Bishop Schnurr ordains Matthew Hewitt to priesthood

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
July 8, 2004

Through word and example Matthew Hewitt was called to build up God's church during his ordination to the priesthood. The Rite of Ordination to the Presbyteral Order was held June 26 at the Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City.

Bishop Dennis Schnurr of the Diocese of Duluth, Minn., a native of Hospers in the Diocese of Sioux City, was the ordaining prelate. Msgr.

OFFICIAL: Effective July 16, 2004 Rev. Matthew A. Hewitt, newly ordained, to Parochial Vicar of St. Mary Church, Storm Lake, Iowa. Signed: Rev. Msgr. Roger J. Augustine Notarized by: Diocesan Administrator Rev. Msgr. Michael D. Sernett, Chancellor

Roger Augustine, diocesan administrator of the Diocese of Sioux City, extended a welcome to the bishop. Bishop Lawrence D. Soens and many priests and deacons were present in the sanctuary.

In the introduction, the bishop mentioned that when he was asked to celebrate the ordination, he jumped at the chance "because there is so much I owe this diocese. There is so much that I owe this parish."

Two of Hewitt's four sisters served as lectors for the Mass. The readings were Jeremiah 1:4-9 and Hebrews 5:1-10. Deacon Bill Berger of Sioux City proclaimed the Gospel, John 12:24-26.

Following the Liturgy of the Word, Deacon Jim Sands called the candidate for priesthood forward and then Father Brian Hughes, diocesan vocations director, testified that Hewitt was found to be worthy of ordination.

Applause filled the cathedral after Bishop Schnurr announced that Hewitt was chosen for priesthood.

"It is with joy and accomplishment that colors the celebration of the sacrament of ordination. We feel it today. We rejoice in it," said the bishop in his homily.

Addressing Hewitt directly, Bishop Schnurr said he was sure the elect would agree that this day belonged to the entire church of Northwest Iowa. He pointed out that while it was God who calls young men to priesthood, it was man who nurtures the seed and offers encouragement. He extended gratitude to Hewitt's family, friends and all who nurtured this priestly vocation.

He told those gathered that the letter to the Hebrews offered a definition of the priesthood of Jesus Christ.

"It must be exercised with patience, compassion, prayer, obedience, self-sacrifice and yes, even suffering," said Bishop Schnurr. "And then in the Gospel of John, we are made to understand that for the ministry to be fruitful, it demands fidelity."

During his preparation, the bishop mentioned that Hewitt had no doubt been given a glimpse of the needs, the longings and the hunger of the flock of Christ's church. At times, this task can appear to be very daunting. Bishop Schnurr assured the elect, however, that Christ offered words of comfort, hope and joy - words that carried the strength to meet the challenges of ministry.

He asked Hewitt to reflect upon Christ's words, "This is my body given up for you. This is my blood - the blood of the new covenant - shed for you."

"Meditate on these words," said Bishop Schnurr. "Believe what you read and teach what you believe. Put into practice what you teach. In these words and in the actions that come from them, you will take your cue throughout your entire ministry about how you are called to be priest and servant to all of God's people."

The bishop said that day by day, the elect must die to all that is personal so that Christ becomes ever more present in his person and ministry. Dying to self, Bishop Schnurr added, must be coupled with patience.

"Be patient with others. Be patient with yourself," said the bishop.

At the same time, the bishop added, he must be willing to see the good news and be open to God's surprises of success.

After the Promise of the Elect, Hewitt prostrated before the altar during the Litany of Supplication. Following the Laying on of Hands, the bishop offered the prayer of consecration.

"Grant, we pray, Almighty Father, to this servant the dignity of the priesthood; renew deep within him the spirit of holiness; may he henceforth possess this office which comes from you, O God, and is next in rank to the office of bishop; and by the example of his manner of life, may he instill right conduct," prayed the bishop. "May he be a worthy coworker with our order, so that by his preaching and through the grace of the Holy Spirit the words of the Gospel may bear fruit in human hearts and reach even the ends of the earth."

The newly ordained was then vested in stole and chasuble by Father Hughes. Next, Bishop Schnurr anointed the new priest's hands with Chrism.

Father Hewitt's parents, Sharon and Daryl Hewitt of Cedar Rapids, presented the gifts of bread and wine. The newly ordained was then given a paten and chalice. The Liturgy of the Eucharist followed the Kiss of Peace.

As the liturgy concluded, Father Hughes announced that Father Hewitt would celebrate his first Mass the following day at Sacred Heart Church in Sioux City. The Hewitts had belonged to that Sioux City parish for many years before they moved to Cedar Rapids.

Prior to the recessional, Bishop Schnurr asked Father Hewitt if he could receive his blessing.

All five of Father Hewitt's siblings were at the ceremony. They include his brother Chris of Jewell, Iowa; Tricia of West Des Moines and Brenda, Amanda and Shelly Hewitt, all of Cedar Rapids. His grandmother Leona Hewitt of Hillsboro, Oregon also was on hand.

His sister Shelly said that she knew her brother was looking forward to this day.

"I am really proud of him," she said.

Shelly acknowledged that she was surprised when he announced that he was going to enter the seminary, but the entire family was very supportive of him.

"It was a beautiful ceremony," said Chris, who said that the closest service that would compare to it in relation to the holiness of the occasion would be his own wedding. "You could really feel the Holy Spirit being invoked today."

Father Hewitt's grandmother mentioned that she had never attended an ordination before and wasn't quite sure what to expect. She found the celebration to be "grand."

"I'm happy and emotional - just rejoicing in it," she said.