The homily by Bishop Denis Nulty (Diocese of Kildare & Leighlin) at the ordination of David Vard in Newbridge on 25th June 2017.
Ordination to the Priesthood – Ordination to the Priesthood Rev. David Vard
We are delighted today, Sunday, 25th June, that David Vard will be ordained priest in St. Conleth’s Church at 3pm. Over the past 30 years Newbridge has had a number of men who have given of their lives to the priesthood – Fr. John Cummins, Fr. Bill Kemmy, Fr. Shane Daly and Fr. Ronan Connolly. Today, with David’s ordination, we continue that tradition. Those who are ordained have a unique function of service in the life of the Church. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “these servants are chosen and consecrated by the Sacrament of Holy Orders, by which the Holy Spirit enables them to act in the person of Christ the head, for the service of all the members of the Church.” (CCC # 1142). This reminds us that at the heart of priesthood is the call to service, lived out by Jesus Christ and symbolised in the act of the washing of the feet.
An ordination is a special family occasion, but it is also a parish event. To begin our weekend of celebration, a Holy Hour will take place in St. Conleth’s Church on Saturday evening, 24th June, from 7pm to 8pm. This offers us the opportunity to pray for the needs of the Church and for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Then on Sunday, parishioners are most welcome to come along to the Ordination in St. Conleth’s at 3pm to join in this great occasion. There will be refreshments in the Holy Family Secondary School following the ordination.
On Monday evening, 26th of June, Fr. David will celebrate his First Mass in Cill Mhuire Church at 7pm, again parishioners are welcome to come along and refreshments will be available in Scoil Mhuire Senior after Mass. Fr. David will give his first blessings that evening also. So please feel welcome to join in these special moments in the life of our parish.
Bishop Nulty has appointed Fr. David as curate to serve in Portlaoise Parish. He will take up his appointment on the 1st of August. In the words of the Gospel today, may Fr. David hear those words of Christ, “ Do not be afraid ” as he embarks upon the adventure that is the Priesthood.
Fr. Paul P.P.