By Paula Day

Archbishop Eugene A. Marino, SSJ, ordained Father Chris Williamson a priest for the archdiocese in a Eucharistic celebration at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Saturday, Dec. 10.

Father Williamson is the first priest to be ordained for the archdiocese of Atlanta by Archbishop Marino. In his instructions during the ordination Mass, Archbishop Marino called Father Williamson "my first priest, my first son, as your bishop of Atlanta."

Continuing the instruction the archbishop said, "It is a duty of yours to give your life in service to the Church ... Be generous ... remember the generosity, which you have today, in future years ... Do not glory in the fact that you are being given power today over sin and death. Rather, glory in the fact that Jesus Christ has called you ... Be a man of prayer, most of all. Familiarize yourself every day with God's word. Your people will come to you looking for the witness of the life of a man of faith. You will give that witness if you are a man of prayer. The ministry you experience will then be a source of joy and of consolation throughout your life."

Archbishop Marino reminded the priests present for the ordination that "we are given power to act not on our own behalf, but on behalf of the people of God." To the laity he said, "It is important for you to remember that we (priests) come in all our human frailty to serve you ... You must receive your priests recognizing that in their humanity they are not perfect. They need your collaboration ... the support of your prayers."

Thirty-one priests of the archdiocese joined Archbishop Marino as concelebrants of the liturgy, during which each imposed hands on the candidate in an ancient action that is part of the rite of ordination. Father Williamson's brother, Brian, read from the book of Isaiah in which the prophet announces, "The Lord has anointed me and sent me to bring the Good News to the poor." His brother-in-law, John Bird, read the second Scripture passage from Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. Deacon Brendan Doyle, a fellow Irishman who will be ordained for the archdiocese next spring, read the selection from Matthew's gospel proclaiming that the Son of Man has come not to be served, but to serve. Stephen and Joanna Bird, nephew and niece of Father Williamson, brought the gifts to the altar.

The Cathedral Choir, under music director Hamilton Smith and choir master Kevin Culver, performed music for the Liturgy. After the ordination Mass, the Atlanta Serra Club hosted a reception for the newly ordained priest, his family and guests and priest of the archdiocese.

Father Williamson offered a Mass of Thanksgiving at Holy Spirit Church in northeast Atlanta, Sunday, Dec. 11. With his brother, Brian, he will return to Ireland to spend Christmas with his parents and other family members. When he returns to Atlanta Jan. 11, he will begin his duties as parochial vicar at All Saints parish in Dunwoody.