With great joy, the diocese announces that (from left) Deacons Charles Leidel, Logan McGahan, and Hunter Ostapowicz will be ordained to the priesthood on Saturday, June 20 at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew. All are welcome to attend the ordination Mass in person or watch the livestream on the diocesan website, grdiocese.org, or YouTube Channel (or search @GRdiocese on YouTube)
This year’s ordination of three men to the priesthood is exciting news for the diocese and reason for great thanksgiving to God. Our prayers for vocations are bearing fruit, and we rejoice with these men as they prepare to begin their priestly ministry. Appointments for these new priests-to-be have been announced by Bishop Walkowiak and as we’ve learned, St. Robert of Newminster will not be receiving an associate pastor this year.
This is not a cause for concern. For the past year, since Father Weber’s assignment to St. Patrick Parish in Portland, Father Tony has served as the sole priest of our parish. With dedicated support from our parish staff, school leadership, ministry leaders and volunteers, and other parishioners, he has successfully shepherded our church and school while meeting the pastoral and sacramental needs of our community.
Father Tony is confident in our parish’s ability to continue thriving through that existing strong partnership. The spirit of stewardship and generosity that’s been shown has been a great blessing.
Looking ahead, please prayerfully consider how you might continue to share your gifts in service to the parish. Whether through an existing ministry, a new volunteer opportunity, or simply offering assistance where a need arises, every contribution helps strengthen our parish community and supports Father Tony in his ministry.
If you feel called to become more involved, please take time to explore our parish ministry guide available at the Welcome Desk and digitally on our website (click link above), or speak with a ministry leader or a member of our parish staff to learn about current opportunities. Together, with faith in God and a willingness to serve, we will continue to build a vibrant and welcoming parish community.
Please continue to keep Father Tony, our parish, and all those discerning vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and religious life in your prayers.