It is a special joy for me as a priest to see a young man pursue a calling from God that will lead him to be ordained a priest. Such is the case of
Michael Bartholomew who is one of our own. Mike grew up in Levittown, attended St. Bernard's Elementary School, St. Anthony's High School, and Scranton University before entering Immaculate Conception Seminary in Huntington five years ago. On Saturday, June 13, Mike will be ordained a priest of Jesus Christ by Bishop William Murphy at St. Agnes Cathedral. It is the conclusion of a long journey of seeking God's will, and yet it is also the beginning of a lifetime of service to God and God's people here on Long Island.

No doubt this special joy is shared by all of you, the parishioners of St. Bernard's, who in various ways have helped this young man reach the altar steps where he will be ordained. A vocation is fostered within a family as well as a parish. Mike's parents, Fran and Mike, Sr., have certainly played a major role in creating an atmosphere of faith in the home that would encourage a young person to seriously consider a church vocation. But it is also the willingness of a young person - especially in our own day and age - to take that courageous step of entering into seminary formation and allow that call to come to fulfillment.

We are very proud of Mike Bartholomew not only because of his priestly ordination next week, but also because of the person that he is and the fine qualities of compassion, wisdom, dedication, and deep faith which he possesses. In addition Mike has developed considerable skill with the Spanish language which will be of great benefit. Wherever he is assigned, that parish will be very fortunate.

I invite you to join me and the staff and other parishioners in attending Mike Bartholomew's ordination this coming Saturday, June 13, at 11:00 A.M. in St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre. It is a beautiful and inspiring ceremony that you will long remember, especially since one of the three men to be ordained is one of our own. Your presence and your prayers will be most welcome.

On Sunday, June 14, at 2:30 P.M. Fr. Mike will celebrate his First Mass here at St. Bernard's Church. Once again I invite you to join him in sharing the gift of the Eucharist. And next Sunday is a most fitting feast: The Body and Blood of Christ. Following the Mass there will be a reception in the school auditorium where Fr. Mike will offer his first priestly blessing.

Above all we thank God for the gift of this ordination moment in our history and pray that others will hear that call and imitate Mike Bartholomew in a life of loving service.