Fr. Christopher Murphy with his family following his ordination on June 23, 2012

"Every priestly vocation comes from the heart of God
but passes through the heart of a mother."

-Pope St. Pius X

Rev. Christopher J. Murphy was ordained to the priesthood on June 23, 2012 with Rev. Francesco Francese and Rev. Ryan W. Connors. Fr. Murphy celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving on the day after his ordination followed by a dinner with his family and friends. Fr. Murphy’s parents, Gerard and Judy Murphy, took the opportunity to express their joy in their son’s ordination and their pride in how each of their children have used their different God-given talents. Below is the reflection given by Judy Murphy that evening.

“First of all I'd like to thank all of you for joining us in celebrating the ordination to the priesthood of our son Christopher James, now Father Murphy. As you might expect I am very proud of him. Answering the call to the priesthood is not easy in today's secular world. Material goods, personal
happiness and a quest for success often consume more of our thoughts than developing a relationship with God and caring for others. I believe that without God at the center, money, personal fulfillment and career success will not bring lasting joy.

“For me, walking along this journey to the priesthood with Chris has brought me closer to God. Despite some tribulations along the way, knowing that God is always there with me has helped me to survive and thrive. I've loved praying the Liturgy of the Hours with Chris. These readings have helped me to really appreciate the love that God has for us. Men like Chris, Ryan, Frank and all of the other fine seminarians I met in Rome and at Saint John's seminary who answered God’s call, give me such hope for the Church in these turbulent times. I have no doubt that with God's help, Chris and the two other new priests will touch the minds, hearts and souls of many in the years ahead.

“My pride and joy in Chris is not limited to Chris alone. There is no greater joy for a mother than to see her children find their passion and pursue it relentlessly. I have been truly blessed by God in my children who have all been called to serve Him in
different ways...I am so proud of all three. I am humbled by the gifts I have been given by God in Gerald, Christopher and Alicyn. I thank God every day for the blessings and joys I've experienced in my family.

“So I will end like I began. I'd like to thank all of you again. Just as Chris has touched others, you have greatly touched him and our family. Each of you has contributed in some way to Chris’ strength in his vocation. Your prayers, encouragement, questions, and joy have shown us the beauty and connectedness of our Church community. Without a doubt there is no greater
beauty than the love that God has for his people.”