Priest marks 25th anniversary of ordination

MIDWEST CITY — St. Philip Neri Catholic Church celebrated the Rev. Timothy Fuller’s 25th anniversary of priesthood on June 10 at the Reed Conference Center and the church, 1107 Felix Place.

The celebration included Mass at the church and a brunch reception accompanied by jazz music at the Reed Conference Center. More than 500 people attended the gathering.

Special guests included the Rev. Anthony Chandler, of Immaculate Conception in La Grange, Kentucky; Deacon Paul Albert, of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Elk City, as well as many of Fuller’s family members and personal friends. Hundreds of St. Philip Neri parishioners also were on hand.

Fuller’s first-grade teacher, Sister Theresa Margaret, 97, said the blessing before the meal at brunch. She is one of the Carmelite Sisters and was joined by Sister Sylvia Negrete and Sister Barbara Joseph.

The afternoon’s celebration included video tributes from St. Philip Neri Catholic school students, a personal message from Oklahoma City Archbishop Paul S. Coakley and touching tribute from parish staff on the sacrament of holy orders.

Guest speakers included St. Philip Neri School Principal Brenda Tener, who announced the number of sacraments Fuller has celebrated during his career as a priest. Deacon Norm Mejstrik, who has served St. Philip Neri as a deacon for the last 15 years, discussed the priest’s ministry, highlighting his missions and parishes served in the archdiocese.

At the end of the celebration, Fuller addressed the assembly.

“I am grateful to the Almighty God for these last 25 years of priesthood, especially in the graces of all the people who have come into my life. I will always carry those relationships with me,” he said.

Fuller continues to lead and serve the parish and school of St. Philip Neri, and he also serves as a Global Fellow for the international humanitarian agency Catholic Relief Services. Most recently, Fuller was given a special assignment as the archdiocese’s director of seminarians.

[PHOTO PROVIDED] Deacon Paul Albert, who served with the Rev. Timothy Fuller in Elk City, poses for a picture with the priest at the 25th anniversary of his priestly ordination.

[PHOTO PROVIDED] The Rev. Timothy Fuller, at right, poses for a photo with several Carmelite Sisters, including Sister Sylvia Negrete, Sister Barbara Joseph Foley and, seated, Sister Theresa Margaret, 97.