Father Andrew J. Hamilton Ordained to the Priesthood

Celebrates first Mass at home parish

By The Catholic Accent

GREENSBURG – Father Andrew J. Hamilton was ordained to the Priesthood by Bishop Larry J. Kulick June 3 at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, Greensburg. Father Hamilton, a native of Ford City, celebrated his First Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving in his home parish, Christ, Prince of Peace Parish, Ford City, June 4.

Father Hamilton joins Father Eric J. Dinga, Pastor of Christ, Prince of Peace Parish and St. Lawrence Parish, Cadogan, and Father Tyler J. Bandura, Pastor of St. James Parish, New Alexandria, as the third man to be ordained to the priesthood from the parish.

During the ordination Mass for Father Hamilton, Bishop Kulick said the joyous day was a response to the prayers that have been offered by the faithful in the Diocese for vocations.

“Today is yet another testimony for how good God is and how he does answer our prayers,” Bishop Kulick said.
Bishop Kulick invited all in attendance to think about the heart of the priesthood, which is symbolized in the sanctuary of every church.
“This sanctuary will not only be pragmatically your home, but it will be the center of your life,” he told Father Hamilton. 

Bishop Kulick outlined four primary things the new priest would experience during Mass.

All sanctuaries have a crucifix that should remind him that he must give his life in every moment in imitation of Christ in his eternal love for each and every person.

Every day during his priesthood, he will go up to the altar of God and offer the sacrifice for the people of God. “Even as I tell retired priests, you never stop being a priest advocating for the people of God in prayer, sacrifice and in action,” Bishop Kulick said.
When raising the chalice during Mass, Bishop Kulick called on Father Hamilton to allow Christ to transform him to become the chalice of His love, mercy and truth.

Finally, “We can never forget that around the sanctuary are the people of God,” Bishop Kulick said. “They are the people on whose behalf through your prayer, your personal sacrifice and your example of living you will not only advocate for, but you will intercede for, and you will witness on behalf of them all, offering them their natural and spiritual rights.”
Father Hamilton is the son of William and Donna Hamilton, who were joined at the Mass by family, friends, clergy and religious.
Father Hamilton will await his first assignment later this summer.