In 1970, The Beatles wrote a song titled ‘The Long and Winding Road’, which reflected on the band’s struggles before their eventual break-up.
In not so dour terms, this was how Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, described the journey that had led Jeffrey Hood to his ordination to the transitional diaconate on Sunday 26 April at St John XXIII Parish, Glenwood-Stanhope Gardens.
Having spent four years in seminary formation as a Vincentian in his earlier life, Jeff – a former psychologist, psychotherapist, spiritual director and pastoral supervisor – joined the Diocese’s Holy Spirit Seminary in 2023.
Jeff Hood during his ordination to the diaconate at St John XXIII Parish, Glenwood-Stanhope Gardens on Sunday 26 April 2026. Image: Jazz Chalouhi / threetwoone.com.au
“About ten years ago, I went through a very difficult time in my life. Even though I had led what most people would see as a ‘successful’ life, I had a strong sense that I had ‘missed something’,” Jeff explained in a pre-ordination interview.
“There was something that I was yearning for, or something that I had been called to that was missing. What became clear was that I wanted to devote my life to, as I described it at the time, working to bring about the Reign of God in concrete ways.”
During his homily, Bishop Vincent acknowledged that it had taken Jeff some time to discover the path to priesthood.
“The priesthood, at one stage, might have seemed like a long shot for him, but God has worked in mysterious ways, preparing him for ministerial service in the Church,” Bishop Vincent said.
Image: Jazz Chalouhi / threetwoone.com.au
“People might call this a late vocation, but I prefer to call it a vocation within a vocation, which suggests that all that has gone before is not a waste of time, or at the end, but the preparation and an enrichment.
“I believe that Jeff is not going to be a seat-warmer, but a servant of the Gospel with a rich experience to accompany and serve God’s people, especially those on the margins.”
Age not a barrier to vocation
Being a mature-aged seminarian, Deacon Jeff was grateful to Bishop Vincent and the Diocese of Parramatta that his call to ministry wasn’t going to be dismissed because of his age.
“A number of vocation directors told me that I was ‘too old’ to enter a seminary, but I persisted because I felt a very strong call,” Deacon Jeff said.
“Many people said to me, ‘why don’t you just retire and enjoy life.’ That would have been a pleasant option, but it wasn’t what felt right.
Jeff Hood lies prostrate in front of the altar during his ordination to the diaconate at St John XXIII Parish, Glenwood-Stanhope Gardens on Sunday 26 April 2026. Image: Jazz Chalouhi / threetwoone.com.au
“In one of our early conversations, Bishop Vincent said that age doesn’t matter, that you were interested in the genuineness of my calling. I thank you for saying ‘yes’ to what I felt was the urging of the Holy Spirit in my own heart.
“Bishop Vincent has often spoken about our young seminarians, but within my heart, I keep thinking, ‘he should’ve gone to Specsavers’. But you saw something young in me.”
Ordained to serve
Acknowledging those who have helped him get to this point, Deacon Jeff called on the wider community to help keep him following the path of Christ.
“It is my privilege to be ordained, but it is also for you. This is a community celebration, not my personal celebration,” he said.
“I have not been ordained into a position of privilege, status or power. I’ve been ordained to serve.
“The only image of diaconate and priesthood that makes any sense to me is the image of Jesus washing the feet – being the servant. He, who is God, became a servant of all.
“I will fail at times and there will be times when I will not act as a servant, when I will not act in a Christ-like manner. When you see me not serving you well, tap me on the shoulder and remind me of my calling.”
Image: Jazz Chalouhi / threetwoone.com.au
Jeff’s family: He will be an asset to the Diocese
Travelling from the NSW far north coast, Deacon Jeff’s brother Peter and his wife Jenny were excited and proud to celebrate this next stage of his life.
“I’m very happy for Jeff, because this is something he’s been wanting to do,” Peter said.
“Initially, I was surprised that he wanted to join the priesthood as a mature person, and it has taken a few long and winding turns, but I think he’s on the right road.”
Jenny added, “We’re so excited for him that this has finally happened. Seeing him up there gave us shivers. It was really heartwarming.
“Knowing Jeff and his personality, we realised that he’s going to contribute so much to a parish in many ways. Because of his life experiences, I think he’ll be a fantastic asset to the Parramatta Diocese.”
Deacon Jeff Hood with recently ordained Deacons Luke Huynh and Paul Tran. Image: Jazz Chalouhi / threetwoone.com.au
Jeff has ‘a lot to offer’
Kim Mannix, who knows Deacon Jeff through the Heart of Life Centre for spiritual and pastoral formation, said his heart of service will be a quality that will sustain him in his priesthood.
“He has a real gift with being able to sit and be really present to someone and can be a great listening presence to people wherever they’re at.
“He has a great understanding of people and the journeys, the struggles and the joys that people go through and being able to be there to support them would be a real gift.
“I think Jeff has a lot to offer and that many people will be blessed by his ministry.”
Following his ordination, Deacon Jeff will continue to minister at St John XXIII Parish.
Jeff’s ordination to the transitional diaconate, is one of the final steps towards his ordination to the priesthood. He joins fellow seminarians Paul Tran and Luke Huynh who were also recently ordained to the transitional diaconate. If you would like to learn more about the priesthood, please visit our website.
The celebration of Jeff’s ordination to the diaconate aligns with the Diocesan Pastoral Plan’s priorities of Formation and Community and its aim to be a Church that is Inclusive and Welcoming and Renewed in Spirit and Prayer. Visit Synodality to learn more.
View images from Deacon Jeff’s ordination on Flickr or below.
