Celebrating 37 Years!

St. Joseph’s Congratulates Father Pedro on the 37th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood.

Father Pedro Today

Father Pedro 37 Years Ago

On Thursday, November 24th, 2022 Father Pedro celebrated 37 years of service as a Catholic priest. He received the Sacrament of Holy Orders in 1985. He celebrated a special Mass on Thursday, November 24th at 9am combining his anniversary with Thanksgiving. Father Pedro continues to be an inspiration and great spiritual leader to the community of St. Joseph’s parish in Rockdale. We congratulate him and pray for him to be able to continue his mission for many years to come.

What is the Sacrament of Holy Orders?

From the moment of Jesus’ conception in the womb of Mary until his Resurrection, he was filled with the Holy Spirit.  In biblical language, he was anointed by the Holy Spirit and thus established by God the Father as our high priest. As Risen Lord, he remains our high priest. . . . While all the baptized share in Christ’s priesthood, the ministerial priesthood shares this through the Sacrament of Holy Orders in a special way. 

“Here I am, send me.” (Is 6:8)

Ordination to the priesthood is always a call and a gift from God. Christ reminded his Apostles that they needed to ask the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into the harvest.  Those who seek priesthood respond generously to God’s call using the words of the prophet, “Here I am, send me” (Is 6:8).  This call from God can be recognized and understood from the daily signs that disclose his will to those in charge of discerning the vocation of the candidate.