Deacon Stephen Tilley to be ordained a priest for the diocese on June 30
SALT LAKE CITY — Deacon Stephen Tilley has been studying for almost nine years as part of his journey to become a priest. He entered Mount Angel Seminary in Oregon in 2009 and earned undergraduate degrees in literature and philosophy, then traveled to Rome in 2013 to study at the Pontifical North American College and the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas. Now he is returning to Utah, where he will be ordained as a priest on June 30.
Deacon Tilley became interested in the priesthood for a simple reason: “Jesus Christ,” he said. “Everything begins with an encounter with the person of Jesus Christ.”
Jesus has always been a powerful presence in his life and “it is only through the cross that I have found my source of hope, joy and love,” he said.
His faith journey also has been inspired by a metaphor posed by Pope Benedict XVI, in which the pope spoke of an image of the believer strapped to a cross, and the only thing that keeps the believer afloat in the raging sea. This image gives Deacon Tilley hope that “the cross of Jesus Christ … is stronger than any storm that we will ever encounter. The storms of life are weak when compared to the solid foundation of Christ crucified,” he said.
His time in Rome was “very fruitful;” a trip to the catacombs was an especially prayerful experience, he said.
The catacombs, where many ancient Christians are buried, also are a source of early Christian art.
“When you are in the catacombs you are almost forced to remember the primitive nature of our faith, the uncompromising ‘yes’ that our early Church Fathers gave to our Lord. It is inspiring,” Deacon Tilley said, pointing out that his own ordination will take place during the time the Church honors martyrs, which made his time in the catacombs especially impactful.
His studies in Rome resulted in a general theology degree, referred to as an S.T.B.; after ordination Deacon Tilley will pursue a specialized degree, or S.T.L., in dogmatic theology. He will return to Rome in mid-September for his ninth consecutive year of academic study. This time has been very helpful, but “I cannot wait until I’m back in a parish,” he said.
Though he was often preoccupied with academic studies, this past year as a deacon was wonderful, Deacon Tilley said. Last summer he served in Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Salt Lake City and then, after returning to Rome in October he ministered at Centro San Lorenzo, a papal youth outreach program. The lesson he took away from this service was “that God provides unexpectedly and abundantly. … He continues to amaze me,” he said.
Deacon Tilley is looking forward to many things when he is ordained: He is excited to be able to hear confessions and implement Pope Francis’ message of mercy, he said. Celebrating the Eucharist has always been something he has wanted to do as well, he said.
“I also am looking forward to journeying with the people of God and sharing in their stories” as a priest, Deacon Tilley said. “The faithful in the Diocese of Salt Lake City inspire me and I truly enjoy just being with them.”
The diocese will be blessed by Deacon Tilley’s presence as a priest and is looking forward to when they can experience his ministry fully, said Monsignor Colin F. Bircumshaw, the diocese’s vicar general, adding that the deacon “is a people person – a very bright and engaging individual who relates well with all sorts of people,” he said. “I have a feeling, if he had his choice, he would prefer to begin his pastoral service to the diocese immediately, rather than return for this final year of academics – but he does so because of the needs of the diocese. … I pray this final year of academics goes well, and look forward to the summer of 2018 when we can welcome him to the diocese for pastoral assignment.”
After his ordination, Deacon Tilley will serve as parochial vicar in the Cathedral of the Madeleine before returning to Rome for the academic year.
His journey of faith has taught him that learning about and reaching out to God will always lead to in-credible discoveries, he said. “Learning to trust God in all things takes a lot of time because it takes a lot of forgiveness and patience, but God is worth it. Jesus Christ is always worth it. He is the source of life itself.”
WHAT: Laying on of Hands for the Order
of Priests for Deacon Stephen Tilley
WHEN: June 30, 7 p.m.
WHERE: Cathedral of the Madeleine
309 E. South Temple, SLC
All in the diocese are welcome to attend.
Father Tilley will celebrate two Masses of Thanksgiving:
Saturday, July 1, at 5:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 514 24th St., Ogden
AND
Sunday, July 2, at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 725 South 250 East, Hyde Park.
© Copyright 2024 The Diocese of Salt Lake City. All rights reserved.
Stay Connected With Us