IHM, Pennybyrn community come together for High Point priest’s 50th anniversary
Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Father Tom Norris celebrated his 50th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood by throwing a party for the people – young and old – he ministers to, including students at Immaculate Heart of Mary School and Pennybyrn retirement community in High Point. The school arranged a luncheon and special musical performances for everyone’s enjoyment. “I’ve always wanted to bring a sense of community to everyone here,” he explained. ( Photos by Spencer K.M. Brown | Catholic News Herald)HIGH POINT — When Immaculate Heart of Mary School’s leaders proposed an anniversary bash to commemorate their chaplain Father Tom Norris’s 50th year as a priest, he hesitated. He didn’t like the idea of being in the spotlight.
Instead, Father Norris suggested a celebration for the entire IHM Parish community where he serves, inviting residents from the nearby Pennybyrn retirement community to bring together young and old.
So plans were made. Invitations went out. And when the day came, May 4, the celebration at IHM School was exactly what Father Norris hoped for – a blending of generations and sharing of community spirit.
“He told us he simply wanted to throw a ‘senior luncheon’ for residents of Pennybyrn,” said Maryann Leonard, IHM’s principal. “But as people began asking what the luncheon was for, Father Tom finally had to tell them.”
More than 200 people turned out for the occasion – including IHM students and residents of Pennybyrn, where Father Norris also loves to serve.
“I’ve always wanted to bring a sense of community to everyone here,” Father Norris explained. “Loneliness can be so hard on the heart and soul. Just to have everyone here – not to celebrate me or a silly anniversary – but to be together, for the kids to see this older generation and connect, that’s just wonderful.”
Since the pandemic, it has been difficult for many in the community to come together and join in fellowship. Father Norris has worked hard to do just that.
The celebration spanned generations, from 4-year-olds in the pre-kindergarten class to a Pennybyrn resident who just turned 102 and still attends daily Mass. The occasion also celebrated Immaculate Heart’s graduating eighth-grade class, who volunteered to serve the luncheon.
“Father Tom’s impact on the school and parish have been so incredible,” Leonard said. “He truly embodies the virtue of humility and is a true teacher at heart. He knows how to teach in his sermons, and he really reaches the kids.”
After the meal, the school’s music director had a surprise performance for everyone. Students in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, first and second grades took the stage, filling the banquet hall with Bible songs. Then IHM student Rohan D’Souza performed a violin solo, followed by fellow eighth-grader Jiseung Ha playing the piano to accompany a group of eighth-grade singers.
Father Norris was nearly in tears as the students gifted him with “prayer bouquets,” potted flowers with prayer intentions for him from each class at the school.
Despite his best efforts to put the spotlight on others, the community spirit took on a life of its own and became a celebration of Father Norris, too.
Looking around the room full of friends and students, Father Norris couldn’t help but reminisce on his time as a priest.
“It’s hard to believe, 50 years,” he said. “It began all those years ago in Philadelphia. In June of 1973, there were six of us to be ordained. But the auxiliary bishop who was scheduled to ordain us was sick. We all were wondering, even that morning, if he would show up. What would happen if he didn’t? He did, of course, fighting sickness.” Ordination day “was one of the happiest days of my life.”
Father Norris was ordained a priest with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, a religious order known for its teaching in parish schools. His ministry eventually led to his assignment at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and School in 1989.
Father Norris grew up going to Catholic schools and had relatives who were in religious life. The priesthood was something he was always interested in.
“I always thought it was something wonderful to aspire to: a life of service. And when the Oblates came to our high school, it sort of clicked for me. These were men who served God and taught school, the two things I was most interested in, and that’s when I knew I would be a priest.”
He entered seminary when he was 17, much to the doubt of family and friends.
“My aunts all took bets, saying I wouldn’t make it to Christmas as a seminarian that first year,” Father Norris remembered, smiling. “Back then I just took it one day at a time, and that’s what I’ve always done. One day, one year at a time, and this is where God has led me.
“I’ve always tried to tell these students over the years that the temptations of many careers will arrive, but they don’t always reward you how you hoped. Religious vocations take a lot of sacrifice, but you must take it one day at a time and it will be worth it. Because in a life of service to others, the rewards are immeasurable.”
— Spencer K.M. Brown