At the ordination Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on May 24, the assembly applauds the soon-to-be-ordained priest just after the election of the candidate and assent of the assembly.

On Saturday, May 24, Bishop George J. Lucas ordained Collinsville native Father Kevin A. Muniz to the diocesan priesthood during 11 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield.

"Today our prayers are answered, as God so often answers, with the gift of a person, our son and brother, Kevin Muniz," Bishop Lucas said as he began his homily. "The seed of this vocation, which becomes God's gift to us, has been cultivated for many years, so that by God's design, it can bear good fruit now and in the future."

Bishop Lucas said he was grateful for the soon-to-be-ordained priest's parents, Dave and Lynn Muniz, his brother Kent Muniz, grandparents, extended family and friends for fostering that vocation. "Our sincere thanks also, to all at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, and to the vocation directors," he said.

"Father John Beveridge and the parishioners of Ss. Peter and Paul Parish in Collinsville have done so much to support and encourage Kevin since he was a child.

"You have helped Kevin to know the essential vitality of parish life, that is so important for every diocesan priest to know," he said.

Father Muniz gives Communion to his father, Dave Muniz, while his mother, Lynn Muniz, follows.

"The parishes where Kevin has served in several internships have enriched this first experience of parish life in Collinsville. I urge each person here to go home to your parish and to ask how the master of the harvest is answering our prayer for priests in your own parish community," he said. "The people of Ss. Peter and Paul can tell you what a joy it is to support the Lord's plan for priestly vocations."

May 24 happened to be the anniversary date of this year's golden jubilarians, several who were present at the Mass, Bishop Lucas said. "It was 33 years ago today that I was ordained to the priesthood," he said, recalling his own anniversary. "I can't imagine a better way to spend it."

In addressing the man who was there to be ordained, Bishop Lucas said, "Finally, Kevin, we give thanks to God for you, for giving you the grace to respond with your life to the call of Jesus Christ to share in his one priesthood and for giving you the desire to give that generous response.

" ... You are consecrated, set apart, as a true priest of the New Testament, to preach the Gospel, to shepherd God's people and to celebrate the sacred liturgy, especially the Lord's sacrifice," he said. "An essential part of your priesthood is to exercise the sacred duty of teaching, in the name of Christ the Teacher.

The newly-ordained priest gives the traditional first blessing to Bishop George J. Lucas on the steps of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

"... So, carry out the ministry of Christ the Priest with Gospel joy and genuine love. The people are depending on you, Kevin, and so is Christ," Bishop Lucas said. "Remember that we minister together in Christ so that our people might live as one family, whom we lead to God the Father, through Christ, in the Holy Spirit."

After the homily, Father Muniz made his promises to the priesthood and lay prostrate in the sanctuary while the assembly prayed the Litany of the Saints. The ordination also included the laying on of hands by Bishop Lucas and the priests, and prayer of ordination just before he was vested with the chasuble by Father Christopher Comerford, pastor of St. Louis Parish in Nokomis and St. Maurice Parish in Morrisonville. Next, Bishop Lucas anointed the new priest's hands with the oil that was consecrated at the chrism Mass and Father Muniz received the bread and wine.

Finally, Bishop Lucas gave the fraternal kiss to Father Muniz and the priests did the same, welcoming him to their ministry. The liturgy resumed with Father Muniz concelebrating.

Following the ordination Mass, Father Muniz stepped out onto the steps of the cathedral, where he was greeted by the applause of his fellow priests. He gave the traditional first blessing to Bishop Lucas and then attended a reception in his honor.

Now that he is ordained, Father Muniz will be serving as parochial vicar at Decatur's Our Lady of Lourdes Parish and St. Thomas the Apostle Parish. His assignment will begin July 1. 

Father David Peters lays hands on Father Kevin Muniz as Father Richard Weltin waits. May 24 was Father Peters’ golden jubilee anniversary. 

The newly-ordained Father Muniz watches as the altar is prepared.

Father Christopher Comerford, pastor of St. Maurice Parish in Morrisonville and St. Louis Parish in Nokomis, vests Father Muniz. 

Father John Beveridge, pastor of Ss. Peter and Paul Parish in Collinsville, gives the “fraternal kiss” that welcomes Father Muniz to the priestly ministry. Father Muniz calls Ss. Peter and Paul his home parish.

A young friend rushes to congratulate Father Muniz on his ordination while Father Comerford looks on.