Ordination Mass to Priesthood

07/06/2024

Council: 114 - BANGOR

Project Description:

Priesthood – Ordination of Fr. Matthew Valles

June 29th, 2024 at St. John’s Catholic Church at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Bangor, Maine on this day, and what a tremendously great day all the way around. After four full months of planning the day had finally arrived, lets give a couple facts before we talk about the ordination day; 8 – 12 Knights along with the Ordination Planner Patrica Marquis, Deacon Luis, Msgr. Andrew, the parish secretary Mary Brown met once a month for four months leading up to the Big Day. It was decided to rent a large tent 40’-60’ to hold about 150 guests, another 296 inside the parish hall, it was decided that we could not host more than 450 for the reception. Patricia had grand plans derived from discussions with Msgr. Andrew, nothing but the best was considered, and table clothes, table runners, three tier dessert trays were ordered, veggie and fruit shabobs trays were orders one of each of these for every table, so about 50 of each. Also, flower arrangements were put together, with lovely purchased centerpieces, full of freshly cut roses and other flowers to accent the table decor, nothing was left undone, plastic cutlery was put together with a napkin and tied with a string. The food was organized and requests when out to every ministry within the parish community and each of them went over and above what was expected, just a wonderful group of volunteers to prepare and assemble and serve these foods at the reception. Fixing food for 450 people is a super hughes endeavor, but things came together wonderfully, it had been decided that the food would be plated and served to each guest as they came through the food line, wow did this ever work magically, no waiting, they came through the line and just kept on going to a seat, no waiting, no fuss, everyone received the same great serve and smiles. BEAUTIFULLY DONE!

Ordination itself, the Music was divine, the Church was full, the Clergy came from throughout the State with more than 30 Priest in attendance, alone with many, many Deacons and all but one of the Seminarians was in attendance as well.
21 Sir Knights marched escorting the Clergy into the Ordination Mass, fantastic support, the State of Maine Deputy was present, along with District Master providing escort to the Bishop and clergy.

The entry day was GRAND, everything happens as hoped and planned for, just a perfect demonstration of LOVE and Faith being delivered from God and Parish Life right before our eyes, Wow, such grace, and HUMBLENESS from all participants.

Seeing, living, beholding Matthew Valles becoming a Priest in full view of the assembled guests was brilliantly displayed and cherished by all in attendance.

St. Paul the Apostle Parish and the Knights of Columbus Welcome you to the Life of Priesthood.

Leading up to and on the day of the event 40 Brother Knights participated and provided over 300 hours of charitable time to the newly ordained Fr. Matthew Valles.