Father Michael McMahon was installed as the pastor of St. Joan of Arc parish in Cumberland on Oct.13. Holy Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Richard G. Henning, with Father McMahon, Father Robert Lacombe, and Father Jacob Raju as concelebrants. In his homily, Archbishop Henning emphasized how material things, while having the potential to lead us closer to God, also serve the potential to distract us from the spiritual life. Connecting this to the priesthood, Archbishop Henning noted that the role of a priest is not just that of administrator, but of spiritual father.
“In your priestly ministry, you are noted for your careful stewardship of the worldly goods entrusted to your parish, but I know you are the first to acknowledge that that’s not the heart of who you are. … In fact, the true richness is found in the grace of Holy Orders…in your compassion and care of your people. It’s what changes you from a steward to a father.”