Deacon Gunther and Jan, 10 Years as Deacon, June 9, 2024 | Father Paul MacNeil, Silver Jubilee, June 12, 2024 | 25 Year Anniversary of Ordination |
[Debbie Pine]
This week, marked two very important anniversaries at our church.
First, 10 years ago on June 9, 2014 Deacon Gunther Eyer was ordained a Deacon. Well, Deacon and Jan…. because as I did some information gathering, I found out that is very much both Deacon and Jan had to agree, and both had to sign off on Deacon becoming a Deacon. So, we are very thankful that Deacon felt the calling and Jan agreed to the calling and now 10 years later we are blessed at St Alexander Church to have a permanent Deacon.
So, on this very special day, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Deacon Gunter and Jan.
On June 12, 1999 Father Paul MacNeil was ordained as a priest. We have been blessed with his many stories over the years, his exciting experiences of traveling the world, his love of movies, and I feel like the kids really think he’s a real live superhero.
Almost 2 years ago St Alexander was blessed when Father Paul was moved to our parish. He brought a bold vision and endless energy to our congregation. His daily visits with the children at the school are a highlight for both him and the children. He has worn many hats over the past 25 years, including Pastor, Mediator, Vicar for Education, Head of the Deans of Welland, Niagara Catholic District School Board Chair of the Board and Board Trustee, Adjunct Professor and Lecturer at Niagara University and PhD Candidate.
Today we celebrate your 25th Anniversary. About 6 months ago I had a brilliant idea of how to commemorate this day. And since we have the musical genius of Danica Bucci at our services, I thought I would ask her to create and sing a song in honour of you, for your special day.
So, Father Paul, please enjoy this song created and performed by Danica commemorating your 25th anniversary.
25 Years, by Danica Bucci
(A Message to God From Father Paul)
When the dreams that I have become so vivid
I know that it was You that placed them in my head
Like the Eagle’s wings
The Holy Spirit that breathes
You’re telling me the best hasn’t happened yet
Every soul we’ve seen find their way through forgiveness
All the hands that we’ve held as they pass on
And all the words I speak
With You I help them believe
There’s a life that’s waiting when this one is gone
Oh You made me Your instrument
and every day with You I get to do it all again
25 years, I look back and see
You’ve never once let go of me
I promise to do all You put me here for
here’s to 25 years, and 25,000 more
here’s to 25 years, and 25,000 more
To walk in the footsteps of our Saviour
is a life that I’d never take in vain
Mother Theresa knew
What I was destined to do
And for Your glory I do it all in Your name
Oh You made me Your instrument
and every day with You I get to do it all again
25 years, I look back and see
You’ve never once let go of me
I promise to do all You put me here for
here’s to 25 years, and 25,000 more
here’s to 25 years, and 25,000 more
Am I serving You or are You serving me?
Cause the more that I do, the more that I receive
A mediator, a healer, a Father, a friend
And every day with You I get to do it all again
In persona Christi
You saw something in me
25 years I look back and see
You’ve never once let go of me
I promise to do all You put me here for
here’s to 25 years, and 25,000 more
here’s to 25 years, and 25,000 more
here’s to 25 years, and 25,000 more
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