Hundreds Gather at St. Irenaeus Catholic Parish in Rochester Hills as Pastor Brian Chabala Celebrated the 40th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood
St. Irenaeus Catholic Church, a community of nearly 2,100 families reaching out and ministering to the needs of the parish, the community, and others through worship, education and Christian Service, joined the celebration in September to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Pastor Brian Chabala’s ordination to the priesthood.
40th Anniversary Fr. Chabala with parish choirs after mass
An estimated 500 parishioners, family and friends gathered on the parish grounds for the afternoon celebration, which was preceded by a Mass at 11:30 a.m. the same day. The presider of the Mass was Fr. Chabala; con-celebrating were Fr. Bill Sinatra, Fr. Steve Krupa S.J., Fr. Michael Verschaeve, Monsignor Thomas Rice and Fr. John Huber, many of whom were friends of Fr. Chabala’s from their seminary days together at Sacred Heart in Detroit.
Members of Catholic parishes where Fr. Chabala also previously served as pastor, including St. Fabian in Farmington Hills, St. Mary’s of Monroe, St. Mary’s of Wayne and St. Frances Cabrini in Allen Park, were in attendance to congratulate Fr. Chabala. He served as pastor of St. Fabian for 15 years immediately prior to joining St. Irenaeus in 2011.
40th Anniversary Fr. Chabala with family members at St. Irenaeus in Rochester Hills
Fr. Chabala expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as a priest for 40 years. “An occasion like this is both supportive and touching,” Fr. Brian said, “To reconnect with people from many years ago was truly a remarkable experience.”
Coincident with the 40th anniversary of Fr. Chabala’s ordination in 2017, St. Irenaeus is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the parish’s founding. A formal celebration was held on June 25 for the parish’s anniversary, with a variety of spiritual and social events taking place throughout the year to commemorate the milestone.
Nathan, Mike and Kennady Lenz with Fr. Chabala at St. Irenaeus Catholic Parish in Rochester Hills
About St. Irenaeus Parish
As people of faith enlivened by the Holy Spirit, the members of St. Irenaeus are called to proclaim God’s glory by reaching out and ministering to the needs of the parish, the community and beyond through worship, education and Christian service. Celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2017, St. Irenaeus is located at 771 Old Perch Road, Rochester Hills, MI., and led by Pastor, Father Brian Chabala. Masses are offered Saturday afternoon at 5:00 p.m. and Sunday at 8:00, 9:45 and 11:30 a.m. To learn more, visit their website. Their phone number is 248-651-9595.
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