Father Michael Umameh, parish priest at Sacred Heart, Hillsborough, and Deacon Tony Strike, of the same parish celebrated together their 20th anniversary of ordination on Sunday 14th July.
Fr Michael was ordained priest on 17th July 2004. He coordinates the Hallam African community in the diocese including a monthly Mass and an annual pilgrimage to Kirk Edge Monastery. Father Michael is also the appointed diocesan director of deacons.
Deacon Tony was ordained deacon on 4th July 2004 in Portsmouth, and was incardinated to Hallam twelve years ago. Tony is a member of the diocesan trustees, is co-ordinating diocesan plans for the Jubilee Year in 2025, is the diocesan director of the Guild of St. Stephen and responsible for diaconal formation.
Pauline McConnon, chair of the parish council, made a speech and presentation after Mass, followed by an invitation to share in tea and cake in the School Hall.
At the same Mass six new Altar Servers were welcomed, then existing servers who had completed their training period were enrolled into the Guild of St. Stephen and two of our senior servers were honoured for their commitment.
Fr Michael thanked the parish community for supporting his ministry and expressed his gratitude at being able to serve the Sacred Heart community as a priest. Quoting Pope Francis he said:
“if we are bearers of gratitude, the world itself will become better, even if only a little bit, but that is enough to transmit a bit of hope. Everything is united and everything is connected, and everyone needs to do his or her part wherever we are.”
