Enid Parish Celebrates Homecoming For Two Called to Priesthood
Father Mason, Father Wheelahan Celebrate Mass, Enjoy Gathering with Alumni from Saint Joseph School During Celebration at Saint Francis Xavier Parish
Father Michael Wheelahan and Father Mark Mason outside
Saint Francis Xavier Parish in Enid. Photo/Sooner Catholic

ENID — Father Mark Mason thanked the parishioners at Saint Francis Xavier Church for inviting him and Father Michael Wheelahan to celebrate Mass together on June 25. The celebration recognized their years of service to the priesthood. Following Mass a reception was held in honor of the two priests and the alumni of Saint Joseph School.

“It’s like two homeboys,” Father Mason said in his homily.

The Mass, celebrated at the beautiful Enid church, recognized the 30th anniversary to the priesthood of Father Mason as well as the 25th anniversary of Father Wheelahan.

Father Mason is currently serving at Saint Eugene Church in Weatherford, while Father Wheel-ahan is pastor at Saint Mary Church in Medford.  Both attended Saint Joseph School at Saint Francis Xavier, Father Mason for 12 years and Father Wheelahan for a year, before the school was closed.

After being closed for more than 25 years, Saint Joseph School was reopened in 2001 and today offers Catholic education for pre-K through Sixth Grade. A second collection was held at the end of Mass with all proceeds going to the endowment for Saint Joseph School. Father Mason and Father Wheelahan received a standing ovation from the parish at the conclusion of Mass.

Father Wheelahan called the celebration a wonderful time to gather with old friends.

“I had a blast,” he said. “It really did feel like coming home, it always feels that way when I go back to Enid. I told the people this was so much easier than the first Mass I said at Saint Francis 25 years ago. I was scared to death then. This was much easier.”

Father Mason congratulated the Parish on reopening the school and said providing Catholic education “changes the mission of this parish for eternity.”  He called Catholic Education a “gift” and asked the Enid Catholics to “pray for us as missionaries of the Gospel and we will pray for you as co-heirs of this mission.”

The priests recognized Sister Stella Davis of Tulsa who is celebrating her 60th anniversary as a Religious. Like Father Mason and Father Wheelahan she attended Saint Joseph School. The priests also recognized the Adorers of the Blood of Christ Sisters who attended the Mass and later the school reunion.