In a special service held on November 23, more than 70 members of the St Alban's congregation, wider community and representatives from other denominations in and around Griffith attended the occasion.

Both Gemma and Frederik have now transitioned from Reverend Mr and Mrs to Father Frederick and Mother Gemma, although Gemma has elected to continue being referred to as 'Reverend Gemma'.

Both told The Area News of the joy they now feel as ordained priests in the Anglican Church.

"It is such a joy to be living your religion every day and be in such community with others," Reverend Gemma said.

Reverend Gemma said that after volunteering at the monastic community of Taizé in France, priesthood had always been at the back of her mind.

"After volunteering the thought of priesthood was always there," Reverend Gemma said.

Father Frederik said it had been an 'enormous journey' to priesthood.

"I have been active in the church my whole life but this sense of vocation only began when I was about 16 when I began to experience a sense of calling," Father Frederik said.

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Previously both Gemma and Frederick serves as deacons and had roles in church services that were limited.

Now both of them are able to conduct a range of new activities on behalf of the Anglican Church, or what Father Frederik refers to as the 'ABCs'.

"As priests we can now absolve, bless and consecrate which refers to celebrating holy communion," Father Frederick said.

"By being able to bless we can now do a lot more things like weddings and baptisms."

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According to Father Frederik, being able to bless also meant that they would now be able to go to hospitals and nursing homes to give final blessings to those ready to pass and lead them onto their next life, as well as blessing unions and sending married couples into the world with strength and love.

"It was so lovely being able to give out our first communion and be able to give blessings to our congregation," Father Frederick said.

"We very much look forward to serving as priests at St Alban's and in the community," Reverend Gemma said.

Both will call Griffith home for at least one more year and hope to stay well into the future.

"We are really excited to be a blessing to this city, we have been warmly embraced and very welcomed by the community," Reverend Gemma said.

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