Father Bill Murphy, spiritual director to Father Michael Fowler at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary, observes his newly ordained priest wear his chasuble for the first time. The outermost liturgical vestment is worn for the celebration of the Eucharist. The gift by St. Patrick’s Rosary and Altar Society was presented to Father Michael at his reception at St. Ann’s Parish Hall in Rochester after his ordination in the Sacred Heart Cathedral.
Diocese of Rochester Bishop Salvatore R. Matano has named Owego native and Lockheed Martin-IBM Owego retiree Father Michael Fowler as Parochial Administrator of St. Agnes in Avon, St. Paul of the Cross in Honeoye Falls, and St. Rose in Lima. This is a one-year assignment, subject to renewal or reassignment.
As Parochial Administrator, Father Michael will oversee the day-to-day functions of Saints Agnes, Paul and Rose. In general, an administrator has the same duties and scope of authority of a pastor.
Bishop Matano ordained Father Michael to the Sacred Priesthood of Jesus Christ on Saturday, June 20, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Rochester.
Father Michael’s first assignment was Parochial Vicar to the three-parish cluster to render his services in pastoral ministry.
In Masses recently, Father Michael told his congregations, “To say that I am thrilled with this opportunity is an understatement. I owe Bishop Matano and the Priest Personnel Board who advise him regarding such matters, a profound debt of gratitude.”
Father Michael added, “In accepting, the risk of affording me this opportunity with so little priestly experience under my belt, great confidence has been expressed; not so much in me, I believe, as in Christ’s loving and guiding hand over the affairs of His Bride, the Church. Most of all, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, your willingness to accept me as your spiritual shepherd is both humbling and inspirational. I assure you of my very best efforts to make good on the trust that has been placed in me; to be a beneficial spiritual resource to you all, and to advance the common good of our community.”
Father Bill Murphy was Father Michael’s Spiritual Director for two years at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Mass.
In an Email, Father Murphy stated, “To those who know him, the Bishop’s appointment is an affirmation of Father Michael’s spiritual depth and administrative ability. Father Michael’s love for Our Lord and His people will be the source of strong, loving and wise pastoral care. Everyone will benefit from his guidance. He’s got a pastor’s heart and fine mind.”
Father Michael succeeds Assisting Priest Rev. Michael Upson who became pastor of Blessed Trinity in Wolcott and 8-year Pastoral Administrator Sister Karen Dietz SSJ who was elected to the Leadership Team for her Sisters of St. Joseph in Rochester.
