A Joyful Event at St John the Baptist

On Sunday Oct 13, 2024, we formally celebrated the 50th anniversary of the ordination of Fr. Raymond Diesbourg at St. John the Baptist Church in Ottsville, PA. It was not only a blessing for our MSC USA province but especially for the Parish where he received his first assignment as pastor of a parish.

Fr. Mike Miller, the new Provincial Superior, and several other MSC confreres came to celebrate the Eucharistic ceremony and to enjoy a fraternal lunch afterward. More than 100 parishioners came to share this very special occasion with him. Some of them also shared their appreciations of Fr. Ray on behalf of the Parish.

We thanked God for keeping Fr. Ray a faithful MSC, serving the people of God as a Missionary of the Sacred Heart. Thanks to Fr. Lucas, MSC, current pastor of St John Parish and those who are in council for organizing this event. The anniversary itself proved to be a good opportunity for Fr. Ray to look back on his journey of service over the past fifty years and to thank God for many blessings he has received in his ministries.

Furthermore, the anniversary reminded us as MSC and lay members that we all need one another to build the Church of God on earth. We pray that God may continue to grant us the gift of perseverance in faith so that we are able to continue to bring God’s love to people everywhere.