HAMMONTON – In installing Father James H. King as pastor of Saint Mary of Mount Carmel Parish on Aug. 30, Bishop Joseph Williams praised the community’s new shepherd while also encouraging him to always look to God for inspiration.
“God has given you in Father King a wonderful preacher, one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit,” Bishop Williams told the faithful gathered Aug. 30 in Saint Joseph Church. “I pray today that Father King never preaches what you want to hear, but only what God wants to say to the community in Hammonton – what you need to hear for your eternal life.”
Reflecting on the day’s First Reading from Jeremiah (20:7-9), Bishop Williams urged Father King to remember that “the prophet needs to pray for courage.”
“May the prophet Jeremiah be a wonderful inspiration for you,” Bishop Williams said. “Pray for that courage, for the fire of the Word to stay burning in your bones. Even when you don’t want to say something, you will preach nevertheless. Of course, you preach with your eyes fixed on Jesus, he is the One who inspires … He is the true prophet.”
At Mass, Bishop Williams was joined by diocesan priests, clergy, religious and many faithful of the parish community.
With the Oath of Fidelity to his new ministry, Father King formally began his service as pastor. He also officially greeted the parish leadership teams. At the conclusion of Mass, he expressed his appreciation to Bishop Williams, all present, and the entire parish community for their prayers and support.
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
