Deacon Bill Shea's first Mass

Can you imagine the excitement in our church as our newly ordained Deacon, Bill Shea, celebrated his first Mass on June 10th. He was joined in the Mass by Celebrant Fr. Bob Grattatori and Con-celebrants Fr. Norm Tremblay and Fr. Nick Desimore. Deacons Bob Dio, Bill White and Paul Darci attended as well. Deacon Bill's homily was extraordinary in every way as was the ease in which he moved in the Sanctuary attending to every detail as if he was always meant to be there. Deacon Bill's wife, son and family participated in the Mass celebration, by bringing the gifts to the Altar and his daughter Katie was cantor and sang a beautiful solo after communion.

A lively reception, hosted by St. Joseph's and in particular the Mary Martha Guild, was held in the downstairs hall. The food was great and the company was better as 200 people attended. Colleen Sullivan, who had attended the Ordination on Saturday, had assembled a slide show that was a beautiful reminder of a day full of Grace. MaryEllen Grazulis presented to Deacon Bill, a stole she handmade that was reversible and held together with a bracelet chain that was a gift to Bill's wife Mimi.

Everyone left the event feeling blessed to have been part of such an extraordinary day and witness to the destiny of such a special man.

Congratulations Deacon Bill and Mimi.

Photo's courtesy of Marie Mahlert

St.Joseph's Catholic Church

10 H. Putnam Rd. Ext. Charlton, MA

Deacon Bill Shea's first Mass