Wednesday, March 4, 1998

		      Kathleen Lynn Wakefield is
			 ordained as a priest



	Last modified at 2:50 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 1998



THE JUNEAU EMPIRE

The family of the Episcopal Church in Juneau gathered at St. Brendan's
recently for the ordination of long-time Juneau resident, Kathleen
Lynn Wakefield, as a priest.

The celebration incorporated several traditions and anniversaries in
addition to the principal rite of priestly ordination. The opening
procession into the church included lighted candles recognizing the
day being the Feast of the Candlemas as well as the Feast of the
Presentation of Christ in the Temple.

Prior to his and the assembled clergy's laying their hands on the head
of the ordinand, Bishop Mark MacDonald invited members of the Society
of St. Simeon and St.  Anna (a society of elders of the Episcopal
Diocese of Alaska) to come forward and join the circle.

The entire congregation was invited to raise hands in blessing as the
consecration prayer was said while Wakefield knelt and was ordained as
a priest.

In his sermon, the Bishop recalled his own ordination as deacon 19
years earlier on this Feast Day. He acknowledged the leading of the
Holy Spirit over the years in welcoming women into all ordained as
well as lay ministries.

Receiving a lighted candle as symbolic witnesses to the essential role
of lay ministry in the church were Ingrid Zaruba, Bill Smoker, Anne
Kinter and Stephanie Hall. The combined choirs of Holy Trinity and
St. Brendan's provided leadership in the singing of contemporary and
traditional music.

Wakefield's husband, Jim, is a local realtor and former City and
Borough of Juneau Assembly member. Son, Jess, is a freshman in the
Phoenix program at Juneau-Douglas High School, and son, Zachary, is in
the sixth grade at Dzantik'i Heeni Middle School.

Wakefield works for Hospice and Home Care as volunteer coordinator and
will continue her ministry at St.  Brendan's, serving as assistant to
the rector, the Rev.  Wilson Valentine.