Ordination to the Priesthood: Fr Jacob Mudge

THE Sacred Heart Cathedral was packed for the ordination of Fr Jake Mudge.

The Mass on September 26 attracted parishioners from across the diocese to witness the ordination of 30-year-old Jake, who now ranks as the youngest priest in the Sandhurst Diocese. Fr Mudge was ordained by Sandhurst Bishop Joe Grech.

Originally from Eaglehawk, Jake first trained as an osteopath before spending the past seven years studying at the Corpus Christi College in Carlton.

Following his ordination, Jake celebrated his first Mass at St Kilian's church on Saturday, and then on Sunday at his old parish St Liborius, Eaglehawk.

"This is what I want to spend the rest of my life doing. I enter it in total freedom," he said. "At the end of the day, it's a leap of faith, really just trusting but at the same time feeling a definite sense of calling, a definite sense of having to do this, that it's really something carrying you."

Jake will take up a position in a parish before November 21.

More on Jake's ordination will appear in the November edition of Sandpiper.

Photo: After the Mass of Ordination Fr Jake gave personal blessings and greeted friends, family members and parishioners in St Augustine's Chapel of the Sacred Heart Cathedral.

His ordination marks the completion of seven years as a seminarian at Corpus Christi College in Carlton.

Jake was born and grew up in the Borough of Eaglehawk, and is already well-known throughout the diocese after having spent time in the parishes of Kennington and Benalla, and as a regular contributor to the Diocesan newspaper, SandPiper.

Prior to his ordination on Friday Jake said: “I’m very excited about the ordination, and ministering as well. The journey starts in a new way now, and I’ve been overwhelmed by the support of the diocese,” Jake said.

 He said the excitement and support shown from every corner of the diocese has meant that the celebration of his ordination isn’t just something for himself to celebrate, but is something extra special.

“It’s certainly very exciting. The great support of the diocese, the community and from my home parish of St Liborius’ in Eaglehawk, and pastoral parish at St Therese’s in Kennington and St Joseph’s Benalla means it’s a celebration for the whole community,” he said.

Following his ordination into the priesthood, Jake will celebrate Masses of thanksgiving at St Kilian’s Church at 10am on Saturday, September 27, and as part of a parish day at St Liborius’ Church on Sunday September 28 at 10.30am.

“It would be great to see you there to thank you for all of your support over the last seven years,” Jake said.

Jake assisting at the WYD Papal Mass at Randwick Racecourse