On July 16, 1989, the day after his Ordination Mass, Fr. Mark offered a Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Peter Parish in North Eugene. St. Peter was the parish in which he had grown up. Such a Mass is commonly called a priest’s “First Mass,” but technically the “First Mass” for a priest is the Ordination Mass. Nonetheless, with many family members present and the whole parish community which had supported Fr. Mark on the road to Ordination gathered together, there was certainly “cause for rejoicing!” Among the many who shared in the celebration of the Mass were Fr. Mark’s paternal Grandmother Elizabeth, priest-friends from far and wide, and many Aunts and Uncles, including his Uncle Fr. Vincent Tuchscherer from the Diocese of Fargo, ND. (The photo to the left is of Fr. Mark and his parents, Fran and John, taken immediately after the Mass of Thanksgiving on July 16, 31 years ago)
A slightly humorous anecdote: there were many family members staying at the Bachmeier home over the weekend of July 15-16, so Fr. Mark joined some priest-friends in staying at a local hotel. On the Sunday morning of the Mass of Thanksgiving, while loading his car, Fr. Mark encountered a young woman in the parking lot. She was standing near a car with Texas license plates. Given that Fr. Mark was wearing a “Roman collar” for one of the first times, she recognized the shirt and asked, “Are you a preacher?” Fr. Mark was a little surprised by the question, hesitated, and then said, “Well, yes. I guess I am a preacher.” She said in response and with a perfect Texas drawl, “Good luck with your preachin’.” We can assume that luck has never played a part in anyone’s preaching, especially that of Fr. Mark, but the sentiment was well-intended and well-received. Please continue to pray for our pastor and for all who have been entrusted with proclaiming the God News of the Gospel.
Prayer for Priests: Gracious and loving God, we thank you for the gift of our priests. Through them, we experience your presence in your Word and in the Sacraments. Help our priests to be strong in their vocation. Set their souls on fire with love for your people. Grant them the wisdom, understanding, and strength they need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Inspire them with the vision of your Kingdom. Give them the words they need to spread the Gospel and allow them to experience joy in their ministry. Help them to become instruments of your divine grace. We ask this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns as our Eternal Priest, forever and ever. Amen.
