Endicott Church Celebrates First New Priest in Half-Century

A newly-ordained priest returned to his childhood parish in Endicott to celebrate his first Mass.

Saint Joseph Catholic Church is located on the North Side of Endicott. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Father Matthew Lyons presided over a Sunday morning Mass at St. Joseph's Church, less than 24 hours after his ordination in DeWitt.

The 29-year-old Lyons grew up in Endicott and Endwell. He is a 2006 graduate of Maine-Endwell High School. He earned a Master's Degree in business and finance at Binghamton University and then attended Theological College in Washington, D.C.

Pastor Charles Opondo-Owora said the last ordination of a priest from St. Joseph's Church occurred in May 1968.

The church on Hayes Avenue was filled for the what was billed as a "Mass of Thanksgiving" for the ordination of Lyons. He expressed his gratitude for those who supported him as he prepared to become a priest.

Diocese of Syracuse Bishop Robert Cunningham has assigned Lyons to Most Holy Family Church in Fairmount.

Father Lyons blesses Rev. Charles Opondo-Owora, the pastor of St. Joseph's Church. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

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