A symbolic first: gifts, tears, and many prayers accompany Father Isaac McCracken’s first Mass
Fr. Isaac McCracken celebrates his first Mass on May 25, 2025 at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Arlington. (NTC/Juan Guajardo).
ARLINGTON — Gary McCracken couldn’t help but shed a few tears at the end of his son’s May 24 ordination Mass in St. Patrick Cathedral. The St. Vincent de Paul parishioner, along with wife, Joann, are stalwart supporters of their son, Isaac, who announced plans, seven years ago, to enter the seminary. It’s a blessing that came with long stretches away from family, concerns for his well-being, and other challenges.
“He finally made it through,” said the elder McCracken, calling the day an answer to prayer. “It’s been a long journey. We’re just so proud of him and what he is doing.”
During his first Mass, celebrated May 25 in St. Vincent de Paul Church in Arlington, Father McCracken acknowledged his parent’s love, guidance, and Christian example with gifts.
“The Church values the importance of family, particularly parents, in the life and formation of priests,” said Fr. McCracken, addressing worshippers at the end of the liturgy. “They raise them in the faith, form their conscience, and accompany them on the journey of priestly formation.”
Recognizing the importance of that role, many young priests are reviving a pious tradition that rewards mothers and fathers for their sacrifices.
The 27-year-old priest gave Gary McCracken the purple stole worn when he administered the sacrament of reconciliation for the first time.
“It’s given to the father symbolizing his role in shaping the priest’s character and understanding of mercy and justice,” the grateful son explained. “These virtues are essential to the sacrament of confession and young priests need them especially as they begin their ministry of reconciliation.”
According to tradition, a priest’s father is buried holding the purple stole so, when raised on the last day, he can present it to Christ with the words, "My son, too, shared in Your priesthood.”
A beautiful tradition
Fr. McCracken’s attention then turned to his mother, Joann, who was presented with the manutergium. Used to wipe blessed chrism from a priest’s hands after being ordained, the cloth represents the burial shroud of Christ and dedication to ministry.
“That cloth is not to be discarded,” Fr. McCracken informed the congregation. “It is presented to the mother of the newly ordained priest who keeps it until it’s placed in her hands upon death.”
In a narrative that is both beautiful and consoling, when the mother arrives at the gates of heaven with the sacred item, she is escorted to the Lord who asks, “I have given you life. What have you given me?”
“She hands our Lord the manutergium and responds, ‘I have given you my son as a priest,’” Fr. McCracken said before embracing his mother.
The touching ceremony drew applause and a few tears from parishioners.
A sign of Christ’s presence
Concelebrating the Mass with the newly ordained priest were Vicar General Father Jonathan Wallis; Father Maurice Moon, director of collegian seminarian formation; Father Brett Metzler, director of vocations; Father Philip Brembah, pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish; and Father Kenneth Nauert of the Diocese of Louisville, Kentucky.
“It’s a great honor to preach at your first Mass,” said Fr. Wallis, who is also director of theologian seminarian formation. “Thank you for saying yes to the Lord not just for yourself but for the rest of us.”
During an ordination Mass, a priest is reminded to conform his life to the mystery of the cross.
“It’s an amazing thing to give our lives to Jesus Christ. To be humble enough to say He knows better than I do what I need,” the vicar general pointed out. “Father [McCracken] is now called and is a living sign and witness of the love our Lord Jesus Christ has for us. Christ has not abandoned us, and a sign of His presence is a new priest for our diocese.”
Becoming a priest is one of the greatest gifts the Lord can give.
“Know that you’re in our prayers every single day,” the homilist said to the new priest. “You are now the instrument of Christ’s love and peace in a very particular way. Let your light shine before others so they may see the glory and good works of God the Father.”
The pastor of St. Vincent de Paul asked people to pray for the former seminarian who grew up in the Arlington parish. Fr. McCracken is just beginning the long journey of living out his vocation, Fr. Brembah told them.
“He’ll need your prayers every day,” he urged. “Pray for him like you did when he was in formation. He needs you more than ever. You are his family. He came from us.”