On March 4, 1977 I was ordained to the ministerial priesthood by the late Bishop John E. McCafferty, auxiliary bishop of Rochester. He had been the rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral, my home parish. I have vivid memories of that evening: prostrating before the altar during the “Litany of the Saints,” the imposition of the bishop’s hands upon my head along with the imposition of hands by all the other priests attending; the clothing in priestly vestments and the presentation of the Mass vessels. Perhaps most vivid is the wonderful encouragement that evening given by family, relatives, friends and parishioners as I began priestly ministry in the Diocese of Rochester.

Every priest ordained to service is provided with many opportunities to serve God’s people in a variety of ways. He is to see to it that the Eucharist is the center of the parish assembly and that the community is nourished by the celebration of the sacraments. The Mass is the most important part of this mission, as well as the celebration of the sacraments of penance and the anointing of the sick. It is also a privilege to witness at the sacrament of Matrimony as couples are united in the marriage bond.

opportunity to work with committed colleagues who  minister with him as well as the many committed volunteers who give generously of themselves to the parish needs.

Many opportunities are provided for the priest to evangelize, to share the Good News with those who have not yet heard it or whose faith has grown dormant or luke-warm. Visiting the sick and shut-ins and those in nursing homes gives the priest the opportunity to remind those who are ill or infirmed that they are not forgotten and to bring them the sacraments.

The priest is also given a grace-filled opportunity to be with the dying and assure them of God’s care and concern as they face the prospect of leaving loved ones and returning to their Good Shepherd. Many opportunities are also present for the priest to walk with those who have lost a loved one and need to know of God’s promise of a life yet-to-come.

I have had this wonderful privilege for the last eight years at St. Cecilia’s for which I am most grateful. Many thanks! But we must continue to pray that others will respond to the call of God to serve Him in this exciting and fulfilling way of life. Please actively encourage those who are considering this call to service. May God bless you always!