The day following his ordination, Steven celebrated his first mass at his home parish.  Numerous brother priests and fellow seminarians celebrated this mass with Steven.

Steven found the mass a mixture of both the surreal and natural.   Natural in that he had prepared for this and surreal in the realization that this had all come to fruition.

The homily for this first mass was given by Fr. Chris Stanish who served served as Steven's first Spiritual Director.    Fr. Chris's homily focused on making certain that the mass never becomes routine.

The experience of consecration impressed Steven deeply and he realizes that he will be processing this meaning for the rest of his life.  Being ordained a priest changes who a person is.    This caused Steven to reflect on the unity of his heart with Jesus and the life-long call to pour out his whole self.

After communion the choir sang for Steven a song that was commissioned for his ordination.    The lyrics of the song come from Prayer of Abandon which Steven prays every day.

Finally, Steven thanked all those who helped and guided him along his path, notably calling out is Mother and Father last.    Steven presented his Mother with the Maniturgium, a cloth used to clear the chrism oil that the Bishop poured on his hands.   And to his Father Steven presented the Stole that he wore while hearing his first confession.

Next up for Steven is his first assignment, which begins July 1, 2024 at Our Lady of Consolation.   Much more to come!


Link to Prayer of Abandon by Saint Charles de Foucauld

https://www.charlesdefoucauld.org/en/priere.php