment.

Andrew Richardson