Getting to know Martin Badenhorst

Father Martin Badenhorst is the parish priest at the Our Lady Mercy Catholic Church in Springs Extension. The church celebrates it’s centenary this year.
How long have you been with Our Lady Mercy?
Since 2018, so two years.
Which other churches have you been posted at?
My first posting was at a church in Welkom, just after my ordination in 1991.
In 1996, I went to Europe to further my studies in Theology. In 2001 I started teaching.
It was in 2012 that I went back to Welkom and in 2018 I was posted here in Springs.
What challenges has the church brought you?
This church is very diverse and there are many different cultures.
It has been quite a learning curve but I have enjoyed my time here so far. This town definitely has its own unique characteristics.
What are your duties?
Firstly, the celebration of services.
I also prepare young couples who wish to get married with a marriage course which takes place over a period of six weeks.
Baptisms are also an essential part of my services. Lately, I have been involved in grief counselling; I help up to 14 families a month

 Also read: Getting to know Susan van Wyk

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Where did you study?
I began my studies at the Cedara Catholic Seminary in Durban to become a priest and I also studied at the St Thomas Aquinas College.
Currently, I am doing my masters degree, specialising in the Old Testament.
What has drawn you to that particular area of study?
I am fascinated with the history. Especially the encounters between the people at the time. Theologians are currently looking at archaeology which will expand our knowledge of the scripture.
Where do you want to see the church going in the future?
Well, after the lockdown has ended I want as many people back as possible.
The church relies on human contact, and the virtual sermons felt very alien and isolating.
I also want to reach out to our community more and get more people involved with the church.

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