Former National Secretary of Forward in Faith Received into the Catholic Church

On Sunday 1^stJuly 2012 Monsignor John Broadhurst received The Reverend Geoffrey Kirk into the full communion of the Catholic Church through the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham at the Church of the Most Precious Blood, London.

Fr Kirk was an Anglican Priest for 40 years and Vicar of St Stephen’s, Lewisham for 30 years.  As Secretary of Forward in Faith, Fr Kirk worked closely with its Chairman, Fr Broadhurst, over the past 20 years in developing Forward in Faith’s vision for unity and truth together with its statement on communion.  He also wrote extensively for “New Directions”, the monthly journal of Forward in Faith.  Fr Kirk’s sponsors were Deacon Robbie Low and his wife Sara who were also both closely involved in work of FiF, Robbie was editor of “New Directions”, before becoming Catholics several years ago.

The reception took place during the regular 11am Mass at the Church where the London (South) Ordinariate Group worships.  Fr Christopher Pearson, the Pastor of the group, prepared Fr Kirk for his reception and said:

Many people have been inspired by Fr Geoffrey’s teaching, preaching and pastoral care over the years.  His  intellect, writing and wit encouraged a generation in the Catholic movement within the Church of England.  I hope that they will now be similarly inspired to follow Fr Kirk’s actions in seeking visible unity.

Source

 

Revd Dr Geoffrey Kirk Joins the Ordinariate

More intellectual heavyweights on their way:

To which Fr Ed Tomlinson says on his blog: Welcome Fr. Kirk!

I was delighted to hear that Father Geoffrey Kirk, during a special farewell service at the church of St. Stephen’s in Lewisham (which he has served for many years) announced his intention to join the Catholic Church and the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham.

Fr. Kirk was a leading light of the Anglo- Catholic movement over many years, offering a powerful intellect and sparkling sense of humour. He will be a great asset to the Catholic church.

UPDATE:   Former National Secretary of Forward in Faith Received into the Catholic Church here.