I'm 4 today!

Four years ago, this very day, seven men and I were ordained to the priesthoood in service to the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. What a memorable day, yet it seems so long ago that it has faded off into history. (Has it really been just four years?!?!)

We are the largest class ordained since 1980 and most of us spent the five years together in the seminary bantering back and forth, having a good time and supporting each other through the years. We were by no means a cohesive unit, though! Two were very involved in the Pro-Life movement, (well they still are, too), one was much more interested in liturgy, others were just trying to make it through. Me? Bar Jonah was a fun place to hang out!

Ordination weekend is a blur. From my own ordination, what I remember the most was the litany of saints, and hearing very clearly the saints who were watching over me. In talking with my classmates afterwards, we all heard different names clearly. "St. so and so was louder than the rest!" "Was she even mentioned" I responded, sheepishly.

My First Mass was attended by seven other priests, which was a real honor. The Church was full that day, and it was impossible to thank everyone who came. I think my mom might have forgiven me for what I did to her at the end of Mass, might have. I know that Cindy hasn't! (That's a post for another time.)

Anyway, what to do to celebrate? Heading off to work, what else? I've got a Mass in a parish covering for the pastor who's at a workshop, meeting with a priest, Mass at noon at the cathedral and lunch afterwards with a good friend. The afternoon is a meeting with a potential candidate, and the evening is preparing for Mass tomorrow at the Holy Spirit Center and for a wedding I have this weekend.

All in all, a good day. (And the sun is even shining!)