September 27, 2014 – It was in May of 1954 that Fr. Paul Lehman, BLD Newark’s ageless Spiritual Director, was ordained by Archbishop Thomas Boland at the St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral in Newark, NJ. Last Saturday, in a Holy Mass at the Divine Mercy Parish Church in Rahway, he celebrated this milestone - his 60th Sacerdotal Anniversary, with BLD friends and families.
In his homily, Fr. Paul’s main reflection centered on the first reading, from Ecclesiastes, where Qoheleth addresses Youth and Old Age (Eccl 11:9). Fr. Paul cited his milestone, not as a marker for getting old, but of growing younger as the Holy Spirit continues to grow in him with the passing of earthly years. And that it should also be so, with each of us.
After the Mass BLD Newark hosted a special luncheon, with video tributes, speeches and special presentations by BLD Newark Ministries. Besides those from Newark, in attendance were disciples of other BLD districts (Washington, Allentown, Trenton, Long Island), as well as some members of Couples for Christ, where Fr. Paul has also served as Spiritual Director.
Over the years, Fr. Paul has served the Church in many capacities, as chaplain, administrator and pastor. Of note were - his first assignment, as Assistant Pastor at St. John’s Parish in Bergenfield; and his 10-year tenure leading the flock at St. Antoninus Church in Newark, up until his retirement in 1999.
Summing up everyone’s affection for him, a disciple from one of the other districts exclaimed, “We will never miss this occasion. We cancelled all our activities so we can give our love and respect to Father.”
Since 1996, BLD Newark has had a special place in his Ministry. The Community will never be able to repay Fr. Paul for all the good that he has done and continues to do for us. Last Saturday, BLD Newark in turn, had the opportunity to express some of its gratitude - in dance, words and songs; additionally, in lieu of personal gifts, many generous donations were accepted (and can still be made) for the children’s Scholarship of Hope in the Fr. Paul Lehman GK Village in Cabiao Nueva Ecija, Philippines.
After the Mass BLD Newark hosted a special luncheon, with video tributes, speeches and special presentations by BLD Newark Ministries. Besides those from Newark, in attendance were disciples of other BLD districts (Washington, Allentown, Trenton, Long Island), as well as some members of Couples for Christ, where Fr. Paul has also served as Spiritual Director.
Over the years, Fr. Paul has served the Church in many capacities, as chaplain, administrator and pastor. Of note were - his first assignment, as Assistant Pastor at St. John’s Parish in Bergenfield; and his 10-year tenure leading the flock at St. Antoninus Church in Newark, up until his retirement in 1999.
Summing up everyone’s affection for him, a disciple from one of the other districts exclaimed, “We will never miss this occasion. We cancelled all our activities so we can give our love and respect to Father.”
Since 1996, BLD Newark has had a special place in his Ministry. The Community will never be able to repay Fr. Paul for all the good that he has done and continues to do for us. Last Saturday, BLD Newark in turn, had the opportunity to express some of its gratitude - in dance, words and songs; additionally, in lieu of personal gifts, many generous donations were accepted (and can still be made) for the children’s Scholarship of Hope in the Fr. Paul Lehman GK Village in Cabiao Nueva Ecija, Philippines.