A Day of Great Joy for Our Parish

We are delighted to celebrate the ordination of Father Stephen Baxter, a native son of our parish, who was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Donal McKeown in St Columb’s Church on Sunday, 14th June. This is a moment of great joy and thanksgiving for Father Stephen, his family and friends, and for our entire parish community. We give thanks to God for the gift of his vocation and for the generous response he has made to the Lord’s call to serve His people as a priest.

Father Stephen’s ordination is a source of inspiration and encouragement to us all. As he begins his priestly ministry, we assure him of our prayers, support and best wishes. May the Lord bless him abundantly in the years ahead, granting him wisdom, strength and joy as he celebrates the sacraments, proclaims the Gospel and serves the people entrusted to his care. Ad multos annos, Father Stephen!

The photograph beautifully captures the joy of the occasion, surrounded by Bishop McKeown and many priests from across the diocese—a fitting reminder that priesthood is lived in service, fraternity and communion with the wider Church.