| Feb 28, 2005
MGHS chaplain
ordained a priest by the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan
Leon
Jarvis, a chaplain on staff at Marquette General Health System,
has been ordained a priest by the Episcopal
Diocese of Northern Michigan.
The ordination ceremony was held on Jan. 30 in the MGH Conference
Center. Bishop James Kelsey of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern
Michigan presided.
Chaplain Leon Jarvis conversing at his ordination ceremony
Jarvis, an MGH employee for close to 14 years, said the ceremony
was a wonderful experience.
“
I looked out and saw people from so many aspects of my life,” Jarvis
said. “Professors, family, friends and former patients all
gathered together to celebrate. I was overwhelmed.”
To be ordained an Episcopal priest, one must already have been
ordained a deacon, which Jarvis accomplished in July 2004 in
a private ceremony at his parish church in Little Lake.
“
I was called forth by the Episcopal Diocese for priestly ministry
because of my work within the community,” Jarvis said. “I
wanted to answer that call.”
Bill Nemacheck, MGHS Chief Executive Officer, read a scripture
lesson at the ceremony.
Brian Matthews, a housekeeping employee at MGH, sang a solo rendition
of “Amazing
Grace.”
“This honor is not about me — it’s bigger than me,” Jarvis
said. “It’s about the community here at Marquette General, and the
greater community. It’s about serving people of different faiths and backgrounds.
I am merely the instrument.”
For more information about pastoral care at Marquette General Hospital, call
906-225-3438,
or 1-800-562-9753, ext. 3438.
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