By Monsignor Noel C. Burtenshaw

On June 1, 1957, the Most Reverend Francis E. Hyland, the first Bishop of Atlanta, traveled to Long Island, New York, to ordain the very first seminarian of his newly established Diocese. That seminarian was Daniel J. McCormick.

Father McCormick had studied in St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore for service in the Savannah-Atlanta Diocese. In July, 1956, the new North Georgia Atlanta Diocese was established. Father Dan was designated as the first priest to be ordained for the Diocese.

Last year Atlanta celebrated its 25th jubilee year. Now it is Father Dan McCormick's turn. The Atlanta priest will commemorate 25 years of priesthood on Sunday next, May 30.

"It's going to be a happy time," says Father Dan who is stationed at St. Thomas More Church in Decatur. "Unfortunately, my mother and father will not be here. My father is recovering from surgery so coming all the way from San Rafael in California is out of the question."

However, the celebrating priest looks forward to having his sister, Jean, with him. She is Mrs. Jean Cahill and also lives in California. "Cousins and relatives from other parts of the country will be here," says Father Dan. "Of course the Archbishop will be there along with the priests of the Diocese. It will be a nice celebration."

Over the period of his 25 years, Father McCormick has served in many parishes throughout North Georgia. He was an assistant in Our Lady of the Assumption, the Cathedral and Immaculate Hart of Mary. He pastored parishes in Cedartown, Norcross and Peachtree City. Father Dan also spent almost two years as a member of the Trappist community in Conyers. "I have always been interested in that prayer life," says Father McCormick. "I enjoyed my stay with the monks. I hope I bring their spirit to the parish ministry."

Many of the priests and sisters and laity who worked with Father McCormick over the years will be participating in the silver celebration. "I want them to know, all of them," says the well-known priest, "that I am offering this liturgy for them in particular and for their families."

The celebration for Father Dan McCormick at St. Thomas More will begin at 4 p.m. and a reception will follow in the parish hall. The occasion is special for this priest of North Georgia -- the first-ordained of the now growing Atlanta Church.