Father Stephen McGinnis celebrates first Mass at St. Bernard, Rockport

June 8, 2023

The Message photos by Megan Erbacher

Father Stephen McGinnis says the Eucharistic Prayer during his first Mass as an ordained priest June 4 at St. Bernard Parish in Rockport. Shown joining Father Stephen around the altar are Deacon Caleb Scherzinger, far left; seminarian Jacob Schneider; Father Tony Ernst, pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Vincennes and St. Philip Neri Parish in Bicknell; server Kristin Schulte; Father Tyler Tenbarge, diocesan Director of Vocations; Father Tim Tenbarge, behind Father Stephen, senior priest of the diocese; Father Ron Kreilein, pastor of St. Bernard Parish in Rockport and St. Martin I Parish in Chrisney; server Jace Obermeier; seminarian Nathan Folz; Deacon Michael Waninger, deacon of St. Bernard Parish in Rockport and St. Martin I Parish in Chrisney; and Deacon Philip Rogier, standing at right of Father Stephen.

Father Ron Kreilein, left, and Father Stephen McGinnis distribute Holy Communion during Father Stephen’s first Mass as an ordained priest at St. Bernard Parish in Rockport June 4.

Father Tyler Tenbarge, left, gives the homily during Father Stephen McGinnis’ first Mass as an ordained priest. Shown are seminarian Nathan Folz, left, server Kristin Schulte, Deacon Michael Waninger, Father Stephen McGinnis, Deacon Philip Rogier and Father Ron Kreilein.

Father Stephen McGinnis, right, greets parishioners, family and friends after his first Mass as an ordained priest June 4 at St. Bernard Parish in Rockport.

Father Stephen McGinnis poses with his nephew, Evan Sparks, during a reception honoring him after his first Mass as an ordained priest.