Rev Alison Seifert Ordained in Raetihi

After celebrating 100 years of worship in fine style in February, St Mary’s Raetihi was again filled with joyful worshippers as church, community, family and friends came together to celebrate the ordination of Rev Alison Seifert to the priesthood. 

It is thought to be the first ordination ever held at St Mary’s Raetihi, although it was remarked that three others from that little church community have been ordained in the past.  It was tribute to the respect in which Alison is held that among those present were old friends from as far away as Auckland, previous clergy of Ruapehu parish who had witnessed Alison’s development into leadership over the years, and that representatives of mana whenua led the karanga and provided waiata during the distribution of communion. 

The line up to receive a blessing from our newly minted priest stretched almost the entire length of the church, and necessitated the retiring procession of clergy having to be led out via the vestry door.  The celebration continued into the evening with a wonderful feast which satisfied everyone’s tastes – notably the carnivores!

We wish Alison all the best as she enters into this next stage of her ministry as a priest.