Next Sunday at the 11am SHJ Mass, Archbishop Mulhall will grace us with his presence and formally install me as pastor for these parishes.
I've never been to or even seen an installation rite before, and his Grace himself told me he hasn't done too many either, so it should be pretty neat for all of us to experience. Apparently when a priest is newly appointed for a parish, he be publicly installed ideally on the first Sunday after his appointment is effective. I'm more than a year and a half in, but better late than never I suppose!
In any case, it'll be a blessing for all of us to have our Chief Shepherd visit us next Sunday, and he wants to come on a separate visit to celebrate Mass at Sacred Heart of Mary in Madoc.
But in the meantime, all parishioners - from SHJ, SHM & St. Bernadette's - are encouraged to attend the installation Mass (the rite itself is quite simple and short and done immediately following the homily) and to assist at Holy Mass with our Archbishop presiding. We can all look forward to receiving his episcopal blessing and pray for his Grace and I to be a loving father, a gentle shepherd, and a wise teacher to all of you. I hope to see you there!