In the beautiful stone gothic church where he has presided at Mass for the past 24 years, Msgr. William Helmick celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving on the occasion of the 50^th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood this past Sunday. 

Two bishops, classmates and native sons from St. Theresa’s who became priests joined him for the happy occasion at noontime service.

Helmick grew up in Arlington in a family of three children. After graduating from Matignon High School in Cambridge, he entered St. John Seminary.  He was ordained on February 2, 1962 at the hands of Cardinal Cushing at Holy Cross Cathedral.  He offered his first Mass in his home parish, St. Agnes in Arlington. 

In his homily, Helmick reminisced about his career which included only four assignments: eight years as parochial vicar at St. Francis Cabrini Parish in Scituate, 11 months on the marriage tribunal, 17 years as secretary and master of ceremonies to the late Cardinal Medeiros and Cardinal Law and becoming the eighth pastor of St. Theresa’s in December, 1987. 

Following the Mass, the good pastor greeted parishioners at a luncheon in the parish hall. 

Do you know Msgr. Helmick? Share how he has helped you, your family and the community in the comments section.