|
Joe Corrigan, Principal of Lismore Comprehensive School, explains the Rite of Ordination Bishop McAreavey calls Stephen forward Stephen prostrates himself on the altar while the Bishop prays over him Fr. Powell lays his hands on Stephen's head Fr. Paddy Joe Murray does likewise and all other priests present follow. Stephen concelebrates Mass
Ordination speech in Canal Court Hotel, Newry - Father Gerry Powell
“This is the day the Lord has made, let us be glad and rejoice in it”.It’s a wonderful thing to be a priest and it’s a very challenging time in the history of the Church to be a priest. The process of becoming a priest is full of risk, hardship and struggle. We pray today for you Stephen and your family that we will continue to support you with example and prayer because you will need this support.People ask a great deal of their priest and they are right. But please understand that it is not easy to be a priest 24/7. Stephen has given himself in the heart of his youth, yet he still remains a man and everyday the man in him tries to take back what he has surrendered to Christ. He is constantly in touch with his humanity. So it’s a continual struggle to remain completely at the service of others.A priest needs no great praise although he may welcome it. He needs no embarrassing gifts although he may welcome them, especially today. What he needs most is that those committed to his charge should, by loving one another, prove to him that he has not given his life in vain. And as he remains a man, he may need once in a while a delicate gesture of friendship.My prayer this evening, besides our congratulations to Stephen, and your loving family, is a prayer that Stephen will never cease to edify us and pray for us. Stephen – we look forward to welcoming you home to the parish of Tullylish tomorrow evening for the celebration of your First Mass in Laurencetown. Tullylish is proud to have fostered Stephen’s vocation and to have provided the diocese of Dromore with a new priest in this Year of Vocation. I welcome you to the ministry – ad multos annos – many happy years in the service of the Lord and the People of God.
The Papal flags fly from Laurencetown Church in preparation for the First Mass
A display on 'Priesthood' All flowers are in the papal colours The altar servers are ready!! Simon, Ursula and Ciara The concelebrating priests make their way into the church The entrance procession Fr. Stephen delivers the welcome and Opening Prayer Plunkett Campbell delivers the First Reading
Fr. Stephen delivers his First Homily The Offertory Procession Fr. Stephen's mother Geraldine and sister, Andrea brings the gifts to the altar. The are followed by Fr. Stephen's friends, Brian and Aileen McCann The Consecration of Fr. Stephen's First Mass The sign of peace
The Congregation
A larage number of parishioners and friends attended Fr. Stephen's First Mass
People attended from Lurgan, Banbridge and Tullylish
The First Mass concludes Fr. Stephen gives a blessing to Plunkett Campbell and to Nora Jordan 
|
#
