Priest celebrates 40 years of ministry with food drive

By Mary O’Connor Cornes, The Catholic Sun
April 5, 2007

Corpus Christi churchgoers burst into applause last month during a celebratory Mass marking the 40th anniversary of Fr. Albert Hoorman’s ordination to the priesthood.

“The people he has touched over the past 40 years with his wisdom and generosity would fill a stadium,” said Socorra Hernandez Bernasconi, a parishioner of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Queen Creek, during a March 11 Mass. She has known Fr. Hoorman since he was a seminarian more than 45 years ago.

Fr. Hoorman has been pastor at the Ahwatukee-area parish since 1998.

The multi-lingual Mass was punctuated by a two-sentence homily: “Go out and preach the Gospel. Use words if necessary,” Fr. Hoorman said, quoting St. Francis of Assisi.

He added, “I’m afraid if I stand up here any longer, I’ll break down.”

Many of the speakers were overwhelmed as they spoke of their love for Fr. Hoorman. Caroline Esposito, a parish member for five years, said, “I had tears in my eyes throughout.”

One of the day’s surprises included the return of one of his first altar servers, Nathan Williams, a young man who is presently serving in the U.S. Army at Ft. Bliss.

His mother, Jane, spoke for Nate: “I serve this country so that Fr. Hoorman can continue to demonstrate and carry out the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I love you and I salute you.”

Nate and Fr. Hoorman embraced at the altar, as the church filled with applause.

40,000 cans for 40 years

When asked what he would like as a gift to commemorate his 40th year of priestly life, Fr. Hoorman responded by saying, “Feed the poor.”

In late January, the parish Knights of Columbus decided to initiate a canned food drive, with the goal of collecting 40,000 cans of food in time for the pastor’s 40th anniversary.

The idea turned into a parish-wide effort.

One small group of children sold cookies and lemonade before and after services one week, and used the money to buy 271 cans. A number of families held garage sales and bought cans. Some children went door to door in their neighborhoods.

St. John Bosco Interparish School set a goal of collecting 8,000 cans. They had collected more than 10,000 by the beginning of March.

Fr. Hoorman laughed as he related what one of the religious education teachers had told him, “Father, I have to guard my pantry because the kids keep taking food out.”

Another man told Fr. Hoorman he came home and discovered the can of soup he planned to have for dinner had been donated.

The parish Knights now estimate they have collected nearly 100,000 cans.

Canned food donations are being presented to various Catholic parishes and schools throughout the Valley.