Last Saturday evening, 14 May 2022, The Right Reverend John Roundhill, Bishop of the Southern Region, Anglican Church South Queensland, commissioned Reverend Karl Przywala as Priest-in-Charge, St Andrew’s Anglican Parish South Brisbane. The Commissioning Service was well-attended by parishioners (past and present), invited guests and interested members of the public.
Despite the wet and dreary conditions outside, inside the church the atmosphere was one of excitement, warmth and energy, as the congregation participated enthusiastically in the well-planned and well-orchestrated ceremony.
The service of Evening Prayer commenced with the hymn “All my hope on God is founded” and a procession led by the 8:30 am Director of Music, followed by the choir, the three churchwardens, Rev Karl Przywala, Rev Andrew Cooper (Area Dean), Venerable Brother Donald Campbell (Archdeacon) and, last of all, Bishop John Roundhill.
Rev Cooper read the Acknowledgement of Country and gave a warm welcome to all present. Next, Bishop John led the congregation in prayer and offered the greeting of peace. This was followed by congregational singing of “Through all the changing scenes of life”.
The Ministry of the Word comprised three Bible passages (an Old Testament reading, a psalm, and a New Testament reading) and the homily. Rev Cooper read the first reading, Joshua 1:7-9. The psalm, Psalm 147, was sung by the choir. Ven Br Campbell read the second reading, Luke 10:1-11. Bishop John, who delivered the homily, based his message on the reading from Luke’s gospel.
After the homily there was a musical interlude and a brief time of reflection.
The commissioning came next. The ceremony began with the three churchwardens (Bruce Wilson, Ed Behrbohm and Judy Salecich) leading Karl from his seat amongst the congregation and presenting him to Bishop John, who was standing in front of the holy table in the sanctuary. On the holy table, there was a beautiful flower arrangement and card bearing “A Message of Love” from Karl’s previous parish, Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Vancouver.
The commissioning proper began with Karl making three vows before Bishop John and the people of the parish making one vow. The Ven Br Campbell (Archdeacon) read the Archbishop’s Licence. Bishop John prayed for Karl, then said the words, “Karl, I commission you as Priest-in-Charge of the Parish of South Brisbane in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” to which the whole congregation added a resounding “Amen”. The formal part of the commissioning ended with Bishop John handing Karl the Archbishop’s Licence.
Karl’s “Call to Mission” followed. While Bishop John and Karl stood in front of the holy table, representatives of the people brought forward symbols of Christian ministry and the Office of Priesthood. The symbols included a Bible, prayer book, hymn books, water, a stole, holy oil, and bread and wine.
Finally, Bishop John led Karl to the rector’s prayer desk where Karl continued the service by leading the people in prayer.
Before the service concluded, the churchwardens addressed the congregation. To begin, Bruce Wilson read greetings and a message of encouragement from the churchwardens and Parish Administrator of Karl’s previous parish (Holy Trinity, Vancouver). In it, they stated, “You have chosen well”. In introducing Karl to our people and welcoming him on behalf of the parish, Ed Behrbohm spoke first. He listed the qualities we (as churchwardens and nominators) sought in our new priest-in-charge. Bruce Wilson continued by providing a brief summary of Karl’s resumé. Judy Salecich concluded by sharing what people who know Karl well say about him.
Karl responded briefly, thanking the churchwardens, and inviting those present to worship with us the following day.
The service concluded with Rev Przywala leading the congregation in a prayer of commitment, Bishop John conducting the dismissal, and the congregation singing “Come people of the risen king” as a recessional.
After the service, the celebrations continued in the Church Hall, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion. Here visiting clergy, parishioners and guests mingled and chatted while partaking of the bountiful supper of sandwiches and sweet delicacies, tea or coffee. A big thank you goes to Allan and Annette Sauer who set up and decorated the hall and organised helpers for the supper.
