In his homily, Fr. Mclaughlin reflected over the comments made by the presenters during the convocation and reminded the priests to take to heart the readings of the day, to recall their vocation and to continue to allow God to work through them.
“Some of us have only been ordained for a few months, others for many years,” Fr. McLaughlin said. “So this is an opportunity for all of us to be renewed, to be vibrant in our vocation and to give thanks to God for calling us.”
Following Communion, Bishop Barnes introduced the jubilarians and congratulated them on their years of service to the Catholic faithful.
Father Mark Kotlarczyk and Father Gerardo Mendoza celebrated 25 years. Those celebrating 40 years as a priest included: Father Louis Abdoo, I.M.C.; Father Joseph F. Felker; Father Jose Rodriguez Goopio, S.V.D.; Father Alan Jenkins, S.V.D.; Father John P. Kavcak, M.S.C.; Father McLaughlin; Father Jose A. Sanz, D.L.P. and Father Hector I. Vasquez.
Priests celebrating 50 years included: Father Patrick Crowley, SS.CC.; Father Gerardo De Tomasi, M.C.C.J.; Father Chester C. Kopec and Father Jack McGinnis.
Priests celebrating anniversaries in the 60-70 year range included: Father George F. Healy, C.S.Sp.; Abbot John Lam Vuong, O.Cist.; Father Genaro H. Coronado; Father John A. Niessen, S.V.D.; Monsignor John Ryan; Monsignor Cornelius P. O’Leary; Father Joseph W. Roach; Father Santiago Merino and Monsignor Timothy F. Lawlor.
Also during the Mass the diocesan seminarians currently studying in California were introduced to the congregation of priests and Catholic faithful. A dinner with entertainment was held after the Mass in the parish hall.