Thursday, May 22, 2008

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!)

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you for answering the Lord's call and serving the Archdiocese of Cincinnati as a priest.

Four more years! Four more years!

Anonymous said...

I can't WAIT to hear about what you did to your Mom....

uncle jim said...

when we gather in cleveland at the end of july [vatican exhibit] you can share all those stories.

if we allow adoro to start sharing, we'll have to stay rest of the week. she has many good stories, though.

can hardly wait for the 'peeling' of the bells at St Clare's [or is it St Claire's?]

Anonymous said...

Hey, now!

Anonymous said...

seven men and I were ordained to the priesthoood

that doesn't sound quite right

Father Schnippel said...

how about 'I was ordained with my seven classmates'?

or I was one of eight ordained that day?

It was early, mind wasn't working.

I have to agree with Uncle Jim, though!

Padre Steve said...

Congrats on your anniversary! May you have many, many more! God bless! Padre Steve, SDB

Anonymous said...

What, is this "Pick on Adoro" day?

I can arrange to stay all week...maybe....

uncle jim said...

adoro,

i'm sure fr v can arrange hospitality for you somewhere there ... if you can stay longer ... you might find you like it in the real mid-west [the MN twins are in town that weekend]

fortunately, the rest of us need to go back to work [fortunate in the sense that we have someplace to which we can go back to work]

Anonymous said...

Are you SERIOUS? The Twins are in Town? Padre K, wanna go to a game? I'm sure we can get a group together! LOL!

Uncle Jim, I'm staying with someone there, don't think you know her, but LM has also offered me a "home". :0)

I feel so adopted.

OK, back to regular programming...Father's ordination anniversary....YAY!

Cathy_of_Alex said...

Father Schnippel: Happy anniversary!

Adoro: You better be cheering for the Twins when you are there! :-(

Anonymous said...

Again...picking on Adoro again! I can't even go to Cincinnati to get away from it!

I've half a mind to cheer for whoever's opposing just to be contrary! LOL!

I mean, seriously, who's going to beat me up if I'm sitting between a couple of priests and Uncle Jim?

Rich Leonardi said...

Congrats! That was the legendary "big class" if I recall correctly. Our pastor was ordained three years ago this week; the students at our parish school sang "Happy Anniversary" at our May crowning.

Anonymous said...

Congrats Fr. Kyle! Our PV just celebrated his one-year. You, our PV, Rich's pastor (who used to be our PV)- the start of a long line of great men. God Bless You all!