CHARLESTON—A long process of spiritual discernment came to fruition for Charleston native Father Rhett Williams when he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone on June 8 at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. The Cathedral is also the new priest’s home parish.
In his homily, Bishop Guglielmone noted that the ordination coincided with the Feast of the Sacred Heart, and he urged the ordinand to follow the example of Jesus Christ in every aspect of his ministry.
“Carry out the ministry of Christ the priest with constant joy and genuine love,” he said. “Strive to bring the faithful together in one family. Keep in mind the example of the Good Shepherd who came to save and seek out what was lost.”
The Williams family said they were blessed to share in the joy of the day.
His parents Rick and Cindy Williams of Mount Pleasant sat near the front of the Cathedral, as did his siblings, nieces and nephews.
Father Williams celebrated his first Mass on June 10 at the Cathedral, and that also brought a special moment between Mrs. Williams and her son.
“Rhett giving me a blessing at the end of that Mass was the sweetest moment for me,” she said.
Father Williams has been assigned to St. Mary Magdalene Church in Simpsonville.
Read the full story and see more photos in the June 21 edition of The Catholic Miscellany. Sign up at https://miscellany.wpengine.com/subscribe/.
Photo, Doug Deas/Miscellany: Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone blesses Deacon Rhett Williams during his ordination Mass on June 8.
