Commenting on the excitement, Bishop Gerald Barnes expressed his delight in celebrating the Mass.
“My prayer is that this excitement carries on in all of us and most especially in those who will be ordained today,” he said. “Help us to stay excited for the God who loves us.”
During his homily, Bishop Barnes called on Fr. Dang and Fr. Tripp to remain true to who they are, using their roots and stories in ministry. Quoting from Hebrews, Chapter 5, he recalled that God has chosen them from among the people. As such, they will be able to know their joys and pains.
“Let the mission always be alive in you,” he said. “Those that formed you deserve it. Those that love you need to hear it, and all people need to witness in you the priesthood of Jesus Christ, which is service to the people of God.”
Speaking to the rest of the assembly, Bishop Barnes said that all are called by their baptism to a mission. He encouraged faithful to renew their mission to be the Lord’s disciples in the world.
“As Tyler and Johnny become priests today, all of us receive a blessing and a grace to renew our own baptismal promises and to live the mission of the Lord,” Bishop Barnes said.
Following Communion, the newly ordained thanked their family and friends for their prayers and support over the years.
“I thank my family, most especially my parents, for their love and support over the years,” Fr. Tripp said. “I also thank all who have accompanied me along the way to this moment.”
“I want to thank my relatives and friends who came from far away to join me on this special day,” Fr. Dang said.
At the conclusion of Mass, Bishop Barnes announced their first parish assignments. Fr. Dang will be assigned to St. Francis of Assisi Parish, La Quinta and Fr. Tripp will be assigned to St. John XXIII Parish, Fontana/Rialto.