We conclude our reflections on ordination with Rev. Janet Ternes' story. She was ordained deacon in June this year, along with Allison Agius, Tianna Gocan, Maya-Melé Okazakia nd Gerard Phillips. On November 18 all of them were ordained priests in the Diocese of Huron.
By Rev. Janet Ternes
BEAUTIFUL is not a broad enough word to describe the night of my ordination, and yet the worship lacked no beauty, and it was full of grace, and so beautiful suits.
I felt loved, which is a curious thing to say, about being received by so many supportive people, all singing, speaking, and praying in unison. And this to a singular wish: that these ordained to the presbyterate might help form them in holiness.
Curious the ask, prayer worthy. And curious the peace, after all the trials of discerning a calling, the fear that this might just be of me. Curious the enthusiasm, the collective words spoken with such confidence when the calling comes in a quiet voice. Curious the binding, to have my own narrative bound to the sacred text, the Word creative faithful.
And so, the night was beautiful; they were resolved, of one voice. I felt drawn forward by them, their hands held me fast, the wish of their hearts pushed me down as though I might escape by elevating from the spot. I could have, if happiness were the helium behind this Amen. Curious enthusiasm.
Sometimes in the church we get disheartened. We linger over discord and differences until we feel deflated, as though this is all we are, the broken. But here, this night of the ordination, the Holy Spirit moved us as our best selves, the ones that belong to him through baptism. The ones who trust that by the power of our Lord Jesus Christ there would be a resounding AMEN to holy endeavor.
And so, it was... Wrapped for sacramental duty in a sea of red cloth, anointed to hold bread and wine, trusted to proclaim, not because I can, but because He can, He is faithful, and He is for us. I felt received, loved and upheld, an Amen moment, a perfect moment of accord.
The night of my ordination is almost too personal to speak of, except that it is not fully personal but the movement of the Christian community, and that gathered voice and intention is what made it beautiful in holiness. Not because we are worthy to sing praise, but because we are His, and to Him we are beautiful, and so we sing of His glory.
Rev. Janet Ternes is the Curate to the Rector of St James’, Paris.
Photo: Rev. Janet Ternes in St. Paul's Cathedral at the Service of Ordination. November 18, 2025.
Credit: Charlotte Poolton